All other marks belong to their respective owners. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road! 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. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. 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. Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state. 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. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! Driver's License Requirements. drive to Memphis Tennessee. $115. Love Tennessee? After our visit to the Aquarium, we made our way to Songbirds Guitar Museum. Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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. 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. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. 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)) Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. The Last Great Colosseum. It includes the Ijams Nature Center, miles of trails, rock climbing routes, several civil war sites and a quarry with panoramic views. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. Following 441 will take you through a beautiful rural setting. Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. By 1800 Nashville had become the most significant community in the Kentucky-Tennessee territory. Sizemore died Friday. Belle Meade not only offers tours of Tennessees history and architecture but also provides visitors with a taste of the states hospitality through wine and food pairings, chef-inspired meals, and bourbon tastings. Learn more about Construction (lettings, bidding, contracts)? driving 4 hours. Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). within a 45 minute drive from Nashville, Nashville, 7 replies So scared to drive through Nashville., Nashville, 37 replies The drive from Hendersonville to downtown Nashville, Nashville, 5 replies Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. Inside the Park. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! . At first we considered just watching the sunset from there, but then we noticed a hiking trail that led you even closer to the river and would give us a completely unobstructed view of the River Valley! Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. Slate at 901: Things to Do in Knoxville, TN 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. Love Tennessee? 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. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. We care about the protection of your data. Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. drive for about 1 hour. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? The "straight line" from Knoxville to Chattanooga is a two-hour drive along I-75. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator 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. Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. 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. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. Comments Off on 4 Scenic Drives Near Knoxville, Toyota Named One of the Most Dependable Brands By, 2023 Toyota GR Corolla: Everything You Need to Know, The Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned Toyotas, The Best Time of Year to Buy a New Toyota. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. 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. I-40W from Knoxville to Nashville Headed to Nashville from Knoxville? Take This Trip. Its no wonder this park receives more visitors than any other in the country. CMP, With 440 miles of scenic roadway through countryside shaped by the Tennessee River travelers have access to significant wildlife areas. Are you a Snowbird having trouble finding an RV site along the Gulf Coast? Mileage: The length of the trip is 221 miles. Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. This beautiful back road is so beautiful that they made it into a national scenic byway! Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. The location is by far the coolest location of any aquarium Ive ever seen, sitting right on the Tennessee River. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. The parkway roughly follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail whose roots goes back to the 1600s evolving from hunting trails used by the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians. 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. Benefits: Skip Knoxville traffic, drive through historic towns, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/957KV9nnXM12. Dont forget the sweet tea. 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 Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. 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. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. . Menu. You can check out the Musuem of the Cherokee Indian to learn more about the native people that still call Cherokee home, or visit one of the many shops offering authentic and interesting wares. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Pick one and drive on! This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. drive for about 13 minutes. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. No thanks, Im not into adventure We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey. Read about it in our. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. Our stay was brief, but memorable nonetheless. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch We LOVED the energy of the square. Grab this Road Trip Guide. Why? While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. 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. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. This is by far the most popular route to Pigeon https://tramadolhealth.com Forge, with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. . Navigate 27 miles of the beautiful Tennessee River and 27,000 acres carved through the Cumberland Mountains for an incredibly closeup look at wildlife, nature, history and culture. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. 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. Exactly as you describe it. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! 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. So, pick a back road and get lost. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. The Chapman Highway driving route leads you through the Colonial Village and Lake Forest neighborhoods, where youll spot a historic cemetery and nearly 5 miles of walkable trails. Take this exit and youll go through another amazingly scenic drive, complete with mountain overlooks with a birds eye view of Gatlinburg. All Rights Reserved. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. 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. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. From Google Maps 7. Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. 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 dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . 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. 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. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. 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. About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. . 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. Thunder Valley. There sure are! Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Road Trips. I drive for work every Thursday to Cookeville and back and do the Highland Rim section every time. These two routes will help you bypass Knoxville and offers and easy-going drive. The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. Popular sites include Jackson, Dunbar Cave and David Crockett State Parks, Tennessee Safari Park, Discovery Park of America, Holly Springs National Forest as well as Graceland. Building the onramps for "sustainable mobility" at CO.LAB. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. 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. Suggest a scenic route/area about 1hr from Nashville., Nashville, 17 replies Dinner & A Drive . There are, and they're our favorites! Listen 28:54. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. 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. We guess it depends on just what you're looking for out of your Tennessee forest adventure! 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. Read our Privacy Policy. We asked a few locals what the one spot was that we had to see before leaving town and everyone agreed it was Signal Point. We found that this city really appreciated nature as much as we do, and has some of the most accessible trails of any city weve ever visited. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. Take Highway 31 from Nashville to go through Franklin (a great town) and get to Lewisburg. 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 Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. Did we miss any alternative routes? How many have you checked off your list? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. 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. One . Knoxville, Tenn. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the MexicanAmerican War. 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. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. 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. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. There are other options including I-40 to 441. 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. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. 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. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. Thank you! 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!). Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. 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.