Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Yall, were from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBeas breakfast is darn good. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. 1. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. $115. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. Mileage: The length of the trip is 221 miles. Read our privacy policy. CMP, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . 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. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. 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. Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . Dont forget the sweet tea. What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. 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. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. 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. Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. 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. 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. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. 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. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. It was truly a special place to visit. 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. 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. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. 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. Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. Youll travel on Highway 74 for a little over 2 miles past Haywood Regional Medical Center and Tuscola High School before taking Exit 103 onto Highway 19 / Dellwood Rd. Share. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. 9. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the MexicanAmerican War. 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. Much like its cousin, the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest offers way too many backroads with a perfect opportunity to burn some gas and kill an entire afternoon. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? 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. 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. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. 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. 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. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. Knoxville, Tenn. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. Address. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Around Knoxville | This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Total Distance: 150 Miles. With its mountain summits and lush forests, East Tennessee is a major draw for many Knoxvillians. Thank you! We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. You . This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Belle Meade not only offers tours of Tennessees history and architecture but also provides visitors with a taste of the states hospitality through wine and food pairings, chef-inspired meals, and bourbon tastings. By 1800 Nashville had become the most significant community in the Kentucky-Tennessee territory. Love Tennessee? Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas Fun Fact: Captain William Driver, who flew the U.S. flag in front of his Nashville mansion, is credited with nicknaming the flag "Old Glory" in 1837. Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov 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. Love Tennessee? Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Read our Privacy Policy. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. tree-based adventure park. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. They were paving the track for an upcoming race so we werent able to take a car around the track, but we enjoyed hiking up the hundreds of steps to the top of the arena and checking out the views. The colors are beautiful in autumn, by the way, so plan accordingly! You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. Exactly as you describe it. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. 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. Over twelve miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas. 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. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. 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. Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? 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. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. Day 1: It all beginsExploring Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. Inside the Park. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. If youre looking for things to do in Maryville, Townsend, or anywhere in Blount County, be sure to visit the Blount County Chamber of Commerces website for cool ideas and tips. Gatlinburgs best feature is its natural beauty. "Ridges to Rivers" flows into action at Tennessee Aquarium. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. Experience where country music stars and fans align. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. 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. Lighted signs on lower Broadway in Nashville. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. 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. 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. 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. CMP, This scenic valley on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau contains four state parks, three state forests, and two state natural areas. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. 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? Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. 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. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. 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. Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto Monticello Road. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. 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. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. Take Nolensville Pike from Nashville to go through Nolensville, Henry Horton State Park, and then arrive in Shelbyville. 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. 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 substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. Read more on USA Road Trips. Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. 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! 25 E Through Morristown to Pigeon Forge Time: 5 hours, 21 minutes 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. and leave at 7:01 pm. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. 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. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. One . Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. Today, stroll the street for shopping, dining and entertainment. We asked a few locals what the one spot was that we had to see before leaving town and everyone agreed it was Signal Point. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. How amazing is that?! (615) 741-0803. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. Rocky Top Trail 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. Let us know on our Facebook page. 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. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. Read about it in our. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. Also by this time a defined trail had taken shape between Natchez and Nashville as an overland return route from farmers and traders who floated their crops and products down the Cumberland, Ohio, and then the Mississippi Rivers to markets in Natchez and New Orleans. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 43m. Learn More 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). They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Our stay was brief, but memorable nonetheless. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. There are other options including I-40 to 441. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. Distance: 135 miles. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! 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. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. Is either better or is there another better way. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City It seems like no matter where you live in the Volunteer State, you'll find a back road to enjoy over and over again. . Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Yes! Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. 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. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. Did you pick a favorite? This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 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. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Its no wonder this park receives more visitors than any other in the country. The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. . 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. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. 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. We care about the protection of your data. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. Suggest a scenic route/area about 1hr from Nashville., Nashville, 17 replies Dinner & A Drive . Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. 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.

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