Passing many fantastic towns and cities, discover the home of country music, gorgeous national parks, and the homes of some famous US icons. Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville, Nature and American History Collide in Greeneville, Tennessee. The best way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains without a car is to train and bus which takes 42h 55m and costs $200-$290. This luxury 5-star hotel has a fabulous outdoor swimming pool, an excellent restaurant, and an onsite fitness center, so there is plenty to help you relax and unwind after your drive before hitting the town. First, 10 hours of driving takes a lot of energy and time you might rather want to use for enjoying your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. . Continuing on I-65, 300 miles into the trip, you will arrive at Louisville, home to the Kentucky Derby, one of the world's oldest and most famous horse races and an ideal place for an overnight stay. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is great! But to truly experience Louisville, you need to go underground. Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November. Along the way, you'll visit four national parks, see some of the Midwest . Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the tunes (and the excellent people watching). Gretto Falls - 2.5 mile round-trip trek to the waterfalls. Stops and things to do on Chicago to Gatlinburg drive or road trip You will cover a distance of 657 miles should you choose to drive without making a stop. There are a few things to see in the Louisville/S. . From here, head south and join Interstate 75 where you will arrive at Lexington, where our main route continues. Very safe. You can also catch Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, a festival of Bavarian food, drink, and music accompanied by the fabulous Smoky Mountains Oompah band. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. As a reference, you should be looking at places near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, since most of the touristy attractions are spread across the aforementioned cities. Newfound Gap. There is ongoing construction on I-65 N in several areas. Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum is the official museum of Ketchum Sun Valley located in Ketchum, Idaho. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains right here. The 580-mile road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Making the trip in May will also appeal to sports fans, with both the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500 usually taking place at this time. You can choose to stay in one or more of the many fascinating cities along the route or take a more secluded getaway in one of the national parks. 12 Best Spring Break Road Trips from Chicago - LazyTrips Here are our recommendations. You can also catch up on equestrian history at the the Kentucky Derby Museum. 1. The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains costs only $212, and the quickest way takes just 6 hours. There are a few war museums, a western/American Indian museum, and a general state museum. We have stayed in downtown Lexington and found it a safe city with some charm. Music fans must check out the famous Grand Ole Opry House. Chicago - the starting point of Route 66. However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. We plan to then head out on mornings around 8am, Nashville to Hilton head, Hilton head to Lexington, and Lexington to Chicago. Don't know if using I 40 or I 24 but thought I would mention that. Enjoy a unique dining experience in the stunning Sun Dial Restaurant, on the upper floors, offering unparalleled 360-degree views over the city. Great Smoky Mountain Road Trip : Where Are the Smoky Mountains : Travel Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. If you are I would go north from Lexington on 75 and hit 74 in Cincinnati and not go over to Louisville. View our suggested park itineraries. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also a must-see, along with the venerated Ryman Auditorium, particularly if there is a show on. Fans of all ages can take a nostalgic journey through musical history with the hits of Stevie Wonder to the Temptations, and many more. The shortest route from Chicago to Gatlinburg is to take I-65 Louisville. Alternatively, you may use. On your return, head up 1-26 to I-40. Cabins USA Gatlinburg respects our guest's privacy and never shares this information with third-party sites. Luckily, United Airline's largest hub is based in O'Hare and this airline also services Knoxville's airport. But kids had the most fun as they were allowed to go on zipline. Chicago to GSMNP - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Forum The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr and Coca-Cola, Atlanta also boasts a fabulous mix of natural beauty and cutting-edge architecture. From Nashvillehead toward Chattanooga then Atlanta. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. Once you get to Indy you really have two options: I-65S through Louisville or I-74E through/around Cinci and then south. The 33-mile Newfound Gap Road is one of the park's most popular routes, used to connect Cherokee, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN. I will be sure to stop at that abandoned brewery and also try our luck at watching the Jay's potato chip factory unload potatoes. You can view your selected properties by click the "favorites" tab at the top of the search bar. Show only these on map Horseshoe Hammond Gretto Falls 2.5 mile round-trip trek to the waterfalls. