Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. The town is about 20 minutes from Nashville, making it the best spot for a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. And there you have it! CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Share. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. Read our privacy policy. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. 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). Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. Knoxville to Nashville drive - plan a road trip Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Tennessee Travel: The 15 Best Day Trips from Nashville UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. 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. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Distance Yourself From Pontiac And Explore The Great Smoky Mountains In Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. 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. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. Check Out 11 Of The Very Best Scenic Drives In Tennessee - OnlyInYourState Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. 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. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. Ten minutes from the central entrance to Skyline, Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878, is one of the largest and most popular caves in the U.S, where your family will explore . The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. An Unforgettable Road Trip Through East Tennessee 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. Take Highway 31 from Nashville to go through Franklin (a great town) and get to Lewisburg. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. The 10 Best Tours to Take in Knoxville, Tennessee Clingman's Dome Road is a 7-mile scenic route that starts near Newfound Gap Overlook and ends at a large parking area just below the summit of the mountain. 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. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). 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. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. 7 Scenic Train Rides In Tennessee, USA | Trip101 Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. 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. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. This is by far the most popular route to Pigeon https://tramadolhealth.com Forge, with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! Mileage: The length of the trip is 221 miles. The driving tour starts on Chapman Highway at Fort Dickerson, a site of conflict between the Union and Confederate armies. Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 | MLS# 1215786 | Redfin Grab this Road Trip Guide. 12 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Bellingham, WA | Redfin Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. Take this exit and youll go through another amazingly scenic drive, complete with mountain overlooks with a birds eye view of Gatlinburg. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. You can spend as much time as you want in and around Centennial Park but if you are focused solely on exploring the Parthenon, you can experience both inside and out in less than 2 hours. Are you a Snowbird having trouble finding an RV site along the Gulf Coast? 4 Great Scenic Drives Near Knoxville | Car Trips Around TN This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. How to Enjoy a Weekend Road Trip from Memphis to Nashville? 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. way to avoid driving on mountain roads? (Knoxville, Chattanooga Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! 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. No matter which season you end up in Pigeon Forge, youll find something to celebrate. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. We had heard that it was a city currently going through some revitalization, but to be honest, we didnt have any reference point for what it would be like. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . 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. Yes! Pick one and drive on! What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Are there a lot of country roads in Tennessee? 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. By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. Youll experience the heart of American music, classic southern food, Civil War era history, amusement parks and natural beauty on your way to the most visited national park in the country, Great Smoky Mountains. Road Trip Planner West Virginia Scenic Drives & Highways Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. Within a short distance of the Trace are towns and communities with additional services and attractions, some of them with worthy scenic or historical value in of themselves. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. 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. It is a 315-acre nature center where visitors can enjoy environmental education programs, hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, or just a simple stroll through the outdoors. Tricks to find the perfect rig. Asheville NC to Knoxville TN road trip - Tennessee Forum The 35-mile drive from Crossville (elevation 1,854 feet) to Cookeville (elevation 1,140 feet) is one of the highest stretches of I-40 between Knoxville and Memphis. Yall, were from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBeas breakfast is darn good. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Waldens Ridge, and you'll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap. The Best Road Trip Routes in Tennessee - Culture Trip We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. We want to hear! What to See & Do on a Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. In fact, this park has more visitors than if you were to combine the total number of people who visit Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Slate at 901: Things to Do in Knoxville, TN Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. A drive that's love to see AND historic. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! 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. Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov Which is your favorite? 15 Best Day Trips from Knoxville (TN) - The Crazy Tourist 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 your road trip across Tennessee, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store in Jackson is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? 2. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. For fishing lovers, you wouldnt want to miss spending a few hours at the Flat Fork Creek in this park in the spring, as its stocked with rainbow trout. Following 441 will take you through a beautiful rural setting. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? From there, head north and let the adventure begin. Whatcom Falls Park. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. Encompassing more than 24,000 acres of wilderness area, Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area is named for a 3,324-foot peak in the Cumberland Mountains. 1. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. Best scenic drive from Nashville to Charlotte, NC? (Knoxville The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. Nashville to Knoxville drive - plan a road trip Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. Thank you! Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. With no practical way to navigate their craft back up the Mississippi River, the float boats that carried the cargo were disassembled and the lumber sold. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. within a 45 minute drive from Nashville, Nashville, 7 replies So scared to drive through Nashville., Nashville, 37 replies The drive from Hendersonville to downtown Nashville, Nashville, 5 replies While music may be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks Nashville, if youre a foodie, Nashville Hot Chicken is a close second. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. 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. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. Road Trips. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. No thanks, Im not into adventure Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. 2. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. 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. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. Share your thoughts in the comments! Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive through three states, approximating the 'old Natchez Trace' travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, slave traders, and soldiers. (615) 741-0803. This park is also home to many animals, so if youre someone who loves wildlife and birding, keep an eye out for osprey and great blue herons! We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. Road Trip: Exploring the Tennessee Mountains From Knoxville to When you dont want to venture far, but you still want to soak in some of Knoxvilles natural beauty, turn your attention to the Dogwood Arts Trails and Gardens. 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. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. This 200 mile route provides access to the mountains across seven counties. Quick and Fun Day Trips From Nashville - TripSavvy The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. In the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Legacy Parks Foundation created the Knoxville Urban Wilderness 1,000 forested acres of open space along the towns southern waterfront. Study Guide: Road Trip from Knoxville to Nashville - Atlas Obscura Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. By 1900, due to improvements in river travel and the competition from more recent roadways, the Trace had reverted to a wilderness state along much of its original course. 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. If you complete the trail from beginning to end, youll traverse nine state parks, plenty of hiking trails, and even some off-road trails for your ATV. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. We found eleven places around the state of Tennessee yes, even on the west side that are great for driving during the twilight hour, in the afternoon, or even during those light, bright early mornings. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. Road Trip USA: The Blue Ridge Parkway From Virginia To Tennessee 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. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator 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)) LET'S DRIVE! Scenic Drive Through Knoxville, Tennessee - YouTube Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. Nashville to Knoxville to Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Heres our guide to 7 of the best stops along the way! Take exit 290 (Cookeville). Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . The Last Great Colosseum. What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. The Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. There are other options including I-40 to 441. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. How Far is Gatlinburg to Drive From Nashville? - Cabins of the Smoky Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. eat at Bluebird Cafe. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. We care about the protection of your data. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Recreation Area in Hardin County Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. . The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? 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. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt.