7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. 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. There sure are! 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. Events include music festivals, turkey shoots in November, and model airplane competitions in the fall. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. I-40W from Knoxville to Nashville | Visit Nashville TN Copyright - PigeonForgeChamber.com & Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. 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. Carnton. Utilities are underground - water, electric and fiber optics. A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Stops and things to do on Nashville to Knoxville drive or road trip You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. Art & Adventures: The Ultimate Guide To Knoxville & Things To Do In the winter, stroll through four million twinkling lights at Dollywoods Smoky Mountain Christmas. 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. These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. Today, you can enjoy a scenic drive along as much, or as little of it, as you please. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. Choose your spice level from the heat-less Southern to the sizzling Shut the Cluck Up!! Tags: Around Town, Scenic Drives, Travel Posted in Let us know on our Facebook page. 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. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. Report inappropriate content 2. Read our privacy policy. Folks that prefer to travel by I-75 North to Tennessee can just take Exit 27 at Lenoir City to directly enter Highway 321. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. 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! Once you enter Highway 19 youll see beautiful Lake Junaluska to your right. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City. CMP, With 440 miles of scenic roadway through countryside shaped by the Tennessee River travelers have access to significant wildlife areas. Veterans has much less traffic than the Parkway while running parallel to it. 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. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Tennessees collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Just one hour east of Nashville, Edgar Evins is a hot spot for wildflowers amidst lake views. 8. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. History buffs will love the Knoxville Civil War Trail, which routes drivers through some of the most notable scenes in the Knoxville area. 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. 1. Trucks and commercial vehicles arent allowed on the parkway. So gas up your car or RV and hit the open road. Key Stops: Highland Scenic Highway, Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek. West Virginia Scenic Drive #1 - The Highland Scenic Highway. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the MexicanAmerican War. Exactly as you describe it. 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. 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. The Ocoee Scenic Byway is made up of a 26-mile route that takes you through the beautiful and rocky bluffs of the Ocoee River Gorge. 12:51. Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee. The bypass will take you around Gatlinburg traffic and drop you off in the wooded area connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, know to locals as The Spur, which will take you directly to Pigeon Forge, TN. 7. Popular sites include Jackson, Dunbar Cave and David Crockett State Parks, Tennessee Safari Park, Discovery Park of America, Holly Springs National Forest as well as Graceland. The Woodlands Trace also has hiking, camping, boating and wildlife encounter opportunities along the way. Hit the Road With the Best Scenic Drives Around Nashville 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. A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop We think that for many people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on such a unique train. Sunset on the Tennessee River at Bruton Branch travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. Many back roads in The Volunteer State rank among the very best scenic drives in Tennessee, as they treat drivers to views that are downright remarkable. 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. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. Quick and Fun Day Trips From Nashville - TripSavvy Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Scenic Roadways - Tennessee It ends in Knoxville, Tennessee. . Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. Read about it in our. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. Why? A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. 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. The cliff-hugging road offers sweeping views, fascinating and diverse flora and fauna, geologic wonders and a myriad of recreation opportunities. The town is home to numerous events and festivals, ideal for adding an exciting touch to your scenic trip. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. Hit the open road in your new Toyota and get some fresh air with one of these four scenic drives in the Knoxville area. 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. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan 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. 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, One Of The Most Scenic Drives In America Is Right Here In Tennessee, Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Tennessee Like Never Before, These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, The 11 Best Backroads In Tennessee For A Long Scenic Drive, 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. Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. COOKEVILLE, TN (A Short Drive to Nashville, Knoxville & The Great Smoky Mountains) . We LOVED the energy of the square. Inside the Park. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. 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. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. Hours Of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sundays 1-5 PM. 12 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Bellingham, WA | Redfin 1 Five Family-Friendly Spring Getaways Tennessee State Parks