Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. 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. 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 drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. Benefits: Drive through a national forest and a national park on your way to Pigeon Forge, visit several small historic towns, experience the cultural center that is Cherokee, NC, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/ZJHCFWCSjJ62. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Looking for more ideas for scenic drives in Tennessee? When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. 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. The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee 1. 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 By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. After our visit to the Aquarium, we made our way to Songbirds Guitar Museum. Knoxville tours cover the gamut of interests, from moonshine and local craft beer to aerial helicopter tours and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just an hour away. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Adventure awaits along the Ocoee Scenic Byway. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Read our privacy policy. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. 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. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! The colors are beautiful in autumn, by the way, so plan accordingly! Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Theres always this unique excitement that wells up inside us whenever we are heading out to a destination weve never experienced before. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. CMP. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Check out these perfect pet-friendly parks which make some of the best places to walk, exercise, and have fun with your pup in Tennessee. stay for about 1 hour. We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. 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. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. 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. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. However, before getting to Chattanooga, we're going to take a quick stop off into Murfreesboro. While music may be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks Nashville, if youre a foodie, Nashville Hot Chicken is a close second. 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. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. from Highway 321 roughly 4.5 miles outside of Maryville. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. Grab this Road Trip Guide. There are, and they're our favorites! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. . CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. 2. Stonehaus Winery, 2444 Genesis Rd # 103, Crossville, TN, USA, +1 931 484 9463. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. 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. Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. 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. Key Stops: Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek. The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. 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. We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey. Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. Are there a lot of country roads in Tennessee? stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort. . It was truly a special place to visit. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. . We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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. As River Divide Rd. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. 8. Bring your fishing poles or a boat, and enjoy some of Tennessees most scenic lakes. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. 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. The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. 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. A Nashville to Knoxville road trip will satisfy your craving for an exciting getaway, whether you want to hike through one of Tennessees many state parks or explore the rich history of two of its most iconic cities. These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, Take These 10 Country Roads In Tennessee For A Scenic Drive, 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, 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, The Lighthouse Road Trip In Tennessee Thats Dreamily Beautiful, Take This Road Trip Through Tennessees Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience. Will be driving from Asheville to Knoxville in July for our journey to Nashville. An hour's drive southeast from Knoxville on U.S. Route 441 takes you to Gatlinburg, a small town at the threshold of the immensely popular -- and admission free -- Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Inside the Park. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. 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. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. 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. We took an easy 5-minute walk to Market Square and were met by hundreds of people enjoying a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its beautiful and diverse scenery. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. 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. Youll find authentic charm in Sevierville. Encompassing more than 24,000 acres of wilderness area, Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area is named for a 3,324-foot peak in the Cumberland Mountains. eat at Bluebird Cafe. Following US-441 will take you the back way to Sevierville. Dont forget the sweet tea. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Share your thoughts in the comments! Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. 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. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. You . Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right.