You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. Own a cabin, A-frame, yurt, or other outdoor stay? And there you have it! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its beautiful and diverse scenery. 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! If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. 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. The parkway roughly follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail whose roots goes back to the 1600s evolving from hunting trails used by the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians. 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. Enter the park at the Gatlinburg entrance and stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. After our visit to the Aquarium, we made our way to Songbirds Guitar Museum. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! Have you traveled anywhere on our list? By 1800 Nashville had become the most significant community in the Kentucky-Tennessee territory. 2. 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. 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. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. Land Between the Lakes is a 170,000-acre national recreation area in Western Kentucky located just off I-24, about 90 miles north of Nashville. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . Spend the day at beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, or kill a whole weekend camping at Lone Mountain State Forest. How a weekend exploring Chattanooga and Knoxville turned a couple Austinites into lifelong fans of Tennessee. How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN? This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. 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. One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. Web Visit website. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of Americas most beautiful and beloved parks. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. In the summer, Splash Country, the Dollywood water park, is the place to cool off. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. 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. 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. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. Whatcom Falls Park. Travelers on this route will take I-40 West Towards Knoxville and follow the interstate to Exit 27in Clyde, NC and enter into Highway 74. The driving tour starts on Chapman Highway at Fort Dickerson, a site of conflict between the Union and Confederate armies. A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. (Knoxville MLS) For Sale: Scenic Dr, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 $47,500 MLS# 1215786 Incredible price for a mostly level lot surrounded by nature! West Virginia Scenic Drive #1 - The Highland Scenic Highway. Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Today, stroll the street for shopping, dining and entertainment. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. Following US-441 will take you the back way to Sevierville. 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. stay for about 1 hour. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. Let us know on our Facebook page. The colors are beautiful in autumn, by the way, so plan accordingly! One . Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. 7 scenic alternative routes to Pigeon Forge that help you skip traffic and see beautiful sights! Stop in Chattanooga and go to the Aquarium or Rock City or stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for a few minutes. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lookout tower at the park visitor center. 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 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). Did we miss any alternative routes? Photo by Wes Ramey of the Dollywood Company, The Ober Gatlinburg tram in summer next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. All Rights Reserved. After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. drive for about 13 minutes. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the river running alongside the road and the prepossessingmountain views. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. 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. Yes! Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! Learn more about Construction (lettings, bidding, contracts)? It's known as the, "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. 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. 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. Sometimes when the week gets rough, all you want to do is just in the car with a fabulous playlist of tunes and a long open road in front of you. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, our . 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. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. It was traveled by Native Americans . Which is your favorite? 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 Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga on the beautiful riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is the top-rated aquarium for guest satisfaction. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but dont let the hullabaloo fool you. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. 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. Sometimes, though, taking the beaten path may mean sitting in traffic with rush hour or in line with the thousands of other visitors coming to Pigeon Forge. The is the oldest scenic byway in North America. 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. driving 4 hours. $115. Youll cross over the breathtaking Cherokee Reservoir before driving through Morristown, and will then cross over Douglas Lake. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Though it is definitely beautiful all year round, the road is super-lush during the warmer months. Read about it in our. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. I drive for work every Thursday to Cookeville and back and do the Highland Rim section every time. Hop out and take a ride on the aerial tramway, catch a show at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, or sip some legally produced moonshine at the Ole Smoky Distillery. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. (youll know to turn when you see the Taco Bell). Menu. (615) 741-0803. Next, we'll cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in . 8. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. 2. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. 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. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Whatcom Falls Park offers a peaceful retreat from city life and is home to stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a picturesque lake. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . Knoxville, Tenn. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. We care about the protection of your data. 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. Love Tennessee? In this road trip guide, we'll be highlighting four stops starting in Nashville, the country music capital of the world, and heading east through the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains to Knoxville. It's particularly beautiful this time of year as the leaves fade from green to gold. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 1. 733 mi. "Ridges to Rivers" flows into action at Tennessee Aquarium. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Waldens Ridge, and you'll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you. While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . Read our Privacy Policy. Featured Trip Guides. These two routes will help you bypass Knoxville and offers and easy-going drive. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. 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. 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. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. . They're beautiful, with hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and tons of waterfalls, ponds, and springs for your enjoyment. We really enjoyed seeing the progression of how guitars varied from different decades, and loved getting access to the private vault, where we got to see some of the rarest and most prized guitars in the world. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Lots of maps, easy to read text, and photos. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. Driving along I-75 south, youll follow the interstate to US-441 / Henley St. once you pass through Knoxville, rather than entering I-40. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. Go out, cruise, and get lost. Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. Memphis, TN 450 miles/ 6h 30m from Dallas . 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. As River Divide Rd. Re: nashville to asheville, scenic drive from knoxville to ashe? Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). 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. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. All Rights Reserved. 12:51. 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. Continuing on US-441 for around five miles, youll find yourself in Cherokee, NC. Highway 25 E is a beautiful drive with a long history as Thunder Road, the moonshine highway. 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. Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. Lighted signs on lower Broadway in Nashville. From Google Maps 7. Get exclusive benefits and discounted fees for a limited time. 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. Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The navigation said it would take us 17 hours to make the trek to Eastern TN from Austin, Texas and let me tell you, every hour of that drive was worth what we were about to experience. Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. irish foreign births register tracking,