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. Bing maps either takes us by rt 40 or rts 26 & 25. 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!). Your first stop is the city's famous Gay Street. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. 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. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon. Today, stroll the street for shopping, dining and entertainment. 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. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Recreation Area in Hardin County Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 6:01 pm Grand Ole Opry. For the next 50 years European influence expanded in the area between the lower Mississippi valley in Natchez and the Ohio River and Cumberland River valleys in the north. You . Conflicts with the native Natchez people ensued and by 1735 the Natchez Indian community in the area was essentially wiped out and the village of Natchez began to form. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. Then its easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. Youll find lots of craft shops and one-of-a-kind stores in this town. 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. View Website Open in Google Maps. The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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). The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. 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. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. Our stay was brief, but memorable nonetheless. Though it is definitely beautiful all year round, the road is super-lush during the warmer months. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. We honestly have never been too interested in Nascar, but we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the sport. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. The direct drive from Pigeon Forge to Nashville takes approximately 213 mi (342 km), and the drive should take approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes in normal traffic. $115. Exploring Family Fun In Pigeon Forge, Tn Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination for both tourists and residents. How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to 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. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. 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! Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. There are 3 ways to get from Nashville to Knoxville by bus, shuttle, car or plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Lewisburg is West of Shelbyville, so if you go the former route you can go through both towns in one drive. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? The drive from Nashville to Knoxville is approximately 180 miles and takes about three hours. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. Share. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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? Sizemore died Friday. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. 2. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. Love Tennessee? Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. Around 1700 French explorers and traders established a trading post near the present day Natchez and later Fort Rosalie constructed as the European population in the area expanded. CMP, There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. Take This Trip. The Last Great Colosseum. youll pass right by Dollywood and be dropped off on the parkway in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. 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. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . Overton County, Tennessee, is an absolutely STUNNING bit of the state, and we found a million and a half little roads here with great views. 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. 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. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. A drive that's love to see AND historic. Theres also plenty of shops and cool restaurants to check out in Townsend. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. We dont blame you one bit! Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. 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. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. 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. In addition a new road, called Jacksons Military Road was being constructed. Its no wonder this park receives more visitors than any other in the country. We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. 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. From there youll be travelling along beautiful Highway 411 north for 25.1 miles, experiencing peaceful ruralviews along the way. Tips to grow your RV rental business. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. Distance: 135 miles. From there, youll enter Highway 321, which will take you through Maryville. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. 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. 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. 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. Planning on visiting Pigeon Forge? Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Benefits: Shorter drive than via I-40 east, travel through Seymour, scenicfinal stretch, Google Map link:https://goo.gl/maps/QLKErrGeCMm. On your road trip across Tennessee, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store in Jackson is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. Start by driving about 35 miles southeast to Gatlinburg, where youll find the welcome center for the state park. 5 years ago Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. Youll travel along Highway 19 for several miles, eventually coming to Cherokee, NC. Info on total road trip time, mileage, places to visit, explore & much more! 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. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Im telling you, weve seen a lot of really beautiful places, but this view, especially at sunset, was one of the most stunning. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. There are, and they're our favorites! CMP. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. For those looking to find a bite while in the downtown district, Market Square is the perfect spot for some classic southern cooking. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. Eventually, youll come to a junction after passing Maryville High School where youll turn right onto Highway 321, W. Lamar Alexander Parkway. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. Go out, cruise, and get lost. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. (615) 741-0803. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. Scenic Drives in the Great Smoky Mountains Cades Cove Loop Road Newfound Gap Road Upper Tremont Road Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail National Park Cades Cove Clingmans Dome Foliage Hiking Scenic Drives Waterfall Hikes Wildlife with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Slate at 901: Things to Do in Knoxville, TN 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. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. 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. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. How many have you checked off your list? It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? 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. Are you a Snowbird having trouble finding an RV site along the Gulf Coast? One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas The actor was 61 years old. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator 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. After all, the city boasts free music all the time.. Whether youd rather explore Knoxville or discover the great outdoors, adventure awaits. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. Read our privacy policy. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. Posted July 18, 2016 by Dusty Camp. Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. Learn more about Construction (lettings, bidding, contracts)? The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. Ten minutes from the central entrance to Skyline, Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878, is one of the largest and most popular caves in the U.S, where your family will explore . 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. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Listen 28:54. Check this article out! Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. Just us 2 in our 50's. I love driving and would like to take the most scenic route. If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee 1. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. is a national scenic treasure. 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. Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road to see picturesque rolling mountains or hike the Grotto Trail to see stunning cascading waterfalls. We had the privilege of exploring Eastern Tennessee, starting in Chattanooga and making our way up north through Knoxville and eventually arrive in Bristol. 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. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr 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. 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. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the MexicanAmerican War. 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. It was the site of the 1796 Constitutional Convention, which resulted in Tennessee gaining statehood, and a boiling point for both Union and Confederate armies on the eve of the Civil War. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. 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. 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. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. The location is by far the coolest location of any aquarium Ive ever seen, sitting right on the Tennessee River. Nashville, TN 37203 Click Here for Directions to the Parthenon from Memphis taking the direct I-40 route. One great drive is a scenic loop that begins by heading east from Tampa on I4 until you reach Highway 27. Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. Take I-75 North from Atlanta to Exit 293; follow the fork to the right to enter onto 411. Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? From there we walked north and enjoyed amazing coffee at Remedy Coffee. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! Featured Trip Guides. For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of Americas most beautiful and beloved parks. NASCAR and NHRA Fans #1 Facility. 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. This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. He became fascinated with Robert De Niro's performance in Taxi Driver, as he told the website Decider in 2022. This route is relatively straightforward, and will take you down a winding path that features breathtaking mountain views. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. Read about it in our. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. 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. Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. 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. 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. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". Thank you! Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. Best stops along Knoxville to Asheville drive. Learn about the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, the Appalachian crafts around every corner, and the areas long history of coal mining. 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 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.

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