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. Menu. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. 1. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! Take this exit and youll go through another amazingly scenic drive, complete with mountain overlooks with a birds eye view of Gatlinburg. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. Address. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . 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. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . 2. 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. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 43m. Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 9. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. One . For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. Driver's License Requirements. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. Youll find lots of craft shops and one-of-a-kind stores in this town. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. Recreation Area in Hardin County You . Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. 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. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. 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. 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. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. 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. Go out, cruise, and get lost. Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. 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. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! Knoxville, Tenn. 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. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . The town is about 20 minutes from Nashville, making it the best spot for a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. 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. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. from Highway 321 roughly 4.5 miles outside of Maryville. If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? From there, head north and let the adventure begin. It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). 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 really can't go wrong with this one - it's easy and fun. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. Tips to grow your RV rental business. 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. Around Knoxville | We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 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. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. 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. 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. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. 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. Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. 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. 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)) . It was traveled by Native Americans . Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Share. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. and leave at 7:01 pm. 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. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. Have you traveled anywhere on our list? Key Stops: Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. . 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. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. There sure are! Love Tennessee? Market Square is one of the most charming places to go in Knoxville, with an array of shops and restaurants lining the cobblestone sidewalks. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. 2. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Yes! COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . Day 1: It all beginsExploring Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. What is it? travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. All other marks belong to their respective owners. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. Heres our guide to 7 of the best stops along the way! 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 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. Routes in Tennessee fall into four quadrants, given the state's logistical layout. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. Take This Trip. 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. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. 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. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. Benefits:Beautiful rural views, drive through historic Cherokee, NC, creeks that run alongside the road, final stretch through the national park, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/6i91mAUsnqF2. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. 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 . They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? Experience where country music stars and fans align. Choose your spice level from the heat-less Southern to the sizzling Shut the Cluck Up!! Read our privacy policy. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! 733 mi. Dont forget the sweet tea. The 1.2-mile Clingman's Dome Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot and ascends 300' in about half a mile to the observation tower on the summit. 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. 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 exit 290 (Cookeville). Suggest a scenic route/area about 1hr from Nashville., Nashville, 17 replies Dinner & A Drive . Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! 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. Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. 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. 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. 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. View Website Open in Google Maps. 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. Inside the Park. Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. Carnton. 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. [email protected] The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Did you pick a favorite? Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Grab this Road Trip Guide. Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. We have a few sites worth bragging about, including a replica of the Titanic, the resting place of Jack Daniels, and an airplane-shaped gas station. From Google Maps 7. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. CMP. 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. Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. How many have you checked off your list? William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. 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. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. I drive for work every Thursday to Cookeville and back and do the Highland Rim section every time. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. The Last Great Colosseum. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. For fishing lovers, you wouldnt want to miss spending a few hours at the Flat Fork Creek in this park in the spring, as its stocked with rainbow trout. 7. 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. 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. 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! You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Distance: 135 miles. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. 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. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. . Why? We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley. Did we miss any alternative routes? Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. 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. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. Hwy. Downtown Nashville A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. Share your thoughts in the comments! Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. As River Divide Rd. Take Nolensville Pike from Nashville to go through Nolensville, Henry Horton State Park, and then arrive in Shelbyville. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. Read our Privacy Policy. Yall, were from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBeas breakfast is darn good. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options.