scenic drive from nashville to knoxville

Around 1700 French explorers and traders established a trading post near the present day Natchez and later Fort Rosalie constructed as the European population in the area expanded. Gatlinburgs best feature is its natural beauty. It was the site of the 1796 Constitutional Convention, which resulted in Tennessee gaining statehood, and a boiling point for both Union and Confederate armies on the eve of the Civil War. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. Check this article out! Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Read our Privacy Policy. Driver's License Requirements. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. 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. 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. Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. 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. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. 8. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City 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. stay for about 1 hour. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Why? The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. We want to hear! Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. In the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Legacy Parks Foundation created the Knoxville Urban Wilderness 1,000 forested acres of open space along the towns southern waterfront. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. is a national scenic treasure. Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. drive for about 1 hour. From Google Maps 7. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. There are other options including I-40 to 441. 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. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. 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. Recreation Area in Hardin County Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . . Thank you! Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. The navigation said it would take us 17 hours to make the trek to Eastern TN from Austin, Texas and let me tell you, every hour of that drive was worth what we were about to experience. Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. 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. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee 1. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN? Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Travelling down I-75 South take Exit 29 in Corbin, KY to enter Highway 25 E. This route will take you south through Kentucky and into northeast Tennessee. Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. Located out by Cade's Cove, Hyatt's Lane is a little piece of heaven that may take a bit of work from your GPS to find - we promise it's worth it! In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. 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. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. 6:01 pm Grand Ole Opry. Share. Travelers on this route will take I-40 West Towards Knoxville and follow the interstate to Exit 27in Clyde, NC and enter into Highway 74. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga on the beautiful riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is the top-rated aquarium for guest satisfaction. From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. 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. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. Get more stories delivered right to your email. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. 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. Let us know on our Facebook page. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. Love Tennessee? A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. This park is also home to many animals, so if youre someone who loves wildlife and birding, keep an eye out for osprey and great blue herons! 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. Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. A drive that's love to see AND historic. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. The Woodlands Trace also has hiking, camping, boating and wildlife encounter opportunities along the way. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. 9. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the MexicanAmerican War. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. Bing maps either takes us by rt 40 or rts 26 & 25. and leave at 7:01 pm. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. One . Yes! Distance: 135 miles. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. The actor was 61 years old. 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. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Get more stories delivered right to your email. . 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. One great drive is a scenic loop that begins by heading east from Tampa on I4 until you reach Highway 27. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan The Ocoee Scenic Byway is made up of a 26-mile route that takes you through the beautiful and rocky bluffs of the Ocoee River Gorge. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Thank you! In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. Watch for a large, colorful sign . For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. 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. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Day 1: It all beginsExploring Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. 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. The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. 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. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. Pick one and drive on! 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. Fun Fact: Captain William Driver, who flew the U.S. flag in front of his Nashville mansion, is credited with nicknaming the flag "Old Glory" in 1837. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. . You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Youll find authentic charm in Sevierville. The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. 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. Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. This route is relatively straightforward, and will take you down a winding path that features breathtaking mountain views. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! 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. If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! 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. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. 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. 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. Key Stops: Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek. From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. 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. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. All Rights Reserved. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. While you could make it from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN in four to five hours on the Interstate, taking the scenic route offers opportunities for unique stops that make a memorable family road trip. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. Grab this Road Trip Guide. 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) Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. 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. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Eventually, youll come to a junction after passing Maryville High School where youll turn right onto Highway 321, W. Lamar Alexander Parkway. Which is your favorite? The direct drive from Pigeon Forge to Nashville takes approximately 213 mi (342 km), and the drive should take approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes in normal traffic. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. 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. . Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. driving 4 hours. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. Sometimes, though, taking the beaten path may mean sitting in traffic with rush hour or in line with the thousands of other visitors coming to Pigeon Forge. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. 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. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. Clingman's Dome Road is a 7-mile scenic route that starts near Newfound Gap Overlook and ends at a large parking area just below the summit of the mountain. 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. 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. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 43m. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. eat at Bluebird Cafe. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. View Website Open in Google Maps. The night continued with dinner at one of Knoxvilles newest restaurants, J.C. Holdway, a beautiful farm to table restaurant serving up some amazing local fare and thoughtfully crafted mixed drinks. Following 441 will take you through a beautiful rural setting. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. We really enjoyed seeing the progression of how guitars varied from different decades, and loved getting access to the private vault, where we got to see some of the rarest and most prized guitars in the world. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! Phone +1 800-525-7077. Learn More 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!). These two routes will help you bypass Knoxville and offers and easy-going 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. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, travelers will pass through Morristown, an awesome pit-stop with plenty of options for shopping, sight-seeing, and dining. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? 1. A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. 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. These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. 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. 2. We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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 best time to fish for trout is between February and March. Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. Take This Trip. Here are our picks for 10 scenic drives in Tennessee that are 100% beautiful backroads: In case you couldnt tell, were totally obsessed with scenic drives in Tennessee. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. 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. 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. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. Folks travelling to Pigeon Forge from the East typically take I-40 West to Exit 407, but theres a much more scenic way to reach Pigeon Forge while simultaneously getting the chance to see amazing mountain and rural views. 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. No thanks, Im not into adventure It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. 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. Want to know more? My Camera: https://amzn.to/3tbC8hOA quick drive from I-40 to the World's Fair Park (including the Sunsphere) and Knoxville Convention Center area of Knoxvill. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. 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.