From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. Cant get enough of Tennessee road trips? The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. CMP, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. 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. travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. Benefits: Skip Knoxville traffic, drive through historic towns, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/957KV9nnXM12. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. 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. Regardless of its origin, youll want to follow our peoples example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. 1 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. We LOVED the energy of the square. Stop in Chattanooga and go to the Aquarium or Rock City or stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo for a few minutes. 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. The possibilities are endless, and they've got some intriguing names, as well. Phone +1 800-525-7077. 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. Take US 64 for 26 miles and you'll pass through Cherokee National Forest as you drive next to the Ocoee River. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. Another great stop along this route is Wears Valley, a small town with a big personality and lots of history. Take This Trip. We didnt really know what to expect from Knoxville. Get exclusive benefits and discounted fees for a limited time. That was great description of I-40 nashvols. 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. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. This entrance leads visitors into a vestige of the Cumberland Plateau, which is unspoiled and densely forested. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. The museum is one of Chattanoogas newest additions and apparently has the largest collection of vinatge guitars in the USA. We took an easy 5-minute walk to Market Square and were met by hundreds of people enjoying a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. CMP, This scenic valley on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau contains four state parks, three state forests, and two state natural areas. Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. Dont forget the sweet tea. 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. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. 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. You can find many natural wonders, such as Great Falls and Twin Falls. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater, approximately one hour south of Knoxville, TN. At this point, youll take a right to continue onto Highway 23 and continue north until Highway 23 ends. . Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. Dubbed the Scenic City,' and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown . 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! We care about the protection of your data. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. Thunder Valley. 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. Love Tennessee? Scenic RoadwaysCoordinator This route is an excellent choice for northbound travelers that dislike the interstate or those that crave rural views. 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. From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. 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. Throughout the 20 minutes', you'll traverse 5 miles (8 km) through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee from an overlook along Tharp Trace. "For a nice stroll with lovely scenic views of the Cumberland river & downtown Nashville, this can't." more. Tennessee, you were amazing we cant wait to return! 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. Drive three hours east to get to Knoxville, Tenn. 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. Thank you! Whatcom Falls Park. A pandemic-friendly activity is to do a car tour of the park's 384 miles of road, . Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. View our suggested park itinerariesfor more park activity ideas. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. 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 . 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. 2. Escalators move you from level to level allowing you to see everything from local river otters to the new Lemur Forest. 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. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". 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. Exactly as you describe it. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. . 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). We grew up doing summer camp and on occasion did ropes courses and such, but really didnt know what this experience would be like. Knoxville, Tenn. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. You can join their daily tours to learn more about the caverns history, take a boat ride on the underground sea, or hike the trails. Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. Menu. About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page), Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1, Nearby Places of InterestHistoric Natchez, MississippiShiloh Military Park. The total driving time is 2 hours, 42 minutes. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. See this and other recommended guides for scenic travel, camping, and RVing. Turn right and drive along the French Broad River to Marshall. We dont blame you one bit! 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. When you research the Pigeon River, youd think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Though it is definitely beautiful all year round, the road is super-lush during the warmer months. 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 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. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessees Scenic Handbookor the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum. Once you cross the bridge that transverses the Oconaluftee River, youll take your first right to enter Highway 441 / Tsali Blvd. Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. Overall, what more could you want in a trip? Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. 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. CMP, By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. Featured Trip Guides. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? 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. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. No matter which season you end up in Pigeon Forge, youll find something to celebrate. 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. The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee at Revelator Coffee Co, and then made the 2-hour trek northeast to Knoxville. stay for about 1 hour. Little River Road daveynin/Flickr . We want to hear! Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. Sizemore died Friday. By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. Most of us probably know the way by heart, taking Exit 407 from I-40 and following the Parkway to thedestination. 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. Share. One . 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. Yes! 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. The entire aquarium is set up for you to travel through it as if you were drops of rain in the ecosystem. 5 years ago Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. From there, head north and let the adventure begin. The Knoxville Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? 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. driving 4 hours. We immediately headed to the Bristol Motor Speedway to check out this world-renowned racetrack. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. For the unofficial start to summer, visit the last week of May for the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! Travelling down I-75 South take Exit 29 in Corbin, KY to enter Highway 25 E. This route will take you south through Kentucky and into northeast Tennessee. 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. Perfect East Coast Road Trip Planner USA; Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 - 25 days Ultimate Florida Itinerary 10 days - Best Of Florida Road trip (with Map + Key West)) Carnton. 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. Sarah and I love the outdoors, and really value getting out with our dog Aspen and hiking for miles. Address. Share your thoughts in the comments!