scenic route from nashville to gatlinburg scenic route from nashville to gatlinburg

I-40 West to Exit 443 (Foothills Parkway - toward Gatlinburg/Great Smoky Mountains National Park). Located on the Alum Cave Trail, Inspiration Point offers beautiful views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies. Townsville, a site inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, is also one of three gateways to the national park. Even though you could do the trip in less than a day, it is best to devote two to three days to the road trip alone and appreciate the mountainous landscapes of East Tennessee. You can also make a detour to Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests here by following US-74 past Cleveland. To the east is the Forbidden Caverns, a vast underground cave system. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes and Bloomberg. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. 7 Days From $1,299pp. $221 - $241. If not making this detour, follow I-24 and detour later on, before crossing Nickajack Lake by following US-72. Want to extend your trip and add on even more southern-favorite destinations? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Although a trip to Gatlinburg might sound very appealing from June through August, you should reserve hotel rooms or cabins up to a year in advance. Even though you could do the trip in less than a day, it is best to devote two to three days to the road trip alone and appreciate the mountainous landscapes of East Tennessee. From the observation tower, you can get 360-degree views. Event Details . Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Here are 6 Gatlinburg scenic drives you won't want to miss when visiting the area. Boston, MA Washington, DC Shenandoah National Park, VA Pigeon Forge, TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Washington, DC Boston, MA. Ober Gatlinburgs aerial tramway offers views along the trip as well as a spectacular view once you reach the ski resort, amusement park and scenic mountain getaway. Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville Located around a man-made lake named Byrd, the Cumberland Mountain State Park provides countless recreational activities and interpretive programs along with numerous options for overnight accommodations. Follow Interstate 40 (I-40) out of the city and take Exit 407 towards TN-66. For the best views, you can get into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When all is said and done, youd spend more time getting to Gatlinburg from Nashville via flying than you would if you just drove. Drive past Douglas Lake, through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge where you can visit Dollywood and TITANIC Museum Attraction. The Read House is an excellent resort with luxurious, atmospheric chandeliers and dark wooden dcor that strongly contributes to the classy and elegant ambience. It is an 11-mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a relaxing pace. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Why not budget some time for some cool mini-attractions? Reelfoot Lake You could also visit the Museum of East Tennessee History and learn about the regions culture, art and textiles. Looking for chef to come to rented cabin for a special dinne, Shades of the Past 2023/Events in September. Take I-40 E and take the Lenoir City exit. A view from the Clingmans Dome Observation tower offers one of the best views in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Marie Graichen/TheSmokies.com). Cannonsburgh Village is likewise a popular historic attraction, with its living history displays reflecting daily Tennessee life in the 1830s. Dont worry, though its not that much longer. 10. Back on the main route, stick to the interstate until you reach Chattanooga, there you could detour northward to Cloudland Canyon State Park. Camping at Disney: Tips and Tricks for Travelers 9 Best Resorts in Arizona | A Definitive Guide, Six Tips to Capture Your Travel Memories in Beautiful Photos, Six Important Steps to Take if Youre Hit by a Car While Out Walking in Atlanta, Best Tips for College Students to Travel While Studying, Things to do at Liberty Lagoon Water Park, Things to do at Liberty Lagoon Water Park: Baton Rouge, LA. The peak tourist season is summer, when temperatures are usually soaring in the 80s, sometimes even above that. You can enjoy the fresh air by taking nature walks or getting your daily exercise through local hiking trails. However, if youre staying in Gatlinburg for the rest of your Tennessee road trip, youll find plenty to do here without leaving for even a second. Hotel Margaritaville is an eccentric paradise for those who enjoy bright colors, coastal themes and the welcoming feel of a quirky dcor. However, why just take the fastest route without stopping a while to look around? How far from Ashville NC to Gatlinburg/Pigion Forge? If you were to drive direct from Gatlinburg to the start of the Cades Cove Loop Road, it will take 1-1.5 hours if you were to include likely traffic. This narrow, winding trail offers a spectacular view of mountain streams, forests, log cabins, and a historic mill! The overlooks view of the