Ridgeline Field Notes is a hiking and outdoor guide focused on Tennessee and nearby areas, covering what’s worth visiting, how to plan it, and what to expect when you get there.
I’m originally from Ukraine and grew up in a city with limited access to nature. My interest in hiking came later and gradually, first through trying sport orienteering in high school, then through travel, and especially after seeing the Dolomites for the first time. Since then, I’ve kept looking for ways to spend more time outdoors wherever I live or travel. Over the years, that has taken me to Italy, Montenegro, Madeira, the desert Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, and now Tennessee.
When I moved to Middle Tennessee, I wasn’t expecting much. I never thought of this part of the country as a standout nature destination. But once I started looking more closely, I found more than I expected. It’s not as dramatic as the West, but there are still plenty of places worth getting out for.
Most of my trips are day hikes or half-day outings. Free time is limited, and I don’t like driving two hours for something I could have found much closer to home. That makes me pretty selective about where I go. Before heading anywhere, I spend a lot of time researching routes, conditions, photos, and recent reports to make sure I’m choosing the right place at the right time.
What you’ll find here:
- practical notes on difficulty, timing, and seasonality
- trail guides based on firsthand visits
- hike roundups and planning guides
- waterfalls, overlooks, and scenic spots