Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. 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. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. Knoxville to Gatlinburg - Best Route? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. Nashville to Knoxville to Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. 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. 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 shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. By 1810 an estimated 10,000 Boatmen (called Kaintucks) were using the Trace and the two towns at either end (Natchez and Nashville) had become cemented as major communities. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. Flight distance = 161 miles one-way Driving distance = 180 miles one-way flying is faster Getting to BNA airport = 18 minutes Nashville International Airport Check-in/wait at the airport = 60 minutes Flight time = 49 minutes McGhee Tyson Airport Leaving TYS airport = 33 minutes Total travel time = 2 hours, 11 minutes 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. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Five Family-Friendly Spring Getaways Tennessee State Parks As River Divide Rd. Sizemore died Friday. Nashville to Knoxville | Roadtrippers The navigation said it would take us 17 hours to make the trek to Eastern TN from Austin, Texas and let me tell you, every hour of that drive was worth what we were about to experience. Knoxville to Nashville - 3 ways to travel via car, shuttle - Rome2rio 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. $115. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. 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. 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. Take this exit and youll go through another amazingly scenic drive, complete with mountain overlooks with a birds eye view of Gatlinburg. The Last Great Colosseum. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip: Blues Highway 61 with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Best scenic drive from Nashville to Charlotte, NC? (Knoxville The tour also takes visitors to Fort Sanders, a Union outpost, as well as the Old Gray Cemetery, where countless veterans from both sides of the war still rest. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. How many have you checked off your list? Watch for a large, colorful sign . (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! It was traveled by Native Americans . Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga on the beautiful riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is the top-rated aquarium for guest satisfaction. tree-based adventure park. You can hike among beautiful wildflowers and powerful waterfalls at the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, climb to the top of Chimney Tops, or pay respects to early pioneers at Cades Cove. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. 1. 4 Great Scenic Drives Near Knoxville | Car Trips Around TN Stop in Chattanooga and go to the Aquarium or Rock City or stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for a few minutes. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. "Ridges to Rivers" flows into action at Tennessee Aquarium. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas Around Knoxville | OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. 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. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. Thank you! Road Trip from Nashville to Memphis - LazyTrips When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. . So, pick a back road and get lost. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. 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. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. 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. Go out, cruise, and get lost. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. Youll find lots of craft shops and one-of-a-kind stores in this town. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. 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. 6:01 pm Grand Ole Opry. 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. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! Hit the Road With the Best Scenic Drives Around Nashville We dont blame you one bit! 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. 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 Learn More 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. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. 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 weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Photo by Wes Ramey of the Dollywood Company, The Ober Gatlinburg tram in summer next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. 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. The Chapman Highway driving route leads you through the Colonial Village and Lake Forest neighborhoods, where youll spot a historic cemetery and nearly 5 miles of walkable trails. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. The bypass will take you around Gatlinburg traffic and drop you off in the wooded area connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, know to locals as The Spur, which will take you directly to Pigeon Forge, TN. View Website Open in Google Maps. This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. Love Tennessee? Credit for Deal's Gap is most commonly given to North Carolina, but it actually lies on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, so we'll count it. 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. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. 7 scenic alternative routes to Pigeon Forge that help you skip traffic and see beautiful sights! This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. 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. Other attractions include The Johnny Cash Museum, National Corvette Museum and the Nashville Flea Market (held the fourth weekend of every month). 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. Thank you! Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. The top stops along the way from Knoxville to Asheville (with short detours) are Sugarlands Distilling Company, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting. 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. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. 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. Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. 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). and leave at 7:01 pm. . Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. 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. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. 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. The Best Road Trip Routes in Tennessee - Culture Trip The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. During your visit to Market Square, you can browse for unique gifts, pick up handmade jewelry from local artisans, and enjoy the vibrant street performers. 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). One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. This network of trails and byways covers over 60 miles of private gardens, and each is maintained and made available to the public by its owner. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Heres our guide to 7 of the best stops along the way! 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). Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. Driving Time from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN - Travelmath How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. from Highway 321 roughly 4.5 miles outside of Maryville. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. 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. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. 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. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. We really enjoyed seeing the progression of how guitars varied from different decades, and loved getting access to the private vault, where we got to see some of the rarest and most prized guitars in the world. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. The upper Pigeon offers an exhilarating Class III rapid trip, while the lower river is calmer, offering those who would rather take in the peaceful scenery than get their blood pumping, a chance to float gentle rapids and swim in calm swimming holes. Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. . 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. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? 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? Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. 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. 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. 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. Gatlinburg is an easy 222-mile drive from Nashville along I-40, and with some nice adventures along the way. We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. Top 18 Scenic Drives near Asheville | Blue Ridge Mountains If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. All other marks belong to their respective owners. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. Ellejoy Rd. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Road Trip Itinerary: Asheville to Nashville - Road Trips For Families . The Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. ends, youll take a left across a bridge to Henderson Rd., and then your first right onto Henderson Chapel Rd., which will drop you on the Parkway right next to Music Road Resort Hotel. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. All Rights Reserved. Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee - My Pigeon Forge Tricks to find the perfect rig. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Distance Yourself From Pontiac And Explore The Great Smoky Mountains In Choose your spice level from the heat-less Southern to the sizzling Shut the Cluck Up!! Take This Trip. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? We care about the protection of your data. Market Square is one of the most charming places to go in Knoxville, with an array of shops and restaurants lining the cobblestone sidewalks. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. Featured Trip Guides. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. Will be driving from Asheville to Knoxville in July for our journey to Nashville. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Make sure to ride the Lightning Rod, the worlds fastest roller coaster and dont forget to check out other amazing roller coasters like the Wild Eagle and FireChaser Express. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. From 1812 to 1815 the Trace was a major route used by Andrew Jacksons Tennessee Volunteers during the War of 1812 and the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Phone +1 800-525-7077. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. 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. The drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. 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. 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. Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 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. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. 733 mi. Check Out 11 Of The Very Best Scenic Drives In Tennessee - OnlyInYourState Experience where country music stars and fans align. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. The 10 Best Tours to Take in Knoxville, Tennessee CMP. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. . Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. Top 10 Best Scenic Drives in Nashville, TN - March 2023 - Yelp No thanks, Im not into adventure Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. Take I-75 North from Atlanta to Exit 293; follow the fork to the right to enter onto 411. 7 Scenic Train Rides In Tennessee, USA | Trip101 Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. 14 Stops that Should Be on Every Tennessee Road Trip Once you enter onto Highway 441, youll take the same route discussed in route number 2 on this list, travelling through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and taking the Gatlinburg bypass to arrive in Pigeon Forge. Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. 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))