darkening mountains meeting the oranges, pinks, reds and yellows of the sky is like something out of a poem or an impressionist painting. Continuing Education ActivityA medication administration route is often classified by the location at which the drug is applied, such as oral or intravenous. After spending a full day outdoors, you can relax at the hotel's decadent spa or fabulous outdoor pool before heading to the on-site restaurant for a meal on the exceptionally manicured garden patio, if the weather allows. Gatlinburg was built on a rich and interesting history (left photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com; right photo public domain), Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. The 195-foot-tall lookout spot has been a tourist destination since 1929. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. The best and most scenic road trip route from Nashville to Gatlinburg will take around 5 hours of driving and will cover 295 miles. The top cities between Nashville and Gatlinburg are Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville, and Townsend. Back on the main route, stick to the interstate until you reach Chattanooga, there you could detour northward to Cloudland Canyon State Park. Once youve thoroughly explored the historic side of Murfreesboro, you can head on down to Chattanooga, which takes just an hour and a half, or 100 miles. About halfway along the Foothills Parkway is Look Rock. The road is flat but curvy. Otherwise, take Interstate 75 (I-75) towards Knoxville where you can take time to explore the city. Road Trip Itinerary: Asheville to Nashville. My partner and myself are planning a drive from Wilmington to Nashville with 3 nights on the road. It is found just across the state line in Tennessee. There are other options including I-40 to 441. 2530 Parkway , Between Light 2B & 3 Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. I believe that, at the right time of year, it is one of the best scenic views in the United States. How do you get to Pigeon Forge without going through the mountains? While driving, keep your eyes open for white deer, coyote, elk, fox and black bears. Roaring Fork is an exceptional value in terms of time invested to get the best of the good stuff. The Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion will be held at the beautiful LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. more. SOLD FEB 9, 2023. Trip Details. On clear days, you can see over 100 miles, but due to air pollution, the view is often less than 20 miles. Just past the visitor center is the intersection with Newfound Gap Road/ hwy 441. It's popular because it leads the driver straight through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a number of picturesque landscapes on their way to Gatlinburg. 469-mile The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway follows the ridge of the mountain chain across Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. Year Built . If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. You can ski, snowboard, and tube the mountain . Although a trip to Gatlinburg might sound very appealing from June through August, you should reserve hotel rooms or cabins up to a year in advance. 3 Beds. Holly Riddle is a freelance lifestyle and business journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. From here you are just 18 miles from Maryville in Blount County, one of the gateway counties to Great Smoky Mountains . Nashville, TN 37203. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. Across the road is a short 0.9-mile roundtrip hike along the Look Rock Tower Trail, leading to a concrete observation tower on the mountain summit. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. How far is Gatlinburg from Nashville and how long will the road trip take? Due to the high elevation of the city, even the busiest seasons are susceptible to rapid and unpredictable weather changes. The best and most scenic road trip route from Nashville to Gatlinburg will take around 5 hours of driving and will cover 295 miles. After you have decided whether or not you would like to rest up at one of the resorts in Chattanooga, you should consider driving to Atlanta for an exciting adventure in this dazzling city. Outdoor adventure? For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? You can learn more about our editorial policies, Your Guide for the Ultimate Atlanta to Nashville Road Trip, 6 Cool Campervan Rentals in Nashville, Tennessee, 14 Best Hikes Near Chattanooga, Tennessee, 8 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Knoxville, Tennessee, 11 Peaceful Cabins with Hot Tubs in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 12 Amazing Cabin Rentals in Cherokee, North Carolina, The 9 Best Weekend Road Trips from Houston, Texas, 9 Awesome Weekend Road Trips from Tucson, Arizona, 9 Beautiful Swimming Holes in Tennessee to Beat the Summer Heat, 10 Best Weekend Road Trips From Chicago, Illinois, 8 Best Resorts in Tennessee for Every Traveler, 10 Cool Airbnbs Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 6 Scenic Drives Near Denver for When the Mountains are Calling. Drive from Hot Springs, NC to Chilhowee at