Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. A totally unique and totally fun! (615) 741-0803. The next morning we felt like we had only skimmed the surface on all the great food we had been hearing about in Knoxville, so we headed to a quaint breakfast spot called OliBea in the old part of the city. Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. Gatlinburg is an easy 222-mile drive from Nashville along I-40, and with some nice adventures along the way. Tricks to find the perfect rig. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Army troops began clearing brush and building bridges along the trail and in a few years a good section of the trail had been improved from a winding, narrow path to a wider more comfortable road for wagons and horses and began attracting numerous travelers in addition to the Boatmen. Day 1: It all beginsExploring Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. drive for about 1 hour. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . Best stops along Nashville to Knoxville drive The top stops along the way from Nashville to Knoxville (with short detours) are Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Lost Sea Adventure, and Stones River National Battlefield. We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. West Virginia Scenic Drive #1 - The Highland Scenic Highway. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! Here are our picks for 10 scenic drives in Tennessee that are 100% beautiful backroads: In case you couldnt tell, were totally obsessed with scenic drives in Tennessee. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. The Ocoee Scenic Byway is made up of a 26-mile route that takes you through the beautiful and rocky bluffs of the Ocoee River Gorge. The 1.2-mile Clingman's Dome Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot and ascends 300' in about half a mile to the observation tower on the summit. In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Sometimes, though, taking the beaten path may mean sitting in traffic with rush hour or in line with the thousands of other visitors coming to Pigeon Forge. 2. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. Navigate 27 miles of the beautiful Tennessee River and 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains for an incredibly closeup look at wildlife, nature, history and culture. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. CMP, There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. 5 years ago Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. These two routes will help you bypass Knoxville and offers and easy-going drive. Known for its rhododendron fields, take a drive along this lovely east Tennessee road and enjoy views of the hollows and ridges that dot the mountain. Our stay was brief, but memorable nonetheless. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Driving along I-75 south, you'll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Learn More The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of Americas most beautiful and beloved parks. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. THE TENNESSEAN Hotel, Knoxville's only AAA Four Diamond award hotel, is an 82-room personal luxury hotel just steps from the city's iconic Market Square featuring beautiful mountain views. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. Motorcyclists and sports car drivers come from all over the world to make their mark on this iconic road that carves its way through the east Tennessee mountains. Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. Benefits:Beautiful rural views, drive through historic Cherokee, NC, creeks that run alongside the road, final stretch through the national park, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/6i91mAUsnqF2. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. This local specialty fried chicken which is first dunked in hot-sauce spiked buttermilk is widely found around Nashville, but we suggest heading to Hattie Bs for your first experience there are three locations in the city. Around 1700 French explorers and traders established a trading post near the present day Natchez and later Fort Rosalie constructed as the European population in the area expanded. Distance from Nashville: 74 miles, 1 hour and 19 minutes Warren County's positioning between the Barren Fork and Collins River make it a must-visit for outdoor lovers, as do its nearby state parks, Rock Island and Fall Creek Falls. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. Experience where country music stars and fans align. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. After about 5 miles on Chapman Highway, youll take a right onto River Divide Rd., the latter half of which runs alongside the West Prong Little Pigeon River. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. The drive alone was worth the trip; its a quick 10-15 trek out of the city but the entire time youre winding around little mountain roads up to this small parking lot that sits on the edge of the Tennessee River Gorge. We dont blame you one bit! The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. Around Knoxville | 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. With 75 overlooks and a speed limit of 35 mph, Skyline Drive is a true opportunity to take in the beauty of Shenandoah and a trip to the Luray Caverns is well worth a visit. What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. I-40W from Knoxville to Nashville Headed to Nashville from Knoxville? Are there a lot of country roads in Tennessee? Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Thank you! Photo by Wes Ramey of the Dollywood Company, The Ober Gatlinburg tram in summer next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in stay for about 1 hour. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. The scenery surrounding the two-lane route includes mountain peaks and rock bluffs, as well as access to sites that explore Civil War history and Cherokee Indian culture. Some of the best stops on your drive from Nashville to Knoxville include Rock Island State Park, Frozen Head State Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and having some food at Market Square in Knoxville. Go out, cruise, and get lost. Check out these perfect pet-friendly parks which make some of the best places to walk, exercise, and have fun with your pup in Tennessee. Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. In this road trip guide, we'll be highlighting four stops starting in Nashville, the country music capital of the world, and heading east through the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains to Knoxville. One . Recreation Area in Hardin County Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. 6 years ago Save For the most scenic drive you should take 441 thru The Smokies then take the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee up to Asheville. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. The direct drive from Pigeon Forge to Nashville takes approximately 213 mi (342 km), and the drive should take approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes in normal traffic. