scenic drive from nashville to knoxville

What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. 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) Cherokee is also home to Harrahs Cherokee Casino, one of the only casinos of the area. Read our Privacy Policy. 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. You really can't go wrong with this one - it's easy and fun. 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. In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. 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. Choose your spice level from the heat-less Southern to the sizzling Shut the Cluck Up!! It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. 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. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. As River Divide Rd. 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. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. You . Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. Carnton. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. 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. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Traveling the Trace is an excellent way to step back in time to an era of the scenic road trip where you take the time to enjoy the trip itself. From there youll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Following 441 will take you through a beautiful rural setting. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". 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. By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. Tennessee is a state with multiple motorcycle rides that work well for beginners as well as experienced riders and offers motorcycle touring opportunities ranging from day trips to long distance multi-day motorcycle trips. 1. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. stay for about 1 hour. CMP, With 440 miles of scenic roadway through countryside shaped by the Tennessee River travelers have access to significant wildlife areas. 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. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. Read about it in our. THE TENNESSEAN Hotel, Knoxville's only AAA Four Diamond award hotel, is an 82-room personal luxury hotel just steps from the city's iconic Market Square featuring beautiful mountain views. The drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! Drive from Knoxville to Nashville 180.2 miles $30 - $50 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Knoxville (TYS) to Nashville (BNA) flights The flight time between Knoxville (TYS) and Nashville (BNA) is around 4h 51m and covers a distance of around 152 miles. Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . 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. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . We asked a few locals what the one spot was that we had to see before leaving town and everyone agreed it was Signal Point. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. . This is a great place to check out if youre looking for a pit stop, with historic Maryville College, a beautiful downtown shopping area, as well as the Foothills Mall. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. Start by driving about 35 miles southeast to Gatlinburg, where youll find the welcome center for the state park. 7. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. CMP. Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. 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. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Photo by Wes Ramey of the Dollywood Company, The Ober Gatlinburg tram in summer next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. 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. The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. The idea is a stress free, scenic, and enjoyable ride in an auto, RV, motorcycle, or road bike (theres a special network of rustic campsites reserved for bike riders). 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. 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. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. Other attractions include The Johnny Cash Museum, National Corvette Museum and the Nashville Flea Market (held the fourth weekend of every month). Sizemore died Friday. CMP, Follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, Native Americans, and Tennessee Wildlife across the Cumberland Plateau from the Cumberland Gap to Dale Hollow Lake. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! Total Distance: 150 Miles. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. No matter which season you end up in Pigeon Forge, youll find something to celebrate. 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. Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. 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. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? One . In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. Distance: 135 miles. 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. Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. One of the most popular scenic drives in the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway travels along the southern Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. All other marks belong to their respective owners. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. 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). Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. drive to Memphis Tennessee. 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. 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. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. 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. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Featured Trip Guides. is a national scenic treasure. A totally unique and totally fun! 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. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. Inside the Park. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator . The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. I drive for work every Thursday to Cookeville and back and do the Highland Rim section every time. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. Youll find authentic charm in Sevierville. Slate at 901: Things to Do in Knoxville, TN No matter what kind of peaceful environment you're seeking - you'll find it in Tennessee's stunning state parks (and in lots of other places, of course). Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. . Love Tennessee? The Last Great Colosseum. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. Around Knoxville | Road Trips. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. 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. 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 Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. The park surrounds the stunning waters of Center Hill Lake and is just a short drive from scenic kayaking adventures on the Caney Fork River. 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. Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? From the amazing food of Knoxville to the natural beauty of Chattanooga, we feel like we experienced an area that is a true gem in the states. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. 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. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! By 1810 an estimated 10,000 Boatmen (called Kaintucks) were using the Trace and the two towns at either end (Natchez and Nashville) had become cemented as major communities. Read our privacy policy. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. Youll find lots of craft shops and one-of-a-kind stores in this town. Routes in Tennessee fall into four quadrants, given the state's logistical layout. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. Recreation Area in Hardin County These two routes will help you bypass Knoxville and offers and easy-going drive. 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. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. 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. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. 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. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Ellejoy Rd. 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. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. Now you know some of the best weekend trips from Nashville Tn or fantastic road trips from Nashville within a 3 to 4 hours scenic drive. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! 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. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. 25 E Through Morristown to Pigeon Forge Time: 5 hours, 21 minutes 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. Rocky Top Trail The Great Smoky Mountains are the ultimate Knoxville area getaway, and the Rocky Top Trail offers one of the most scenic ways to see them. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. CMP, This scenic valley on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau contains four state parks, three state forests, and two state natural areas. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. Thunder Valley. Report inappropriate content 2. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto Monticello Road. 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. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. . We arrived at the course and after a 5-minute hike through the forest showed up at a fully lit up adventure-forest-world that looked like something out of Avatar. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Web Visit website. Check this article out! CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. 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. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. 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. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. These 7 Beautiful Byways In Tennessee Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive, Drive To 7 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Tennessee On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip, One Of The Most Scenic Drives In America Is Right Here In Tennessee, Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Tennessee Like Never Before, These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, The 11 Best Backroads In Tennessee For A Long Scenic Drive, Take A 2-Hour Drive Through Tennessee To See This Years Beautiful Fall Colors, This Dreamy Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Fall Foliage In All Of Tennessee. So, pick a back road and get lost. 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. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. The actor was 61 years old. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. Check out these perfect pet-friendly parks which make some of the best places to walk, exercise, and have fun with your pup in Tennessee. This network of trails and byways covers over 60 miles of private gardens, and each is maintained and made available to the public by its owner. 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)) Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. The driving tour starts on Chapman Highway at Fort Dickerson, a site of conflict between the Union and Confederate armies. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN? Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. 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. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. 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. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. Which is your favorite? Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.