Holston. Popular sites include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Fall Creek Falls and Cloudland Canyon State Parks as well as Chattanooga and Knoxville. On the right evening, there will be no more beautiful place in the world. The most popular attractions are Ripleys Aquarium, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, and Dollywood. Imbued with southern charm, the city on the Tennessee River offers lots to do, no matter what youre into when you travel. In Nashville, youve got all the country music culture, plus great historical sites and plenty of the amenities that come with a big-city stay, like posh hotels and world-class dining. The direct drive from Asheville to Gatlinburg is 80.8 mi (130 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 48 mins in normal traffic.. One involves travel on an interstate highway while the other involves the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This famous trail highlights where some of the world's best bourbons are distilled. Huntsville, Alabama Huntsville is a well-known city for its hardworking scientists that develop military and aerospace technology at the U.S Space & Rocket Center. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! Outdoor enthusiasts would find September to be the best time to visit, especially during weekdays when rates drop to offseason lows and attractions are less crowded. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The other exciting attractions include the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Monte Sano State Park. But what if you want to see both destinations in one Tennessee trip? The drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. You will be mostly driving through interstates and main roads, which makes this scenic drive also a smooth one. Its definitely possible, especially when you consider how the two are if you take the fastest route located less than four hours apart. There are many things to do for people of all ages. Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route; Rent a Car in Siesta Key: $35+ Per Day To Enjoy Your Vacation; Rent Car for A Month: How to Rent a Car for a Month . Status. It was built in the 1960s and renovated many times since its opening. Also check. PinterestTodayWatchExploreWhen autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 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. For a more scenic route, the Gatlinberg Bypass can be used. If you have some extra time, you can easily enjoy so much more that this beautiful state has to offer, and all without spending a ton of time in the car. Related Read:11 Peaceful Cabins with Hot Tubs in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. View Photos. Show only these on map 1 Knoxville Save On 1 list Depending on the season, you might run into some traffic or run into some closed out routes, which shouldn't be a problem as long as you inform yourself beforehand. Family-friendly attractions are also abundant, such as the Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies, the ski and amusement destination that is Ober Gatlinburg and the skyline-dominating Gatlinburg Space Needle. Schedule. Located within a short walking distance from the hotel, you will find Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a hugely popular attraction, and Gatlinburg Space Needle. Answer 1 of 10: Hi My boyfriend and I are driving from Pigeon Forge to Nashville, hopefully via Lynchburg and the Jack Daniels Distillery and I was wondering what the best and most scenic route would be to see a bit of the country. We suggest you visit Natchez Hills Winery at Andrew Jacksons Hermitage, where you can enjoy wine and learn more about its ties with President Andrew Jackson. The hotel boasts impressive amenities and a fabulous indoor pool you might not want to leave. For fun in the mountains, head to Gatlinburg. You could get from Asheville to Cherokee by going through Maggie Valley but if you want a scenic drive take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee. The town is filled with art, great food and awesome breweries plus lots of outdoor adventure nearby (check out our fave hikes near Asheville). Route settings Get Directions Route sponsored by Choice Hotels Advertisement Help Originally we were hearing about Feb 11th. Full of wonders, excitement and inspiration, the road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg deserves serious consideration. We arrived on a Saturday and no traffic issues at all - we did drive through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Home Facts. Read Also: 16 top webcams to see live views of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is just 3 hours 222 miles by car from Nashville, and there are lots of great things to do here! There's nothing wrong with Tucson but sometimes you just have the urge to hit the road and explore new places. The Big A is packed with many terrific and exciting attractions, offers a vibrant nightlife and is overall a great tourist destination for friends and family vacations alike. The quality service, amazing location and spacious rooms will shape up a unique getaway. The weekday route backs up severely on