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, a quiet drive through the park is sure to give you the natural infusion your heart needs. Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. Downtown Nashville In addition to the stunning views, Chuckanut Drive is also home to several charming restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, so you can make a day of it and enjoy all the local businesses. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Driver's License Requirements. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. It is about a 2 hour. . This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! A drive that's love to see AND historic. But the "adventure line" is a 218-mile wavy route through the Eastern Tennessee mountains that will take you through big cities, small towns, gorgeous national scenic byways, and lots of adventure. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. Thunder Valley. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov . Now you know some of the best weekend trips from Nashville Tn or fantastic road trips from Nashville within a 3 to 4 hours scenic drive. It was the site of the 1796 Constitutional Convention, which resulted in Tennessee gaining statehood, and a boiling point for both Union and Confederate armies on the eve of the Civil War. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. Benefits: Drive through a national forest and a national park on your way to Pigeon Forge, visit several small historic towns, experience the cultural center that is Cherokee, NC, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/ZJHCFWCSjJ62. After an exciting road trip filled with amazing destinations and unparalleled natural beauty, youll be happy to know that the drive from Nashville to Knoxville is short but full of adventure. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. Before leaving Nashville, you should visit the Grand Ole Opry if you enjoy country music. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. Scenic Highway 30A Destin to Rosemary Beach, Gulf Coast Drive Rosemary Beach to Apalachicola, Campgrounds & RV Park Reviews Scenic Drives, Highlights Traveling the Natchez Trace Scenic Parkway, Best Compact RV Motorhomes from Winnebago, Winnebago Revel & Adventure Van Alternatives, Shell Mound Campground Cedar Key, Florida, Walking, Nature & Hiking Trails | Cedar Keys, Cedar Keys Florida Top Things to See and Do, Scenic Road Trip: Wisconsin Great River Road. Like most of the roads on this list, it's astonishingly beautiful all year, but there's just something about the summer and autumn months that are particularly special. The night continued with dinner at one of Knoxvilles newest restaurants, J.C. Holdway, a beautiful farm to table restaurant serving up some amazing local fare and thoughtfully crafted mixed drinks. The area is full of natural beauty, from the towering mountains to the shimmering rivers. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. And when it comes to planning a road trip, theres no shortage of options for choosing a route. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. The park surrounds the stunning waters of Center Hill Lake and is just a short drive from scenic kayaking adventures on the Caney Fork River. drive to Memphis Tennessee. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. Read our privacy policy. The "straight line" from Knoxville to Chattanooga is a two-hour drive along I-75. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 43m. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. Report inappropriate content 2. It's where you can take a view from the Double Arch Bridge in Birdsong Hollow (pictured) and meander through the deep beauty of Middle Tennessee's rural countryside. Benefits: A beautiful drive down historic Highway 25 E, cool towns along the way such as Morristown, lake and reservoir views, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/kPV5rbtvnrx. Though it is definitely beautiful all year round, the road is super-lush during the warmer months. On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. There are 3 ways to get from Nashville to Knoxville by bus, shuttle, car or plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. Knoxville, Tenn. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. Take Highway 31 from Nashville to go through Franklin (a great town) and get to Lewisburg. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. The idea is a stress free, scenic, and enjoyable ride in an auto, RV, motorcycle, or road bike (theres a special network of rustic campsites reserved for bike riders). $115. From Google Maps 7. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. Total Distance: 150 Miles. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. You . Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! Address. Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. For the next 50 years European influence expanded in the area between the lower Mississippi valley in Natchez and the Ohio River and Cumberland River valleys in the north. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. Grab this Road Trip Guide. The very best scenic backroads in Tennessee may be largely a matter of personal opinion, but many consider the Cherohala Skyway to be the most scenic drive, hands down. Tennessee is a state with multiple motorcycle rides that work well for beginners as well as experienced riders and offers motorcycle touring opportunities ranging from day trips to long distance multi-day motorcycle trips. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). Get more stories delivered right to your email. 1 Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. Distance: 135 miles. Take This Trip. Cosby Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License; Can You Rent A Car For Someone Else; Can You Rent a Car If You Have A DUI? CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Read until the very end to learn everything there is to know about this amazing road trip. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in East Tennessee, and there are literally hundreds of little, barely-appreciated roads that spin off into a beautiful nature netherworld. Land Between the Lakes is a 170,000-acre national recreation area in Western Kentucky located just off I-24, about 90 miles north of Nashville. 2. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? All Rights Reserved. Whether you want to take a quick break from the city or youd rather plan a long weekend getaway, theres no shortage of natural beauty in the Knoxville area. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 7. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. From the amazing food of Knoxville to the natural beauty of Chattanooga, we feel like we experienced an area that is a true gem in the states. Many back roads in The Volunteer State rank among the very best scenic drives in Tennessee, as they treat drivers to views that are downright remarkable. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south.

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