scenic drive from nashville to knoxville

You'll find it along Little River Road, a beautiful, quiet backroad that boasts its pretty waterfall about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Overton County, Tennessee, is an absolutely STUNNING bit of the state, and we found a million and a half little roads here with great views. Stop in Chattanooga and go to the Aquarium or Rock City or stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for a few minutes. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. We have a few sites worth bragging about, including a replica of the Titanic, the resting place of Jack Daniels, and an airplane-shaped gas station. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. 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. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. Sometimes when the week gets rough, all you want to do is just in the car with a fabulous playlist of tunes and a long open road in front of you. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. There are other options including I-40 to 441. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. Inside the Park. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? 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. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. We arrived at the course and after a 5-minute hike through the forest showed up at a fully lit up adventure-forest-world that looked like something out of Avatar. Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. If youre looking to explore the great outdoors by foot and want to park your car or RV first, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is your place. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. You can check out the Musuem of the Cherokee Indian to learn more about the native people that still call Cherokee home, or visit one of the many shops offering authentic and interesting wares. 7 scenic alternative routes to Pigeon Forge that help you skip traffic and see beautiful sights! Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. 15 Best Day Trips from Knoxville (TN): Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Blue Ridge, Georgia Roanoke, Virginia Huntsville, Alabama Atlanta, Georgia Chattanooga Alpine Helen, Georgia Maggie Valley Asheville Treetops Adventures Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountain National Park Gatlinburg Dollywood Black Mountain Tugaloo State Park Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. Before you head for the wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, get your fill of fun in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Home to Dolly Partons theme park, Dollywood, this stop will be a fun-filled day for the whole family. . These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, Take These 10 Country Roads In Tennessee For A Scenic Drive, These 7 Beautiful Byways In Tennessee Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive, Drive To 7 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Tennessee On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip, Take A 2-Hour Drive Through Tennessee To See This Years Beautiful Fall Colors, This Dreamy Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Fall Foliage In All Of Tennessee, The Lighthouse Road Trip In Tennessee Thats Dreamily Beautiful, Take This Road Trip Through Tennessees Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. From there youll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. . Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . You can join their daily tours to learn more about the caverns history, take a boat ride on the underground sea, or hike the trails. Learn More Scenic Drives in the Great Smoky Mountains Cades Cove Loop Road Newfound Gap Road Upper Tremont Road Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail National Park Cades Cove Clingmans Dome Foliage Hiking Scenic Drives Waterfall Hikes Wildlife From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. We LOVED the energy of the square. Report inappropriate content 2. 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. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. 9. Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. These 7 Beautiful Byways In Tennessee Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive, Drive To 7 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Tennessee On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip, One Of The Most Scenic Drives In America Is Right Here In Tennessee, Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Tennessee Like Never Before, These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, The 11 Best Backroads In Tennessee For A Long Scenic Drive, Take A 2-Hour Drive Through Tennessee To See This Years Beautiful Fall Colors, This Dreamy Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Fall Foliage In All Of Tennessee. 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. By 1800 Nashville had become the most significant community in the Kentucky-Tennessee territory. Take Nolensville Pike from Nashville to go through Nolensville, Henry Horton State Park, and then arrive in Shelbyville. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. . Get more stories delivered right to your email. 6:01 pm Grand Ole Opry. Take I-75 North from Atlanta to Exit 293; follow the fork to the right to enter onto 411. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? Want to know more? The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area. There are, and they're our favorites! 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. Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. Find out bellow the best stops and things to see between Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Routes in Tennessee fall into four quadrants, given the state's logistical layout. Cosby These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. Carnton. 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. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. And when it comes to planning a road trip, theres no shortage of options for choosing a route. 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. On summer nights, you can catch a free performance of Shakespeare in the Square with classic performances like A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Comedy of Errors performed by the Tennessee Stage Company. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. 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. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. We found that this city really appreciated nature as much as we do, and has some of the most accessible trails of any city weve ever visited. When you reach the end of Highway 25 E in Newport, TN, take a right onto Highway 25 W and then a left onto Highway 441 shortly after passing under the interstate. from Highway 321 roughly 4.5 miles outside of Maryville. Choose your spice level from the heat-less Southern to the sizzling Shut the Cluck Up!! The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Around Knoxville | Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites!Share time outdoors with family and friends. 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. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. Make your way through South Cumberland State Park for a view of Grundy State Forest, a facet of Tennessee protected land that hides not one, not two, but FIVE waterfalls in its heart. Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. Over twelve miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. The "straight line" from Knoxville to Chattanooga is a two-hour drive along I-75. This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Thank you! We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. 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. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. 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. This mountain pass flirts with both states and will have your camera and selfie game working overtime. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. The Great Smoky Mountains are the ultimate Knoxville area getaway, and the Rocky Top Trail offers one of the most scenic ways to see them. This route is relatively straightforward, and will take you down a winding path that features breathtaking mountain views. Dubbed the citys creative Corridor, youll find beautiful architecture, a variety of shops and dining and East Tennessees most beloved coffee shops like Remedy Coffee, Wildlove Bakehouse and Old City Java. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? CMP, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. Ellejoy Rd. 12:51. Take This Trip. Hwy. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. We took an easy 5-minute walk to Market Square and were met by hundreds of people enjoying a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. Travelling down I-75 South take Exit 29 in Corbin, KY to enter Highway 25 E. This route will take you south through Kentucky and into northeast Tennessee. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. The Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. No matter what kind of peaceful environment you're seeking - you'll find it in Tennessee's stunning state parks (and in lots of other places, of course). 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. Did we miss any alternative routes? Traveling the Trace is an excellent way to step back in time to an era of the scenic road trip where you take the time to enjoy the trip itself. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. 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. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. 8. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Recreation Area in Hardin County 5 years ago The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. One of the most popular scenic drives in the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway travels along the southern Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. Perfect East Coast Road Trip Planner USA; Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 - 25 days Ultimate Florida Itinerary 10 days - Best Of Florida Road trip (with Map + Key West)) Traveling the Trace is an excellent way to step back in time to an era of the scenic road trip where you take the time to enjoy the trip itself. It seems like no matter where you live in the Volunteer State, you'll find a back road to enjoy over and over again. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas 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. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. When we arrived in Chattanooga we headed straight to our hotel, The Chattanooga Choo Choo, an incredibly unique hotel that operates out of a former railroad station and offers guests the option to stay in converted rail cars literally sitting on the train track (obviously not in use anymore haha). While you could make it from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN in four to five hours on the Interstate, taking the scenic route offers opportunities for unique stops that make a memorable family road trip. From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022.