weekends. Thank you very much for your cooperation. And if youre still itching to see more of the South after your road trip concludes in Gatlinburg, consider extending your trip a bit more, to hop over the state line and see whats up in Asheville, North Carolina. Where is the prettiest part of the Smoky Mountains? Popular sites include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Fall Creek Falls and Cloudland Canyon State Parks as well as Chattanooga and Knoxville. A quick stay for a few days gives you plenty of opportunity to explore the attractions in and around the popular city, including the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina Arboretum and Pisgah National Forest. Follow US-441 towards your final destination Gatlinburg. Tennessees Museum of Aviation has a variety of vintage aircraft, including its two rare Thunderbolt fighter jets. Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro Learn about one of the bloodiest human conflicts of the Civil War, the historical layers behind it and the important Union achievements during The Battle of Stones River. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. To illustrate, there are several great views located just a short walk from downtown Gatlinburg. There is a Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, Tennessee, in Nashville. And it also offers a great vantage point to see the surrounding mountains. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. Sold. Start: Nashville, Tennessee. How much water at 32c is needed to just melt 1.5 kg of ice at -10c? Were also showing you how to make some easy side trips into Alabama and North Carolina, to see Huntsville and Asheville, respectively. Take a shuttle bus from Black Bear Resort to Hot Springs, NC. A left turn takes you into Gatlinburgabout 2 miles. We hope we've inspired you today! Fun Fact: Captain William Driver, who flew the U.S. flag in front of his Nashville mansion, is credited with nicknaming the flag "Old Glory" in 1837. If you do, the hotel is located downtown so you will find many attractions such as the Tivoli Theater, Tennessee Aquarium, and Ross's Landing which boasts incredible views of the Tennessee River within walking distance. This hike is short (3.3-miles) but steep and is one for those seeking out the prettiest spots in the national park.. Weve got your back. A drive that's love to see AND historic. Wine Tasting Tour Guides will be on-site to walk you through a discounted tasting of different varietals, educate new wine drinkers, and share stories with the distinguished wine connoisseur. Savannah to Jacksonville Drive. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94320096', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nashville to Gatlinburg? Sean Pavone/Shutterstock Explore the Charming Town of Gatlinburg. On your way out of Manchester, you could immediately make a long detour to Huntsville by taking Exit 127 for US-64, which will merge onto TN-121 before taking you to Huntsville in Alabama. The parking lot on the left has a nice scenic overlook of the valley between the foothills and the Great Smoky Mountains. In Townsend, hwy 321 turns to the left and will take you into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Roaring Fork Overlook comes with the added bonus of traveling the one-way Overlook which is filled with old, historic sites, buildings and some of the best trails around. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. If you want to avoid a section of Lenoir City, take I-40 E to I-75 S and take the Lenoir City exit off of I-75. Check. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It has been called music city because it is home to many musicians, singers, songwriters, and record labels. The route runs along the river and is very scenic. Pigeon Forge is a mountain town and vacationing spot that houses Dollywood country singer Dolly Partons theme park, featuring rides, a water park, and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia. The Gatlinburg Skylift Park and its SkyBridge also offer an observation deck and is also a great spot to get panoramic views of the Smokies. Read Also: Where are the Smoky Mountains? If you see google maps suggesting 2 routes, Little River . You should also ensure enough gas in your tank before starting your journey. Clingmans Dome iStock Whether you are a fan of colorful fall foliage, fluffy snowy scenery or bright and warm sunny days of July, the road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg is exceptional all year round. The temperatures tend to fall downwards to 30 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by snowfall in winter, so make sure to check road and weather warnings, especially if visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on the Gatlinburg Bypass, the Gatlinburg Overlook offers great views of the City of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. You will be mostly driving through interstates and main roads, which makes this scenic drive also a smooth one. But the bypass offers two things, a relatively short drive and a good way around the downtown traffic as you make your way to the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you're