scenic drive from nashville to knoxville scenic drive from nashville to knoxville

Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan At first we considered just watching the sunset from there, but then we noticed a hiking trail that led you even closer to the river and would give us a completely unobstructed view of the River Valley! 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. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. 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. Watch for a large, colorful sign . Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Driver's License Requirements. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. 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. Go out, cruise, and get lost. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. 2. The drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Cosby The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. Stop in Chattanooga and go to the Aquarium or Rock City or stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for a few minutes. 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. Check this article out! Phone +1 800-525-7077. A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its beautiful and diverse scenery. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. Find out bellow the best stops and things to see between Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. 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. In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. Are you a Snowbird having trouble finding an RV site along the Gulf Coast? Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! Share. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . Road Trips. For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. 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. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. eat at Bluebird Cafe. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. tree-based adventure park. Did we miss any alternative routes? youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. Around Knoxville | These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. 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. We want to hear! 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? Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. We have a few sites worth bragging about, including a replica of the Titanic, the resting place of Jack Daniels, and an airplane-shaped gas station. Cherokee is also home to Harrahs Cherokee Casino, one of the only casinos of the area. As River Divide Rd. This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. 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. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. 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. One . The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. No thanks, Im not into adventure Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. . NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. drive to Memphis Tennessee. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites!Share time outdoors with family and friends. If youre looking for things to do in Maryville, Townsend, or anywhere in Blount County, be sure to visit the Blount County Chamber of Commerces website for cool ideas and tips. 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, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. 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 . 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. 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. It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? 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. We dont blame you one bit! Other attractions include The Johnny Cash Museum, National Corvette Museum and the Nashville Flea Market (held the fourth weekend of every month). From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? Sometimes, though, taking the beaten path may mean sitting in traffic with rush hour or in line with the thousands of other visitors coming to Pigeon Forge. 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. 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. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. 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. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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. The Last Great Colosseum. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. 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). Benefits: Skip Knoxville traffic, drive through historic towns, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/957KV9nnXM12. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. 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. Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? Report inappropriate content 2. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. 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. 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. You really can't go wrong with this one - it's easy and fun. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. 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. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. 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. 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. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. . Grab this Road Trip Guide. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. 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. Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. 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. Downtown Nashville The very best scenic backroads in Tennessee may be largely a matter of personal opinion, but many consider the Cherohala Skyway to be the most scenic drive, hands down. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Total Distance: 150 Miles. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. 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)) 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. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. 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. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? Get exclusive benefits and discounted fees for a limited time. The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. . 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. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. Recreation Area in Hardin County 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. The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. 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. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . 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. 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. Whatcom Falls Park. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. The top stops along the way from Knoxville to Asheville (with short detours) are Sugarlands Distilling Company, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting. 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. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. 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. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? Market Square is one of the most charming places to go in Knoxville, with an array of shops and restaurants lining the cobblestone sidewalks. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. From there youll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. 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. Sometimes when the week gets rough, all you want to do is just in the car with a fabulous playlist of tunes and a long open road in front of you. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! The direct drive from Pigeon Forge to Nashville takes approximately 213 mi (342 km), and the drive should take approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes in normal traffic. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. . Scenic Highway 30A Destin to Rosemary Beach, Gulf Coast Drive Rosemary Beach to Apalachicola, Campgrounds & RV Park Reviews Scenic Drives, Highlights Traveling the Natchez Trace Scenic Parkway, Best Compact RV Motorhomes from Winnebago, Winnebago Revel & Adventure Van Alternatives, Shell Mound Campground Cedar Key, Florida, Walking, Nature & Hiking Trails | Cedar Keys, Cedar Keys Florida Top Things to See and Do, Scenic Road Trip: Wisconsin Great River Road. . Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov Sizemore died Friday. Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? 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. This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. Gatlinburg is an easy 222-mile drive from Nashville along I-40, and with some nice adventures along the way. 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. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. 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. Why? We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. 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. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 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. 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. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. 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. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. CMP, There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains.