Experience where country music stars and fans align. Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). Recommended option Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City 1. 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. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. Check this article out! Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. 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. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! . Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. It was traveled by Native Americans . Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. CMP, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. Take this exit and youll go through another amazingly scenic drive, complete with mountain overlooks with a birds eye view of Gatlinburg. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Menu. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. Web Visit website. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. 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. By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. The area is full of natural beauty, from the towering mountains to the shimmering rivers. 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. 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. After our visit to the Aquarium, we made our way to Songbirds Guitar Museum. We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. 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. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . On your road trip across Tennessee, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store in Jackson is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. . Read our Privacy Policy. I drive for work every Thursday to Cookeville and back and do the Highland Rim section every time. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. 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. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. 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. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. 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. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The colors are beautiful in autumn, by the way, so plan accordingly! 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 Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. from Highway 321 roughly 4.5 miles outside of Maryville. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. Take Nolensville Pike from Nashville to go through Nolensville, Henry Horton State Park, and then arrive in Shelbyville. 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. Distance: 135 miles. Youll cross the Little Tennessee River before you enter into Maryville. Our first morning started off on the right foot, waking up in our tent on the Tennessee Georgia border, just shy of the city. We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. 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. 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. Eventually, youll come to a junction after passing Maryville High School where youll turn right onto Highway 321, W. Lamar Alexander Parkway. 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. From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. Photo by Wes Ramey of the Dollywood Company, The Ober Gatlinburg tram in summer next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Smack in the middle of Tenn. lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? (615) 741-0803. Conveniently located near Interstate 24, about 20 miles to Downtown Chattanooga and only about 90 miles to Nashville. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. We love sharing, so be sure to share this article with your friends. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. 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. 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. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the MexicanAmerican War. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. 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, One Of The Most Scenic Drives In America Is Right Here In Tennessee, Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Tennessee Like Never Before, These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, The 11 Best Backroads In Tennessee For A Long Scenic Drive, 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. We want to hear! Around Knoxville | When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. Travelling down I-75 South take Exit 29 in Corbin, KY to enter Highway 25 E. This route will take you south through Kentucky and into northeast Tennessee. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. Recreation Area in Hardin County 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). Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. Which is your favorite? Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. Address. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN? Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving! Then, stretch your legs, head to the Music City Walk of Fame on Nashvilles Music Mile to see the names of accomplished artists with a Nashville connection of all musical genres. Are you a Snowbird having trouble finding an RV site along the Gulf Coast? Known for its rhododendron fields, take a drive along this lovely east Tennessee road and enjoy views of the hollows and ridges that dot the mountain. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. 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 Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. drive to Memphis Tennessee. No thanks, Im not into adventure The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. This park is also home to many animals, so if youre someone who loves wildlife and birding, keep an eye out for osprey and great blue herons! John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. 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. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. 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! If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. Following US-441 will take you the back way to Sevierville. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator 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. Featured Trip Guides. For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Key Stops: Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek. Go out, cruise, and get lost. 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. 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. The is the oldest scenic byway in North America. If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. is a national scenic treasure. 7. Thank you! Get exclusive benefits and discounted fees for a limited time. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. 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. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. drive for about 1 hour. 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. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance.