With 75 overlooks and a speed limit of 35 mph, Skyline Drive is a true opportunity to take in the beauty of Shenandoah and a trip to the Luray Caverns is well worth a visit. 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. From Google Maps 7. Learn more about Construction (lettings, bidding, contracts)? 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. A drive that's love to see AND historic. There sure are! Listen 28:54. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. 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. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Grab this Road Trip Guide. tree-based adventure park. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. How amazing is that?! Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! Hwy. Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. CMP, There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains. We care about the protection of your data. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! This 200 mile route provides access to the mountains across seven counties. Total Distance: 150 Miles. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. 15 Best Day Trips from Knoxville (TN): Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Blue Ridge, Georgia Roanoke, Virginia Huntsville, Alabama Atlanta, Georgia Chattanooga Alpine Helen, Georgia Maggie Valley Asheville Treetops Adventures Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountain National Park Gatlinburg Dollywood Black Mountain Tugaloo State Park We love them for planning our vacations and travel. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. Thank you! After an exciting road trip filled with amazing destinations and unparalleled natural beauty, youll be happy to know that the drive from Nashville to Knoxville is short but full of adventure. All Rights Reserved. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. Want to know more? CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Today, stroll the street for shopping, dining and entertainment. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. Suggest a scenic route/area about 1hr from Nashville., Nashville, 17 replies Dinner & A Drive . Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Waldens Ridge, and you'll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap. Navigate 27 miles of the beautiful Tennessee River and 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains for an incredibly closeup look at wildlife, nature, history and culture. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Address. 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. 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. All other marks belong to their respective owners. Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). drive to Memphis Tennessee. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. 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. The parkway roughly follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail whose roots goes back to the 1600s evolving from hunting trails used by the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. Over twelve miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas. 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. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! 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. I-40W from Knoxville to Nashville Headed to Nashville from Knoxville? Make your way through South Cumberland State Park for a view of Grundy State Forest, a facet of Tennessee protected land that hides not one, not two, but FIVE waterfalls in its heart. A Nashville to Knoxville road trip will satisfy your craving for an exciting getaway, whether you want to hike through one of Tennessees many state parks or explore the rich history of two of its most iconic cities. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. Land Between the Lakes is a 170,000-acre national recreation area in Western Kentucky located just off I-24, about 90 miles north of Nashville. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. 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. This route is relatively straightforward, and will take you down a winding path that features breathtaking mountain views. The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee 1. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Read about it in our. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. Read our privacy policy. Menu. 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. The Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. 1. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. 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. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. Benefits: Drive through a national forest and a national park on your way to Pigeon Forge, visit several small historic towns, experience the cultural center that is Cherokee, NC, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/ZJHCFWCSjJ62. Much like its cousin, the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest offers way too many backroads with a perfect opportunity to burn some gas and kill an entire afternoon. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Though it is definitely beautiful all year round, the road is super-lush during the warmer months. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. 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. 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. But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. 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. 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. With its mountain summits and lush forests, East Tennessee is a major draw for many Knoxvillians. 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. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . Take Nolensville Pike from Nashville to go through Nolensville, Henry Horton State Park, and then arrive in Shelbyville. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. 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. Will be driving from Asheville to Knoxville in July for our journey to Nashville. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. 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! 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. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. 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. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. Take Highway 31 from Nashville to go through Franklin (a great town) and get to Lewisburg. Benefits:Beautiful rural views, drive through historic Cherokee, NC, creeks that run alongside the road, final stretch through the national park, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/6i91mAUsnqF2. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Start by driving about 35 miles southeast to Gatlinburg, where youll find the welcome center for the state park. 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. 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. From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. 733 mi. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. Ellejoy Rd. Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. 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. Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. 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 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. 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. 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. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. 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. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. 8. . Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state. Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. 12:51. One . The Last Great Colosseum. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. 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. Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in 7. 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. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Love Tennessee? The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . CMP, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. Flight distance = 161 miles one-way Driving distance = 180 miles one-way flying is faster Getting to BNA airport = 18 minutes Nashville International Airport Check-in/wait at the airport = 60 minutes Flight time = 49 minutes McGhee Tyson Airport Leaving TYS airport = 33 minutes Total travel time = 2 hours, 11 minutes Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. driving 4 hours. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. What is it? Around Knoxville | The tour also takes visitors to Fort Sanders, a Union outpost, as well as the Old Gray Cemetery, where countless veterans from both sides of the war still rest. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. stay for about 1 hour. 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 Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. No thanks, Im not into adventure One great drive is a scenic loop that begins by heading east from Tampa on I4 until you reach Highway 27. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. Learn More Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. 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. 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. 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. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Distance from Nashville: 74 miles, 1 hour and 19 minutes Warren County's positioning between the Barren Fork and Collins River make it a must-visit for outdoor lovers, as do its nearby state parks, Rock Island and Fall Creek Falls. Mileage: The length of the trip is 221 miles. Love Tennessee? Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. 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. We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. "Ridges to Rivers" flows into action at Tennessee Aquarium. So, pick a back road and get lost. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 43m. All Rights Reserved. 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 best time to fish for trout is between February and March. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. eat at Bluebird Cafe. Pick one and drive on! By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. Find out bellow the best stops and things to see between Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. As River Divide Rd. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? 10:00 am start in Nashville drive for about 54 minutes 10:54 am Gordonsville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:54 am drive for about 34 minutes 12:28 pm Cookeville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:28 pm drive for about 40 minutes 2:08 pm Crossville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:08 pm drive for about 1 hour 4:15 pm Loudon (Tennessee) Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. By 1900, due to improvements in river travel and the competition from more recent roadways, the Trace had reverted to a wilderness state along much of its original course. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options.
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