This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. Take Highway 31 from Nashville to go through Franklin (a great town) and get to Lewisburg. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Thunder Valley. 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. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. Conveniently situated within just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham, Chattanooga, offers the opportunity to live and learn in an exciting and enchanting environment. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Scenic Roots - Tues 2/28/23 The Last Great Colosseum. Fly or Drive from Nashville to Knoxville The top stops along the way from Knoxville to Asheville (with short detours) are Sugarlands Distilling Company, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting. Listen 28:54. How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN? This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? 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! Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. 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. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Let us know on our Facebook page. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. The 12 Most Picturesque Small Towns in Tennessee - WorldAtlas The Top Secret Trail starts right in town and then heads east through the Upper Cumberland Plateau and through the Appalachian foothills. My Camera: https://amzn.to/3tbC8hOA quick drive from I-40 to the World's Fair Park (including the Sunsphere) and Knoxville Convention Center area of Knoxvill. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. Phone +1 800-525-7077. is a national scenic treasure. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. Tennessee Travel: The 15 Best Day Trips from Nashville It was also dog friendly, which we really appreciated. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. There are, and they're our favorites! 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)) Learn about the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, the Appalachian crafts around every corner, and the areas long history of coal mining. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. We want to hear! Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com Find a Scenic Drive Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. 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. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". Inside the Park. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Stops and things to do on Knoxville to Asheville drive or road trip Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? There sure are! Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. 7 Scenic Alternative Routes to Pigeon Forge 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. Nashville to Louisville - Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Read our Privacy Policy. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Read our privacy policy. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. Credit for Deal's Gap is most commonly given to North Carolina, but it actually lies on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, so we'll count it. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. $115. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. 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. The space is has a great vibe and best of all, served some truly authentic southern cuisine sourced from local farms in the area. Study Guide: Road Trip from Knoxville to Nashville - Atlas Obscura Pick one and drive on! The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. And when it comes to planning a road trip, theres no shortage of options for choosing a route. Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. 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. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. You'll find it along Little River Road, a beautiful, quiet backroad that boasts its pretty waterfall about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. A road trip is always better when filled with fun times and good tunes. Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 | MLS# 1215786 | Redfin Sizemore died Friday. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Distance: 135 miles. (615) 741-0803. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe 9. Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. Tips to grow your RV rental business. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. 7 scenic alternative routes to Pigeon Forge that help you skip traffic and see beautiful sights! 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. Knoxville, Tenn. One of the most popular scenic drives in the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway travels along the southern Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Share your thoughts in the comments! Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. 14 Stops that Should Be on Every Tennessee Road Trip 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. Cherokee is also home to Harrahs Cherokee Casino, one of the only casinos of the area. If you complete the trail from beginning to end, youll traverse nine state parks, plenty of hiking trails, and even some off-road trails for your ATV. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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. Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. Drive west about six miles from Morristown, Tennessee, and you will reach Panther Creek State Park. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. We took an easy 5-minute walk to Market Square and were met by hundreds of people enjoying a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. And there you have it! Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. Knoxville to Nashville - 3 ways to travel via car, shuttle - Rome2rio Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. All Rights Reserved. Whatcom Falls Park. From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. Road Trip from Nashville to Memphis - LazyTrips View Website Open in Google Maps. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. There are other options including I-40 to 441. eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. 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. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. It is a 315-acre nature center where visitors can enjoy environmental education programs, hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, or just a simple stroll through the outdoors. Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com 2. Carnton. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. CMP. . 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. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 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. A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. 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. 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! 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. With 75 overlooks and a speed limit of 35 mph, Skyline Drive is a true opportunity to take in the beauty of Shenandoah and a trip to the Luray Caverns is well worth a visit. Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, has died at 61 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. Come to find out, it was the hotels opening day, which made our time there all the more special. Address. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. 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. from Highway 321 roughly 4.5 miles outside of Maryville. 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. Thank you! Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. How Far is Gatlinburg to Drive From Nashville? - Cabins of the Smoky Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. No matter which season you end up in Pigeon Forge, youll find something to celebrate. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip - Travel As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. 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. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. 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. They were paving the track for an upcoming race so we werent able to take a car around the track, but we enjoyed hiking up the hundreds of steps to the top of the arena and checking out the views. Asheville NC to Knoxville TN road trip - Tennessee Forum What is it? Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. 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. Driving Time from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN - Travelmath 6:01 pm Grand Ole Opry. The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. Recreation Area in Hardin County For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, a quiet drive through the park is sure to give you the natural infusion your heart needs. Benefits: A beautiful drive down historic Highway 25 E, cool towns along the way such as Morristown, lake and reservoir views, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/kPV5rbtvnrx. Once you pass the Sugarlands Riding Stables you should come to the Gatlinburg bypass on your left. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. Born in Detroit, Sizemore grew up watching movies with his mother. The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. 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. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. The idea is a stress free, scenic, and enjoyable ride in an auto, RV, motorcycle, or road bike (theres a special network of rustic campsites reserved for bike riders). Thank you! The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. . Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. 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. 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. Following US-441 will take you the back way to Sevierville. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. 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. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina - Unpacked 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. Grab this Road Trip Guide. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. No thanks, Im not into adventure 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. 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. Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Tampa: A One-Day Scenic Drive - 10Best