The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. 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 Did we miss any alternative routes? Read our privacy policy. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. 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? Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. 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. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City Recreation Area in Hardin County The Last Great Colosseum. 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. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. drive for about 13 minutes. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. Read until the very end to learn everything there is to know about this amazing road trip. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Thank you! 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. 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. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. Why? Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. 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. Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. . This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Little River Road daveynin/Flickr Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! 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. Did you pick a favorite? Have you taken any of these pretty routes? 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. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. 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. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? View Website Open in Google Maps. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in East Tennessee, and there are literally hundreds of little, barely-appreciated roads that spin off into a beautiful nature netherworld. 7. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Hwy. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! All other marks belong to their respective owners. 1. No matter which season you end up in Pigeon Forge, youll find something to celebrate. And there you have it! Heres our guide to 7 of the best stops along the way! These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. "Ridges to Rivers" flows into action at Tennessee Aquarium. Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. 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!). 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. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. Phone +1 800-525-7077. Encompassing more than 24,000 acres of wilderness area, Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area is named for a 3,324-foot peak in the Cumberland Mountains. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. West Virginia Scenic Drive #1 - The Highland Scenic Highway. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. Before you head for the wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, get your fill of fun in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Home to Dolly Partons theme park, Dollywood, this stop will be a fun-filled day for the whole family. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. 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. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. 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 Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. Grab this Road Trip Guide. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. 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. 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. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Ellejoy Rd. It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. driving 4 hours. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. 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. 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) The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. This local specialty fried chicken which is first dunked in hot-sauce spiked buttermilk is widely found around Nashville, but we suggest heading to Hattie Bs for your first experience there are three locations in the city. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. . Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. 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. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. 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. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! Once you enter onto Highway 441, youll take the same route discussed in route number 2 on this list, travelling through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and taking the Gatlinburg bypass to arrive in Pigeon Forge. 7 scenic alternative routes to Pigeon Forge that help you skip traffic and see beautiful sights! 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. 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. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? After travelling on Highway 23 North for 29 miles, youll come to the point where Highway 441 feeds into Highway 23; keep left to continue travelling north through Chattahoochee National Forest. And when it comes to planning a road trip, theres no shortage of options for choosing a route. Lighted signs on lower Broadway in Nashville. Driver's License Requirements. 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. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. 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. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. No thanks, Im not into adventure We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. Around Knoxville | 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. Driving along I-75 south, you'll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. Listen 28:54. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Benefits: Skip Knoxville traffic, drive through historic towns, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/957KV9nnXM12. youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. 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.