Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. 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. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Driver's License Requirements. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. 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. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. Let us know on our Facebook page. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Tips to grow your RV rental business. Learn more about Construction (lettings, bidding, contracts)? The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. 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 Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. 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. 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. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. 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. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. 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. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Many back roads in The Volunteer State rank among the very best scenic drives in Tennessee, as they treat drivers to views that are downright remarkable. Market Square is one of the most charming places to go in Knoxville, with an array of shops and restaurants lining the cobblestone sidewalks. Which is your favorite? The area is full of natural beauty, from the towering mountains to the shimmering rivers. 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. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. 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. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. 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). The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. 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! If youre looking to explore the great outdoors by foot and want to park your car or RV first, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is your place. 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. You . Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. 8. From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. How amazing is that?! This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Distance: 135 miles. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. drive for about 13 minutes. 5 years ago Dont forget the sweet tea. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. 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. 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. What is it? Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. 2. But if youre looking for a trip that has it allscenic views, historical landmarks, and plenty of opportunities for adventurethen the 180-mile drive from Nashville to Knoxville might be the one you want to try next! Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. Web Visit website. From 1812 to 1815 the Trace was a major route used by Andrew Jacksons Tennessee Volunteers during the War of 1812 and the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. CMP. stay for about 1 hour. Why? This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 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. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. 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. 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. Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto Monticello Road. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! 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. The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. 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. Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. 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. 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 CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. 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 (615) 741-0803. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. 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. 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. 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. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. 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. Take I-75 North from Atlanta to Exit 293; follow the fork to the right to enter onto 411. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. 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. Love Tennessee? We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. is a national scenic treasure. 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. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. 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. Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. 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? It seems like no matter where you live in the Volunteer State, you'll find a back road to enjoy over and over again. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. Get exclusive benefits and discounted fees for a limited time. Menu. Check this article out! 25 E Through Morristown to Pigeon Forge Time: 5 hours, 21 minutes Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? 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. CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. Did we miss any alternative routes? These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. We want to hear! We LOVED the energy of the square. 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. 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. 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. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. How a weekend exploring Chattanooga and Knoxville turned a couple Austinites into lifelong fans of Tennessee. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. One . Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest.