8. 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! Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, has died at 61 We want to hear! Located out by Cade's Cove, Hyatt's Lane is a little piece of heaven that may take a bit of work from your GPS to find - we promise it's worth it! Nashville to Louisville - Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home. 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. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. Well, youll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. 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. The 212-mile road trip from Nashville to Memphis takes 3 hours to drive. On Feb. 18, 2022, Sizemore was hospitalized and placed in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm. . The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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. After purchasing a new bottling line in 2006, the winery now bottles up to 3,000 bottles of wine per hour. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. 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. Seriously, whats better than zip lining through the forest at night? This mountain pass flirts with both states and will have your camera and selfie game working overtime. The Last Great Colosseum. From farm-to-table dining to theme parks the kids will love, this Tennessee town is your perfect basecamp. CMP, Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. 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. Fly or Drive from Nashville to Knoxville What are the best stops on the drive from Nashville to Knoxville? In fact, this park has more visitors than if you were to combine the total number of people who visit Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. 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. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. From there youll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. 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. It is about a 2 hour. Additionally, travelers will pass through Morristown, an awesome pit-stop with plenty of options for shopping, sight-seeing, and dining. . Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Taking this route means youll be able to bypass Knoxville traffic while experiencing historical towns like Townsend and Wears Valley. One great drive is a scenic loop that begins by heading east from Tampa on I4 until you reach Highway 27. The actor was 61 years old. 10:00 am start in Nashville drive for about 54 minutes 10:54 am Gordonsville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:54 am drive for about 34 minutes 12:28 pm Cookeville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:28 pm drive for about 40 minutes 2:08 pm Crossville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:08 pm drive for about 1 hour 4:15 pm Loudon (Tennessee) If youre looking for things to do in Maryville, Townsend, or anywhere in Blount County, be sure to visit the Blount County Chamber of Commerces website for cool ideas and tips. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Stops and things to do on Nashville to Knoxville drive or road trip And there you have it! Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. Townsend is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as Cades Cove. Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. 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. 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. It's 43 miles of gorgeous, wonderful and great. 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. While Gay Street was the first paved road in Knoxville, its history goes even farther back. Were in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. CMP, Follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, Native Americans, and Tennessee Wildlife across the Cumberland Plateau from the Cumberland Gap to Dale Hollow Lake. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. You can make stops in between to explore the natural wonders along the way. Army troops began clearing brush and building bridges along the trail and in a few years a good section of the trail had been improved from a winding, narrow path to a wider more comfortable road for wagons and horses and began attracting numerous travelers in addition to the Boatmen. Nashville to Knoxville - 3 ways to travel via bus, shuttle - Rome2rio Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . Best stops along Nashville to Knoxville drive The top stops along the way from Nashville to Knoxville (with short detours) are Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Lost Sea Adventure, and Stones River National Battlefield. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. . Creativity in Tennessee shows in the music, food, spirits and art created here. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. This route is relatively straightforward, and will take you down a winding path that features breathtaking mountain views. Quick and Fun Day Trips From Nashville - TripSavvy eventually feeds into Chapman Highway / US Highway 441. This 200 mile route provides access to the mountains across seven counties. Distance from Nashville: Start your drive in Louisville, which is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Over twelve miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas. Distance: 135 miles. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. 14 Stops that Should Be on Every Tennessee Road Trip The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. 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. It was traveled by Native Americans . Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. Tap Add to Trip on anything you like. The best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville is in the spring. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Our stay was brief, but memorable nonetheless. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. Nashville to Knoxville drive - plan a road trip For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. 15 Best Day Trips from Knoxville (TN): Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Blue Ridge, Georgia Roanoke, Virginia Huntsville, Alabama Atlanta, Georgia Chattanooga Alpine Helen, Georgia Maggie Valley Asheville Treetops Adventures Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountain National Park Gatlinburg Dollywood Black Mountain Tugaloo State Park The tour also includes viewing archival footage of some of the most important moments in Opry history as well as 3D photographs. 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. 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. 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. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. Scenic cruise from Nashville to Atlanta | FerrariChat While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. Road Trip from Nashville to Memphis - LazyTrips Get more stories delivered right to your email. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Bing maps either takes us by rt 40 or rts 26 & 25. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. CMP, This scenic valley on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau contains four state parks, three state forests, and two state natural areas. 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. This is by far the most popular route to Pigeon https://tramadolhealth.com Forge, with more than 50,000 people driving through the Parkway every single day. Recreation Area in Hardin County Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. View Website Open in Google Maps. Which is your favorite? Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. You . Places to Visit During Your Nashville to Gatlinburg Drive One . The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Assistant Professor of Statistics/Mathematics, Department of 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. Total Distance: 150 Miles. 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. . Learn More Watch for a large, colorful sign . The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. 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. Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. 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. Road Trip USA: The Blue Ridge Parkway From Virginia To Tennessee You really can't go wrong with this one - it's easy and fun. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. Cosby If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN. Yall, were from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBeas breakfast is darn good. Gatlinburgs best feature is its natural beauty. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . If you dont already own an RV, check out these RV rentals in Nashville for an unforgettable adventure! After a beautiful 28 mile stretch through the National Forest youll continue on Highway 23 until you come to an intersection. 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. 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. 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? Tennessee Travel: The 15 Best Day Trips from Nashville So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. . Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. Cookeville is located one and half hours from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. In Sevierville, you wont feel like youve walked into Disneyland when you visit. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee? Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Listen 28:54. 12:51. We were welcomed with the warmest of greetings at The Tennessean Hotel. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan Distance from Nashville: 74 miles, 1 hour and 19 minutes Warren County's positioning between the Barren Fork and Collins River make it a must-visit for outdoor lovers, as do its nearby state parks, Rock Island and Fall Creek Falls. drive for about 1 hour. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. 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. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. Grab this Road Trip Guide. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. 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). Five Family-Friendly Spring Getaways Tennessee State Parks Knoxville, Tenn. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. 5 awesome road trips you can take from Nashville - The Points Guy Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. You can also take a backstage tour and learn more about how special effects are produced for the show. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs! 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. It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Youll find authentic charm in Sevierville. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes. Nashville to Knoxville RV Road Trip Guide (+ RV Rental) | RVshare Ive never stepped foot in such a massive space in my life. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee - My Pigeon Forge 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! We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. 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. 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 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! It was such a fun and memorable experience, and one Sarah and I will talk about for years to come. Choose your spice level from the heat-less Southern to the sizzling Shut the Cluck Up!! Rather than following I-75 to Knoxville, visitors seeking a more scenic drive south can take Highway 25 E south. drive for about 13 minutes. There sure are! (615) 741-0803. Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. Are there a lot of country roads in Tennessee? 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. Bleak House, a luxurious mansion that briefly served as a Confederate headquarters, is another highlight of the tour, as is Campbells Station, where the Battle of Knoxville raged. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. 10 Best Weekend Trips From Nashville TN (With Hotel Names) We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Learn about the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, the Appalachian crafts around every corner, and the areas long history of coal mining. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of Americas most beautiful and beloved parks. 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. On your road trip across Tennessee, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store in Jackson is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. These cookies do not store any personal information. All Rights Reserved. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. CMP, There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains. The area is full of natural beauty, from the towering mountains to the shimmering rivers. 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. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. Market Square is one of the most charming places to go in Knoxville, with an array of shops and restaurants lining the cobblestone sidewalks. 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. Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. Choose your own Tennessee vacation and discover new food, classic whiskey, rockin' music, and so much more. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. By 1820 the invention of the Steamboat allowed two way travel up and down the Mississippi and Ohio rivers meant the Trace began to lose its main customers. Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. There are, and they're our favorites! Lighted signs on lower Broadway in Nashville. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. Nashville to Knoxville Road Trip Itinerary. Did you pick a favorite? Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov Other popular stops include Market Square, The North Carolina Arboretum, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. 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. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator Read until the very end to learn everything there is to know about this amazing road trip. 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. Take exit 290 (Cookeville). Blue Ridge Parkway | Explore Virginia - myscenicdrives.com 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. . With its mountain summits and lush forests, East Tennessee is a major draw for many Knoxvillians. Go out, cruise, and get lost. The very best scenic backroads in Tennessee may be largely a matter of personal opinion, but many consider the Cherohala Skyway to be the most scenic drive, hands down. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Road Trip Itinerary: Asheville to Nashville - Road Trips For Families Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. 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. Youll find spectacular landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and fragrant trees, right in your own backyard. Tourist Attractions Within a Day's Drive from Knoxville, Tennessee Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, its time to hit the road. Tips to grow your RV rental business. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi.