At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? Read more on USA Road Trips. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. 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. We want to hear! 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. Thank you! Are you a Snowbird having trouble finding an RV site along the Gulf Coast? This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. 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. . Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. Why? 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 Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 7 scenic alternative routes to Pigeon Forge that help you skip traffic and see beautiful sights! A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). Love Tennessee? One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. It was truly a special place to visit. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. 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. Motorcyclists and sports car drivers come from all over the world to make their mark on this iconic road that carves its way through the east Tennessee mountains. 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. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. 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. We arrived at the course and after a 5-minute hike through the forest showed up at a fully lit up adventure-forest-world that looked like something out of Avatar. We LOVED the energy of the square. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. 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. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 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. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. (Knoxville MLS) For Sale: Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 $47,500 MLS# 1215786 Incredible price for a mostly level lot surrounded by nature! stay for about 1 hour. Road Trips. The scenery surrounding the two-lane route includes mountain peaks and rock bluffs, as well as access to sites that explore Civil War history and Cherokee Indian culture. By 1900, due to improvements in river travel and the competition from more recent roadways, the Trace had reverted to a wilderness state along much of its original course. Sign up for our newsletter and deals from our partners. Main Routes: HWY 150, HWY 55, HWY 15. 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. Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. Sizemore died Friday. 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 (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. 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. Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. From the mysterious Lost Sea Caverns to the amazing Great Smoky Mountains National Park, youre sure to have a wonderful time as you explore what these cities have to offer. Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. Tips to grow your RV rental business. 2. It is about a 2 hour. 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. 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. Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. 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). We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. Whatcom Falls Park. 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. Exactly as you describe it. After about 5 miles on Chapman Highway, youll take a right onto River Divide Rd., the latter half of which runs alongside the West Prong Little Pigeon River. 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. There are other options including I-40 to 441. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. 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. 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. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Around Knoxville | Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. 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. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. Following US-441 will take you the back way to Sevierville. The "straight line" from Knoxville to Chattanooga is a two-hour drive along I-75. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Phone +1 800-525-7077. 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. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. Thank you! The drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. "for a summertime experience with wonderful music, outstanding food, and scenic views." more. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. 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. One great drive is a scenic loop that begins by heading east from Tampa on I4 until you reach Highway 27. 1 After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop 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. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. 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. Carnton. 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. Cherokee is also home to Harrahs Cherokee Casino, one of the only casinos of the area. Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! 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. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. Additionally, travelers will pass through Morristown, an awesome pit-stop with plenty of options for shopping, sight-seeing, and dining. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. 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. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Make your way through South Cumberland State Park for a view of Grundy State Forest, a facet of Tennessee protected land that hides not one, not two, but FIVE waterfalls in its heart. 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. . Read about it in our. 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. See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. tree-based adventure park. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. 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. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee 1. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. You can spend as much time as you want in and around Centennial Park but if you are focused solely on exploring the Parthenon, you can experience both inside and out in less than 2 hours. Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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). This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. Its no wonder this park receives more visitors than any other in the country. 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. is a national scenic treasure. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 43m. Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. 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? Take Nolensville Pike from Nashville to go through Nolensville, Henry Horton State Park, and then arrive in Shelbyville. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. How amazing is that?! From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. 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. 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. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. 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. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. Cosby Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. Go out, cruise, and get lost. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 5 years ago driving 4 hours. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. By 1810 an estimated 10,000 Boatmen (called Kaintucks) were using the Trace and the two towns at either end (Natchez and Nashville) had become cemented as major communities. 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. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. The location is by far the coolest location of any aquarium Ive ever seen, sitting right on the Tennessee River. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. and leave at 7:01 pm. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. 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. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? Suggest a scenic route/area about 1hr from Nashville., Nashville, 17 replies Dinner & A Drive . In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. 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. 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. Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state. On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. 8. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Benefits: Bypass traffic in Knoxville and Exit 407 on I-40, beautiful rural views, historical towns, travel alongside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Google Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/apPVyH6EMQK2. . Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. Mileage: The length of the trip is 221 miles. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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. 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! Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. Slate at 901: Things to Do in Knoxville, TN Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. . Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. 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. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd.
