If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. 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. Phone +1 800-525-7077. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! Exactly as you describe it. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. And there you have it! A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. . 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. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. and leave at 7:01 pm. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 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. We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. 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. The drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area. Gatlinburgs best feature is its natural beauty. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. Following US-441 will take you the back way to Sevierville. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. There sure are! 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. 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. But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. 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. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. 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. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. 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. Carnton. (Knoxville MLS) For Sale: Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 $47,500 MLS# 1215786 Incredible price for a mostly level lot surrounded by nature! Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 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. Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in stay for about 1 hour. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. By 1800 Nashville had become the most significant community in the Kentucky-Tennessee territory. Driving along I-75 south, you'll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. 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. Knoxville, Tenn. 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. From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. Highway 25 E is a beautiful drive with a long history as Thunder Road, the moonshine highway. One great drive is a scenic loop that begins by heading east from Tampa on I4 until you reach Highway 27. 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. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. The 1.2-mile Clingman's Dome Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot and ascends 300' in about half a mile to the observation tower on the summit. 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. And when it comes to planning a road trip, theres no shortage of options for choosing a route. Youll find lots of craft shops and one-of-a-kind stores in this town. Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. 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. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. Take This Trip. What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov 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. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. 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. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. . It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. 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. 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)) You . The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. The driving tour starts on Chapman Highway at Fort Dickerson, a site of conflict between the Union and Confederate armies. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. The town is about 20 minutes from Nashville, making it the best spot for a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". . 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. is a national scenic treasure. Read until the very end to learn everything there is to know about this amazing road trip. It seems like no matter where you live in the Volunteer State, you'll find a back road to enjoy over and over again. eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. drive for about 13 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. Web Visit website. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Road Trips. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. 2. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. 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. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. It was traveled by Native Americans . However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. 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. All other marks belong to their respective owners. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! 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. CMP, With 440 miles of scenic roadway through countryside shaped by the Tennessee River travelers have access to significant wildlife areas. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. On your road trip across Tennessee, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store in Jackson is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. 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. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. . Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. Cosby Did we miss any alternative routes? 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. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. Mileage: The length of the trip is 221 miles. 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. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. All Rights Reserved. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Downtown Nashville You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! CMP, There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains. Check this article out! This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. Conveniently situated within just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham, Chattanooga, offers the opportunity to live and learn in an exciting and enchanting environment. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. We want to hear! Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. 5 years ago Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. West Virginia Scenic Drive #1 - The Highland Scenic Highway. The Last Great Colosseum. There are 3 ways to get from Nashville to Knoxville by bus, shuttle, car or plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . Ten minutes from the central entrance to Skyline, Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878, is one of the largest and most popular caves in the U.S, where your family will explore . "Ridges to Rivers" flows into action at Tennessee Aquarium. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. 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. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . Take I-75 North from Atlanta to Exit 293; follow the fork to the right to enter onto 411. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. 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. 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. 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. Learn about the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, the Appalachian crafts around every corner, and the areas long history of coal mining. Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In 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. Thunder Valley. Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! Get more stories delivered right to your email. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. 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.
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