Located in the southeast region of the USA, Tennessee is unique in that it shares a border with eight States. Tennessee has always been a melting pot of musical styles. From the eastern mountains came Appalachian folk songs and Bluegrass, while Country music flowered in Nashville. Gospel, Blues, Rockabilly, and ultimately, Rock ’n’ Roll, all stemmed from the Mississippi belt. As well as being able to investigate the roots of major popular music traditions, travellers will also find the world’s largest Bible-producing business. Nashville is a major music performance and recording centre and also boasts a host of fine colleges and churches. To the southwest is Memphis, home of the blues and the birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll, near the Mississippi border. Tennessee’s largest city and a major trading centre, Memphis is known chiefly for being the location of Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Historic Beale Street, featured in so many blues songs, is also in Memphis. Barbecues reign supreme in this city, and the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest takes place here every May.

Tennessee divides naturally into three grand divisions: upland, often mountainous, East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee with its foothills and basin, and the low plain of West Tennessee. The Cumberland River flows through the northern reaches of central Tennessee, winding its way through Nashville. Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the biggest attractions in the area. It is an ancient pathway turned scenic highway that leads between Natchez, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee.Eastern Tennessee is best know for the nationally administered properties in the region. The Big South Fork National River and National Recreation Area lies along the border with Kentucky.

Recreation opportunities in Tennessee are as diverse as the landforms within it. National and state forest lands provide facilities for hiking, camping, picnicking and mountain biking. Several lakes lie within the state, natural and man-made, providing access to fishing, boating and swimming.