Tricks to find the perfect rig. Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com Find a Scenic Drive Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! 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. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . Drive from Knoxville to Nashville 180.2 miles $30 - $50 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Knoxville (TYS) to Nashville (BNA) flights The flight time between Knoxville (TYS) and Nashville (BNA) is around 4h 51m and covers a distance of around 152 miles. 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. Recreation Area in Hardin County 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. How many have you checked off your list? Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. A drive that's love to see AND historic. stay for about 1 hour. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Exactly as you describe it. 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. Did we miss any alternative routes? 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. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. From the mysterious Lost Sea Caverns to the amazing Great Smoky Mountains National Park, youre sure to have a wonderful time as you explore what these cities have to offer. Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. 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. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. 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. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. 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. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. This 200 mile route provides access to the mountains across seven counties. 1 Ellejoy Rd. 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. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. Whatcom Falls Park. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . Youll find lots of craft shops and one-of-a-kind stores in this town. and leave at 7:01 pm. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. 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. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. 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 . We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. (615) 741-0803. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Total Distance: 150 Miles. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. 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 U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. Additionally, travelers will pass through Morristown, an awesome pit-stop with plenty of options for shopping, sight-seeing, and dining. One . 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. 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. 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. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. 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. 5 years ago You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. Read more on USA Road Trips. 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. 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. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. 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. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. 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. 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. 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. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. You really can't go wrong with this one - it's easy and fun. 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! 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, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! All other marks belong to their respective owners. 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 Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. Known for its rhododendron fields, take a drive along this lovely east Tennessee road and enjoy views of the hollows and ridges that dot the mountain. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Distance: 135 miles. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. 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. My Camera: https://amzn.to/3tbC8hOA quick drive from I-40 to the World's Fair Park (including the Sunsphere) and Knoxville Convention Center area of Knoxvill. (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). 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. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. drive for about 1 hour. CMP. 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. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. 1. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. 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. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. We have several particularly stunning state parks (56, to be exact), including some gems like Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park, in Unicoi County, and Fall Creek Falls, which features an incredible, 256-foot-tall waterfall (one of the tallest in the entire country!). Have you traveled anywhere on our list? 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. 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). The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. Youll find authentic charm in Sevierville. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. 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. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. . 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. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. . Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. 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. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. 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? fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. 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. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. Menu. 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! COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? Cosby Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. How a weekend exploring Chattanooga and Knoxville turned a couple Austinites into lifelong fans of Tennessee. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. The area is full of natural beauty, from the towering mountains to the shimmering rivers. drive to Memphis Tennessee. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. 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. Read about it in our. . So, pick a back road and get lost. From there youll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. 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. 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 There sure are! Take This Trip. 6:01 pm Grand Ole Opry. The actor was 61 years old. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. Downtown Nashville 25 E Through Morristown to Pigeon Forge Time: 5 hours, 21 minutes Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. Tennessee Motorcycle Rides and Roads. Road Trips. 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. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. Go out, cruise, and get lost. All Rights Reserved. CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. 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. youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Yes! Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. 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. 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 Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. 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. 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. 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. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. Grab this Road Trip Guide. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. 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. It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. 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. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. 733 mi. 12:51. We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! Lighted signs on lower Broadway in Nashville. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. eat at Bluebird Cafe. Benefits: Bypass traffic in Knoxville and Exit 407 on I-40, beautiful rural views, historical towns, travel alongside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/apPVyH6EMQK2. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. Learn More CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Conflicts with the native Natchez people ensued and by 1735 the Natchez Indian community in the area was essentially wiped out and the village of Natchez began to form. . This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. Inside the Park. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. 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. Learn about the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, the Appalachian crafts around every corner, and the areas long history of coal mining. 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. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. The Last Great Colosseum. 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. Travelers on this route will take I-40 West Towards Knoxville and follow the interstate to Exit 27in Clyde, NC and enter into Highway 74. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? 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. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. 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. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King.