scenic drive from nashville to knoxville

Get exclusive benefits and discounted fees for a limited time. Take This Trip. Are there a lot of country roads in Tennessee? 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. Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. 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. Road Trip from Nashville to Memphis - LazyTrips Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. How many have you checked off your list? The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. 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. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. We guess it depends on just what you're looking for out of your Tennessee forest adventure! While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. 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. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. This route is relatively straightforward, and will take you down a winding path that features breathtaking mountain views. 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. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? Today, stroll the street for shopping, dining and entertainment. Grab this Road Trip Guide. 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. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. . Top 18 Scenic Drives near Asheville | Blue Ridge Mountains Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. It was traveled by Native Americans . Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. 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 The 12 Most Picturesque Small Towns in Tennessee - WorldAtlas 2. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. Thank you! Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. 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. Tennessee Motorcycle Rides and Roads. Read our privacy policy. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. 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) Other attractions include The Johnny Cash Museum, National Corvette Museum and the Nashville Flea Market (held the fourth weekend of every month). Knoxville to Nashville drive - plan a road trip 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. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. Recreation Area in Hardin County The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. Art & Adventures: The Ultimate Guide To Knoxville & Things To Do The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. 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. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! That was great description of I-40 nashvols. 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). 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? Best stops along Nashville to Knoxville drive The top stops along the way from Nashville to Knoxville (with short detours) are Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Lost Sea Adventure, and Stones River National Battlefield. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. 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. 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. On your road trip across Tennessee, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store in Jackson is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. 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). The bypass will take you around Gatlinburg traffic and drop you off in the wooded area connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, know to locals as The Spur, which will take you directly to Pigeon Forge, TN. (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. The Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. Phone +1 800-525-7077. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. 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 . NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. 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! 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. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. 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. Sizemore died Friday. No thanks, Im not into adventure The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. 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. 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. 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. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. 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. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. 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. An Unforgettable Road Trip Through East Tennessee 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. CMP, This scenic valley on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau contains four state parks, three state forests, and two state natural areas. The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. One . Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 | MLS# 1215786 | Redfin Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee - My Pigeon Forge 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. 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. 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. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area. 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 Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. How Far is Gatlinburg to Drive From Nashville? - Cabins of the Smoky The Best Road Trip Routes in Tennessee - Culture Trip 4 Great Scenic Drives Near Knoxville | Car Trips Around TN Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. It seems like no matter where you live in the Volunteer State, you'll find a back road to enjoy over and over again. It is about a 2 hour. All other marks belong to their respective owners. These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, Take These 10 Country Roads In Tennessee For A Scenic Drive, 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, 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, The Lighthouse Road Trip In Tennessee Thats Dreamily Beautiful, Take This Road Trip Through Tennessees Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience. 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. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? If youre looking for things to do in Maryville, Townsend, or anywhere in Blount County, be sure to visit the Blount County Chamber of Commerces website for cool ideas and tips. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. 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. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. Nashville to Gatlinburg RV Road Trip Guide (+ RV Rental) - RVshare Stops and things to do on Knoxville to Asheville drive or road trip 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. 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. There are other options including I-40 to 441. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel has Victorian Train Car hotel rooms right in Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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). All Rights Reserved. Natchez Trace Scenic Drive | Scenic Pathways From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. 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. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. Tennessee Motorcycle Rides and Roads - OpenRoadJourney stay for about 1 hour. 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. Nashville to Knoxville RV Road Trip Guide (+ RV Rental) | RVshare 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. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Go out, cruise, and get lost. . Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. 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. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. Take These 10 Country Roads In Tennessee For A Scenic Drive 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. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. Road Trip Planner West Virginia Scenic Drives & Highways 12 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Bellingham, WA | Redfin How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. 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. Best scenic drive from Nashville to Charlotte, NC? (Knoxville 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. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, has died at 61 Yes! Read until the very end to learn everything there is to know about this amazing road trip. 12:51. Yall, were from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBeas breakfast is darn good. Listen 28:54. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. Nashville to Knoxville to Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. 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. Web Visit website. You . Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. 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. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. . Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. Knoxville, Tenn. 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. 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. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. Scenic Roadways - Tennessee Within a short distance of the Trace are towns and communities with additional services and attractions, some of them with worthy scenic or historical value in of themselves. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. What is it? These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. The "straight line" from Knoxville to Chattanooga is a two-hour drive along I-75. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. Before leaving Nashville, you should visit the Grand Ole Opry if you enjoy country music. Read our Privacy Policy. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. 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. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. A totally unique and totally fun! This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! . Knoxville to Gatlinburg - Best Route? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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.