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Smoky Mountains? Directions and distance from Chicago IL to Smoky Mountain Ranch TX But we had plenty of time and so we decided to take a detour and check the Oakridge city and famous American Museum of Science and EnergyAMSE. Mileage: It's 1,379 miles between the two cities. During my years living in Illinois, I took numerous road trips from Chicago. From Indianapolis, continue on I-65 and consider a detour to Bloomington city, where you can visit Indiana's oldest park, McCormick's Creek State Park, and marvel at the impressive limestone canyon. We had planned to stop in Kentucky so we continuously drove till mid night to get to the hotel. He knows his home well -, Planning adventures in the great outdoors? We treat any information that you share as confidential. After a quick pit-stop at Louisville, KY to feed our V8 engine hauling us; we had lunch at Taco Bell in Lexington city. A road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach covers four distinct types of landscape: bustling cities, peaceful countryside, dramatic mountains, and sandy beaches. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Continue reading to get all you need to make an exciting itinerary, exploring everything this route has to offer. Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains National Park |Road trip Hello my husband and I will be traveling with our 11month old from Chicago to Hilton Head Island on Saturday, May 14th and trekking back on Saturday, May 21st. www.outdoorsy.com. After making the journey to reach the Smokies, which in itself is an excellent road trip, make the most of this magical mountain wonderland by taking an excursion through the park to fully explore this magnificent landscape. Furthermore, specific Chicago to Smoky Mountains - 5 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio The state capital of Georgia also boasts awesome food, culture, and nightlife scene. Its rated easy and offers visitors great scenery without having to exert themselves too much. Since you have some time on your way down, you might consider taking I-65 through KY. At Louisville Mega Cavern, youll have an adventure like none other, exploring some of the 17 miles of corridors beneath the city. Help with route Chicago to Smoky Mountains - Road Trips - Tripadvisor Thank you so much for your time and efforts!! My family will be leaving soon on a two week road trip to the east coast. The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr and Coca-Cola, (be sure to check out the museums dedicated to both), this lively city also features the fantastic Georgia Aquarium, some fabulous restaurants, and terrific nightlife. Continue your journey past the Gold Mine Trail, before reaching Melrose, where you will take the US-321, passing Townsend and Wears Valley before arriving back at Pigeon Forge. Alert: This site requires a JavaScript enabled browser. We recommend scheduling at least two overnight stops or more depending on your desire to explore further. Once you find your perfect rental for the right date, simply click "book now" to begin the booking process. Chicago may be the best city in America to take road trips from, so there are endless possibilities for car vacations. After cruising through the few miles of the road which meanders along the Little River, we parked here and spent couple of hours on the river, enjoying the stream of cool flowing water. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. See our recommendations for the best route, things to see, places to stay, and when to make this fantastic trip. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. pinsent masons chambers student . We did not see many vegetarian options there. The sprawling landscape encompases lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Here is the other water drop, this needed a short climb downwards from the main fall. The shortest route from Chicago to Gatlinburg is to take I-65 Louisville. The country music capital of the world, with an incredible food and drink scene, a thriving art movement, and wonderful architecture. Donna Sapolin January 30, 2021 Take the scenic route from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina and soak up the majestic beauty of mountains dressed in winter white. Road Trip Stops in the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway Smoky Mountain National Park. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Smoky Mountains is 800-232-4636. We had one wish still left unfulfilled, which was to see a live bear in action and based on reviews, Cades Cove had the highest probability to see it happen. Stayed in Chattanooga for two nights and saw the sights there, then ended up in Gatlinburg for two or three nights. I made this trip about six years ago. There are a few war museums, a western/American Indian museum, and a general state museum. It is perfectly placed to take in the nightlife and indulge in the delicious southern cuisine. They are known for their handmade crafts and artwork. The series is called If Trees Could Sing, and its the result of a Metro Parks and The Nature Conservancy partnership. What makes Chicago one of the best cities to visit is that it has a cosmopolitan feel with none of the attitude of similar-sized cities on the coasts. Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. The last stop of the day was the Cades Cove. Youll spot Cloud Gate, a kidney-bean-shaped sculpture thats 66 feet long and 33 feet high, from a distance as its metal gleams in the sunlight. Again, mostly a wilderness type area, which you could find in Great Smoky Mountains area. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA Gatlinburg. READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip. Since it looks like you're a baseball fan, you might enjoy the Louisville Slugger museum and factory. Its the first public outdoor work of British artist Anish Kapoor to appear in the United States. To make it easier for your plan, we have compiled this list of our favorite attractions along the way: The beauty of a road trip from Chicago to Miami is that you can do it at any time of the year. From Chicago, you will drive along the shores of Lake Michigan on Interstate 90 E until you reach Exit 17 and merge onto Interstate 65 S to Indianapolis. Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains - 9 ways to travel via - Rome2rio The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, and their signature heavenly bed will ensure the perfect restorative sleep, so you are fully refreshed and ready for the day of adventure ahead. Pass through the Woods Ferry conservation area before heading east onto the I-10 towards Jacksonville. I will post pictures when I come home for you to see! ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' This blogging bear loves sharing the Smoky Mountains with everyone. One could go south to Blowing Green, then take I-66E and catch I-75 south down to Pigeon Forge. The Townsend Wye popular swimming spot. In fact, the nearby park entrance at Townsend is closer to Cades Cove, a preserved pioneer community, than the Gatlinburg entrance (7.3 vs. 27 miles). Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Your email address will not be published. Situated right in the heart of downtown, you'll be within walking distance to the Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, and much more. The top stops along the way from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with short detours) are Horseshoe Hammond, Louisville Mega Cavern, and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. I can't add much to above but I assume when you leave Lexington you are headed home to Chicago? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47804918', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gatlinburg has a similar area so not sure if you want to check that out or not. We went to AMSE, and spent few hours there. I've never really stopped anywhere along the way, though I've done some research on the areas and might visit them in the future. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties. Road trips don't come more iconic than Route 66, which makes its way from Santa Monica in California to Chicago, Illinois. . The 1,385-mile journey from Chicago to Miami takes 21 hours and 10 minutes of pure driving, passing Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Montgomery, Orlando, Tampa, and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. The road climbs some 3,000 feet along the edge of the mountain, and passes through a stunning number of . Chicago to Miami RV Road Trip Guide (+ RV Rental) | RVshare The incline was mostly easy but there were some tight spots as we neared the waterfall and the sign board reminded us of the lurking danger. And the glass bridge was totally worth the hype! Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. It's a popular time for winter sports lovers and skiing enthusiasts and the local Christmas markets make it extra special at this magical time of year. Road Trip from Chicago to The Great Smoky Mountains Clingmans Dom highest point at Smoky with stunning views. Berea KY us at exit 76 on I'75 and has several nice craft shops. It takes approximately 6h 26m to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains, including transfers. Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains - NeverStopTraveling Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the national park due to its plentiful wildlife and many historic buildings you can explore. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? While this may seem like quite a long distance, the scenic landscape and attractions along the way will make . Ticket fares are divided into five subclasses: Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium. It isn't necessary that you wait for a search to be completed before you select or deselect different search features. After doing an availability search for your desired vacation date, our site will produce a list of available cabins. Dollar Mountain (6638ft., 2023 m) is a ski hill in south central Idaho, part of the Sun Valley ski resort. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47930643', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cars Rust Lollapalooza. You could detour to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park if weather permitting. Stop at a visitor center in Cades Cove or at the Mountain Farm Museum to find . The cavern is actually man-made and offers experiences for the whole family. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 44m. If you're ready to explore beautiful destinations like Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and Mt. We then strolled in Gatlinburg downtown and visited Ripleys Believe It or Not museum before the hunger pangs kicked in. Route 66 - cross-country USA road trip. The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains will be memorable whichever time of year you decide to go, which is all dependent on your preferences for the weather and the season. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47902110', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gatlinburg and the suggestions you have given for Berea and the Daniel Boone National Forest are really interesting for us. However, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We dont mind passing by mountains in the view on interstate but correct we want to avoid smaller roads through mountains. See the Gary Railcats stadium. Lexington is a great town. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations to visit on a road trip from Chicago to Miami. It was supposed to be 3 and half hours of drive, but as we were nearing mountains, we noticed huge traffic again and it took us almost 5 hours to cover the 190 miles drive from our hotel to Smokey Mountains park. The best way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains is to fly which takes 6h 26m and costs $180-$650. It was almost 10:30 PM by the time we got off the Skylift and finding food was a huge pain at that time in Gatlinburg. Forest. But you can also get away from it all at a unique lodging option with Under Canvas. Situated almost halfway into this fabulous road trip, 719 miles from Chicago, the place to stay is undoubtedly the Westin Peachtree Plaza. Stop 1: Sevierville Distance from Knoxville: 29 miles Pay homage to the great Dolly Parton at her Dollywood theme park. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Chicago is 587.3 miles away from the Smoky Mountains by car. 600 miles, took around 11hours with multiple breaks and a huge traffic jam at I-75. Be sure to enjoy the magnificent 23 miles of Daytona Beach and experience the thrill of the many theme parks of Orlando. Its bustling energy is countered by the friendliness of the people, which can catch you off-guard if you are not from the Midwest. We have included a detour that goes through Cincinnati, converging with the main route in Lexington. The options are endless, so here are our recommendations. Between downtown Indy and Shelbyville, IN is a casino just off I-74. Initial stop was Mammoth Cave, did the short 1-2 hour tour and got on the road to Chattanooga. The first stop was at a coffee joint at Lafayette, Indiana. Indiana area. Louisville - Louisville, KY is a beautiful city on the Ohio River with several notable sights including the Mohamed Ali Museum, The Louisville Sluggers Museum, and the Churchill Downs Race Tracks. After a quick pit-stop at Louisville, KY to feed our V8 engine hauling us; we had lunch at Taco Bell in Lexington city. Shells08, what route are you taking to get to P.F.? You will notice that the "+" has now changed to a "-". arkansas governor's distinguished scholarship 2020 recipients. Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta and United Airlines offer flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum Airport. Here are five reasons why you should. On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, . The Lincoln Bridge handles northbound traffic. A popular area in the northern part of the forest is Red River George and Natural Bridge SP, in the southern end, Cumberland Falls SP. Chicago to Nashville and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Being 2 blocks south of Broadway, the Hyatt Centric is just steps away from fabulous honky-tonk bars and a vibrant local music scene. During the summer months, it can be hot, averaging around 90 degrees in the Deep South and Florida, so air-conditioning is a must. The I-40 corridor between Asheville to TN is steep and in Knoxville, you get on I-75 which will also have a steep incline until you get to KY . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. . In Cincinnati, there is a riverfront with a mall on the other side of an pedestrian walk bridge (formerly used for vehicles) on the KY side of the river. Additionally, the best way to get around the Smoky Mountains is by car since public transportation is lacking in this part of the country. It's nothing but the quintessential American road trip. This is 3 miles farther but you avoid Louisville traffic and the toll bridge. It was labor day weekend of 2010, when we planned this trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Baldy has one of the higher summits of the Smoky Mountains of Idaho, that are located in the Sawtooth National Forest. Take a walk and explore the historical Whiskey Row area with its fabulous selection of restaurants, urban distilleries, and shops. Nonetheless, It offers a panoramic view of the park and is less visited than other roads in the area. Users of this The trip starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica. The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are world-famous for their beautiful views, impressive forests, lovely waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and historic sights. Stops and things to do on Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Many of its rooms offer spectacular views over the Ohio River, and of the Big Four Bridge which is a spectacular sight at night. For an incredible scenic drive, take the two-lane Foothills Parkway located off Hwy. Thanks Ravekid, for all your recommendations. Cummins Waterfall - This one is technically outside smoky but quite adventurous Tip: Smoky has a plethora of hiking options and finding the right one could be a stretch. Both known for German heritage. Prices start at $100USD per night. Lexington is a nice town. I-65S from Indy: Columbus, IN is known for their architecture. We have family in northern TN so travel that way about every month or so. Advance booking of Smoky Mountain cabin rentalswas the best decision in this trip, as we got a beautiful rental property on the hill overlooking mountains and the valleys. Leaving Atlanta, take the I-85s for 161 miles to the delightful city of Montgomery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47723701', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago to Pigeon Forge. If you are into historical hotels, the Boone Tavern Inn and Restaurant would be worth a stop. With 4 different families, and nomads from the age of one and half years to 35 years, it was truly a friends and family road trip. The chicken cheesesteak was really amazing. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip - Horizon Guides Foraccommodation, I would highly recommend going for one of the innumerous cottages and cabins on offer at Airbnb/VRBO. Please Note: Cabins USA Gatlinburg's area information, 6 Best Road Trips Chicago to Nashville and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Stop at a shiny bean, an underground corridor, a racetrack and a music mecca on your way to the national park. Smoky Mountain Vacation: A Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains costs only $133, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours.