The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. Folks travelling to Pigeon Forge from the East typically take I-40 West to Exit 407, but theres a much more scenic way to reach Pigeon Forge while simultaneously getting the chance to see amazing mountain and rural views. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". A drive that's love to see AND historic. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. 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. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Did we miss any alternative routes? Total Distance: 150 Miles. It is about a 2 hour. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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. Hwy. One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. All other marks belong to their respective owners. Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. 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. There sure are! Youll find authentic charm in Sevierville. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. CMP. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. The Woodlands Trace also has hiking, camping, boating and wildlife encounter opportunities along the way. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. 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. After travelling on Highway 23 North for 29 miles, youll come to the point where Highway 441 feeds into Highway 23; keep left to continue travelling north through Chattahoochee National Forest. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? Key Stops: Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek. 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. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. Learn More 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. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. Go out, cruise, and get lost. 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. Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. There are, and they're our favorites! CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. I drive for work every Thursday to Cookeville and back and do the Highland Rim section every time. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. 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. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. 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 Additionally, travelers will pass through Morristown, an awesome pit-stop with plenty of options for shopping, sight-seeing, and dining. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). 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. 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. Dont forget the sweet tea. The "straight line" from Knoxville to Chattanooga is a two-hour drive along I-75. How many have you checked off your list? Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. (Knoxville MLS) For Sale: Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 $47,500 MLS# 1215786 Incredible price for a mostly level lot surrounded by nature! tree-based adventure park. And there you have it! This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Lighted signs on lower Broadway in Nashville. We want to hear! From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. So, pick a back road and get lost. 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. 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. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. Comments Off on 4 Scenic Drives Near Knoxville, Toyota Named One of the Most Dependable Brands By, 2023 Toyota GR Corolla: Everything You Need to Know, The Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned Toyotas, The Best Time of Year to Buy a New Toyota. 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. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. It was traveled by Native Americans . From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! This mountain pass flirts with both states and will have your camera and selfie game working overtime. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. There are other options including I-40 to 441. 25 E Through Morristown to Pigeon Forge Time: 5 hours, 21 minutes Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. 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. In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. 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. 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. 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. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. Stop in Chattanooga and go to the Aquarium or Rock City or stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for a few minutes. Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. Tricks to find the perfect rig. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. I-40W from Knoxville to Nashville Headed to Nashville from Knoxville? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area. 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. Following 441 will take you through a beautiful rural setting. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. With its mountain summits and lush forests, East Tennessee is a major draw for many Knoxvillians. No thanks, Im not into adventure Share. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. Experience where country music stars and fans align. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. 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. Love Tennessee? . 2. The driving tour starts on Chapman Highway at Fort Dickerson, a site of conflict between the Union and Confederate armies. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. 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 Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Menu. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. 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. Overton County, Tennessee, is an absolutely STUNNING bit of the state, and we found a million and a half little roads here with great views. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Start by driving about 35 miles southeast to Gatlinburg, where youll find the welcome center for the state park. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. Find out bellow the best stops and things to see between Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. Bing maps either takes us by rt 40 or rts 26 & 25. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. Routes in Tennessee fall into four quadrants, given the state's logistical layout. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. Gatlinburgs best feature is its natural beauty. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! 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. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. Bleak House, a luxurious mansion that briefly served as a Confederate headquarters, is another highlight of the tour, as is Campbells Station, where the Battle of Knoxville raged. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! 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! About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. Day 1: It all beginsExploring Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. 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. Read our privacy policy. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. 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. 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. Inside the Park. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. All Rights Reserved. The colors are beautiful in autumn, by the way, so plan accordingly! Cherokee is also home to Harrahs Cherokee Casino, one of the only casinos of the area. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. 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). 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. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . View Website Open in Google Maps. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. 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). stay for about 1 hour. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. A totally unique and totally fun! Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest.