scenic drive from nashville to knoxville

Knoxville, Tenn. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a great place to check out if youre looking for a pit stop, with historic Maryville College, a beautiful downtown shopping area, as well as the Foothills Mall. 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. Check this article out! Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga on the beautiful riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is the top-rated aquarium for guest satisfaction. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! Its no wonder this park receives more visitors than any other in the country. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Before leaving Nashville, you should visit the Grand Ole Opry if you enjoy country music. The is the oldest scenic byway in North America. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. You . The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its beautiful and diverse scenery. Hop out and take a ride on the aerial tramway, catch a show at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, or sip some legally produced moonshine at the Ole Smoky Distillery. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . 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. There are other options including I-40 to 441. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. 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. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. An hour's drive southeast from Knoxville on U.S. Route 441 takes you to Gatlinburg, a small town at the threshold of the immensely popular -- and admission free -- Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. 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. 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. Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Learn more about Construction (lettings, bidding, contracts)? drive to Memphis Tennessee. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. 8. Have you traveled anywhere on our list? The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. Did you pick a favorite? Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. . It was truly a special place to visit. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . 2. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. Listen 28:54. Thank you! Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. 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. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Get more stories delivered right to your email. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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. Heres our guide to 7 of the best stops along the way! The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. Benefits: Skip Knoxville traffic, drive through historic towns, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/957KV9nnXM12. Share your thoughts in the comments! Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. 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. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in East Tennessee, and there are literally hundreds of little, barely-appreciated roads that spin off into a beautiful nature netherworld. Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! Many people travelling to Pigeon Forge from the north take I-75 south to I-40 east to Exit 407, but travelers can easily take advantage of this alternate route to get to Pigeon Forge quicker and easier. 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. Report inappropriate content 2. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. 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. 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. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 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 Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. 2. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. 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. This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. 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. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. Then, stretch your legs, head to the Music City Walk of Fame on Nashvilles Music Mile to see the names of accomplished artists with a Nashville connection of all musical genres. Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. Popular sites include Jackson, Dunbar Cave and David Crockett State Parks, Tennessee Safari Park, Discovery Park of America, Holly Springs National Forest as well as Graceland. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. Carnton. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, a quiet drive through the park is sure to give you the natural infusion your heart needs. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. and leave at 7:01 pm. Dont forget the sweet tea. Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. Love Tennessee? How a weekend exploring Chattanooga and Knoxville turned a couple Austinites into lifelong fans of Tennessee. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Cosby From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. From Google Maps 7. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. 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. But if youre looking for a trip that has it allscenic views, historical landmarks, and plenty of opportunities for adventurethen the 180-mile drive from Nashville to Knoxville might be the one you want to try next! 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. 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. These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. 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. Downtown Nashville From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. . Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. Knoxville tours cover the gamut of interests, from moonshine and local craft beer to aerial helicopter tours and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just an hour away. The location is by far the coolest location of any aquarium Ive ever seen, sitting right on the Tennessee River. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. CMP. By 1820 the invention of the Steamboat allowed two way travel up and down the Mississippi and Ohio rivers meant the Trace began to lose its main customers. Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. 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. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. From there youll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. This mountain pass flirts with both states and will have your camera and selfie game working overtime. 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. 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. Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto Monticello Road. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing 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. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 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 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 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. Sizemore died Friday. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. 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. 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? Go out, cruise, and get lost. Tennessee Motorcycle Rides and Roads. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Featured Trip Guides. 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. Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee 1. The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. We care about the protection of your data. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . . 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. 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. Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. Read until the very end to learn everything there is to know about this amazing road trip. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. Hwy. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. The drive alone was worth the trip; its a quick 10-15 trek out of the city but the entire time youre winding around little mountain roads up to this small parking lot that sits on the edge of the Tennessee River Gorge. Suggest a scenic route/area about 1hr from Nashville., Nashville, 17 replies Dinner & A Drive . Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. 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. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator 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. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. Whatcom Falls Park. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. Photo by Wes Ramey of the Dollywood Company, The Ober Gatlinburg tram in summer next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. 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. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. Read our Privacy Policy. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. Are there a lot of country roads in Tennessee? Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. 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. 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. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. 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. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. How many have you checked off your list? Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. 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.