going on a road trip from Asheville to Gatlinburg, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pigeon Forge, Cherokee, Sevierville, the Great Smoky Mountains . Fun fact: The village is home to the largest cedar wood bucket in the world. From the East: -Those making the trip to Gatlinburg from Asheville, North Carolina can take I-40 West to Exit 440 and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. $1,010,000 Last Sold Price. The ultimate parkway cruise through the Smokies from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg! We will also visit all the main attractions the city has to offer. Cabins within walking distance Downtown Gatlinburg. Learn More. The weather is particularly pleasant as well with temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Gatlinburg Sky Lift Information Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Contact: (865) 436-4307 Price: $16 for adults, $13 for kids. Read Also: 10 things you didnt know about Clingmans Dome. Depending on the season, you might run into some traffic or run into some closed out routes, which shouldn't be a problem as long as you inform yourself beforehand. Once in Nashville, we will explore the birthplace of country music and enjoy wonderful music performances by the talented stars of Nashville. Drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg Gatlinburg is just 3 hours 222 miles by car from Nashville, and there are lots of great things to do here! How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Gatlinburg? 4. ELVIS PRESLEY, DOLLYWOOD, NASHVILLE & LANCASTER DREAM TOUR APRIL 23 TO MAY 5, 2023 "We will enjoy a beautiful scenic route on the way to Dollywood.Once in Nashville, we will explore the birthplace of country music and enjoy wonderful music performances by the talented stars of Nashville. Juliet, Martha and Lebanon. 71 north through the park until you reach downtown Gatlinburg. Outdoor enthusiasts would find September to be the best time to visit, especially during weekdays when rates drop to offseason lows and attractions are less crowded. You can explore and enjoy Natchez Hills Winery with its breathtaking views of the Hermitage grounds or stop by for a wine slush when walking around the property. The most popular station is Riverfront but, we think, that the most scenic is Mt Juliet. Tours are approximately 2 hours and include a 15-minute rest stop at Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler where guests can choose to purchase moonshine tastings. Learn More Ready for Every Adventure Many other interests in the city dont necessarily deal with just shopping. Book an Adventure at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, Chattanooga Raccoon Mountain Caverns consists of over 5.5 miles of underground passageways, through which you can tour with an expert guide while enjoying the wonderful formations. Actually, drive time is about the same as 40 to 66, however, this road has the cheapest gas in the area so fill up before leaving K'ville. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94334732', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Gatlinburg later in the evening and if the Pigeon Forge roads were as bad it would have been a nightmare coming in via that route. Hi, what is the best route from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? At the intersection with Little River Road, a left turn takes you toward Gatlinburg. The breathtaking hills and peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains are only a 5-minute drive from the resort and the outdoor recreational opportunities in this national park are endless, spanning from hiking and bicycling to waterfall and wildlife viewing. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Keep reading to see how it all breaks down. That being said, it won't hurt to extend the trip by a day or two for some additional relaxation at one of these great resorts along the way: Named the Scenic City, Chattanooga, located 2 hours from Nashville, is known for its beautiful scenic surroundings, perfect for outdoor activities. While youre there, be sure to check out the Rockefeller Memorial from which President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke at the parks dedication. If you choose to brave the weather and visit in winter, make sure to check out the festive New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show, which is the highlight of the holiday season in Gatlinburg. One Way Distance: 30.3 Miles. Scenic route from Pigeon Forge to Chattanooga Tennessee. 9 Unique Places to Stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, The 12 Best Spots to See Tennessees Fall Foliage, 12 Scenic Weekend Road Trips from Memphis, Tennessee, 11 Incredible Treehouse Rentals in North Carolina, 10 East Coast Vacation Spots You Never Considered (But Should!). 6 Abandoned Places in the Smokies You Didnt Know Existed, The Ogles vs the Gatlins: The Family Feud That Built Gatlinburg, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water, Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? The more scenic route is by driving the Little River Road, so be sure to take that route if you're looking for the more scenic route!