If we leave early enough. Home to the largest college in Tennessee (Middle Tennessee State University), Murfreesboro is also known for its abundant history. 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! Located on the Alum Cave Trail, Inspiration Point offers beautiful views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies. 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. Consider exploring the Cades Cove Loop which is 25-miles south of here. 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. 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. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! From Atlanta take I-85 North towards Greenville, SC until you come to Exit 113. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. A few things can make your stay at Gatlinburg even sweeter and one of those is a weekend at Margaritaville Resort. 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. The quality service, amazing location and spacious rooms will shape up a unique getaway. A great foodie scene? To reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Nashville, drive east on Interstate Highway 40, continue east on Interstate 140 and turn north on U.S. Route 321, which brings you to the park's Townsend, Tennessee, entrance, a quieter and less-trafficked alternative to the one farther east in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.The Townsend route rolls through Nashville's outer suburbs and eventually into . Your email will not be provided to third parties. 2530 Parkway , Between Light 2B & 3 Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. That will take you to Hwy 321 to Maryville, then to Townsend. Read Also: Best mountain view cabins near Pigeon Forge: Top 9 ranked [2022]. If you arrive early enough in the day, or if you stick around for a while in the morning, you can enjoy a riverboat cruise, a troll along the citys riverwalk (or take advantage of the citys bike share program) or the views from the top of Lookout Mountain. Agree with above postEnter the park via Townsend. 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. Whether you decide to relax at the hotel or spend a day cruising around Chattanooga, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to dine at the fashionable Bridgemans Chophouse on-site. There are other options including I-40 to 441. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Then either follow Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove or drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road with a stop at Clingmans Dome. On clear days, you can see over 100 miles, but due to air pollution, the view is often less than 20 miles. LeConte, or Le Conte, is the third highest peak in the Smokies. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn Enjoy a unique hiking Georgia experience, laced with steep cliffs, daring views and overall gorgeous scenery. Due to the high elevation of the city, even the busiest seasons are susceptible to rapid and unpredictable weather changes. Discounts for the military. 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. And it is also home to the LeConte Lodge, the highest elevation inn providing lodging for visitors in the Eastern United States. The drive from Savannah to Jacksonville covers a distance of approximately 139.3 miles (224.1 km) and takes around 2 hours and 6 minutes. Peer into the binoculars to check out the views of Mackinac Island (which, if you have time, is also worth visiting), Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, and I-75 itself. This article will explore the eight best places to visit during your Nashville to Gatlinburg drive. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. It is found just across the state line in Tennessee. It was Knoxvilles first permanent building. Youll find it located just over 30 minutes from downtown, so fill up on breakfast in Nashville and prepare for a morning spent exploring all Murfreesboro has to offer. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. 4. On the right evening, there will be no more beautiful place in the world. Sold. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 9:00 am start in Nashville drive for about 54 minutes 9:54 am Gordonsville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 10:54 am drive for about 34 minutes 11:28 am Cookeville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:28 pm drive for about 40 minutes 1:08 pm Crossville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:08 pm drive for about 1 hour 3:15 pm Loudon (Tennessee) Learn More Ready for Every Adventure Route settings Get Directions Route sponsored by Choice Hotels Advertisement Help A few things can make your stay at Gatlinburg even sweeter and one of those is a weekend at Margaritaville Resort. The cities youll find between Nashville and Gatlinburg are Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sevierville and Townsend. Many other interests in the city dont necessarily deal with just shopping. 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. Whether you are a beginner or an expert voyager, this thrilling adventure is bound to astound you with its beautiful natural and urban scenery. If you are driving at night, make sure to use high beams when its dark out. About halfway along the Foothills Parkway is Look Rock. What is the distance covered by the athlete? Visitors often spot black bears in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. What is Drivetime locations, and How can they help you? 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. To help you decide, we compiled a list of our top suggestions as to what to see and do. And it also offers a great vantage point to see the surrounding mountains. In truth, Alum Cave is really just a giant space where the trail cuts under a humongous bluff. 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. more. While the alternate route (through Atlanta) is 37 miles shorter, MapQuest estimates it as 21 minutes longer. Driver's License; How Old To Rent A Car . 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 . 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. 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. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? A left turn takes you into Gatlinburg.about 2 miles. 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. There are five trails that lead to Mt. The public library has an exhibit for all ages, with different interactive exhibits to keep the children entertained while you learn. 4 Days From $539pp Trip Details Atlanta, Nashville, and the Great Smoky Mountains Roundtrip New Orleans Atlanta, GA Nashville, TN Pigeon Forge, TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Atlanta, GA New Orleans, LA 7 Days From $2,079pp Trip Details Atlanta, Nashville, and the Great Smoky Mountains Roundtrip New York City Cherokee National Forest, Elizabethton Scenic mountain views, over 700 miles of trails and seven whitewater rivers are what you'll find at the heart of the Cherokee National Forest. Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip Itinerary Trip Length: It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg. Segment 1: Nashville to Chattanooga Distance: 135 miles Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 20 minutes The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. The track itself is 32 miles (51 km) long. Atlanta, GA Pigeon Forge, TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN. But the view is spectacular nonetheless. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94326323', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pigeon Forge. As mentioned, the fastest way to get to Gatlinburg from Nashville is via a quick drive along I-40 West, whichll take you across the state, about 220 miles, over 3 hours and 40 minutes. 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. In addition to the great views from the parking lot, Ober offers a skylift to the top of Mt. Every good road trip requires a stop at a worlds largest attraction, right? While it is possible to fly between the two cities, its not really worth your time, as the flights can take nearly 3 hours just in the air, and youll need at least one layover. 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. Its definitely possible, especially when you consider how the two are if you take the fastest route located less than four hours apart. . Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia This colossal forest features nearly 867,000 acres, thousands of miles of streams, rivers and overall rich natural scenery, as well as dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas and a whole bunch of recreational activities. The Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead is on U.S. Highway 441, which connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. The winding journey up two interstates does not take you directly to Gatlinburg, though, but up and around the Great Smoky Mountains, which puts you in the perfect location to explore Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, as youll be traveling right through both. Event Details. A drive that's love to see AND historic. The combined Union forces faced off against 81,000 combined Confederate forces to decide the fate of a young United States if they won, there was a chance they would be able to end this bitter conflict. In fact, its essentially a pull-off from 441, offering a view from the high mountains down into the valleys below. Follow the same interstate north back after your visit. The abundant kayak routes, hiking and climbing trails will make for a great vacation and so will a night at The Read House. Diesel. Recommended option Bus, drive 7h 28m Take the bus from Nashville Bus Station to Asheville, NC Us0600 Bus Station - Station Building (with waiting room) Greyhound Station. 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. Route settings Get Directions Route sponsored by Choice Hotels Advertisement Help There are many things to do for people of all ages. 1151 Wiley Oakley Dr is served by 13 transit routes. I usually drive straight in Townsend and enter the national park. Located on the Gatlinburg Bypass, the Gatlinburg Overlook offers great views of the City of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. It is 4 lane almost all the way to Townsend. Boston, MA Washington, DC Shenandoah National Park, VA Pigeon Forge, TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Washington, DC Boston, MA. The 2008 financial crisis was the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression of 1929. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Answer 1 of 5: Hello! This famous trail highlights where some of the world's best bourbons are distilled. Whether you decide to relax at the hotel or spend a day cruising around Chattanooga, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to dine at the fashionable Bridgemans Chophouse on-site. 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. Follow the same interstate north back after your visit. Keep on reading to learn about the best road trip route, where to stay along the way, and the best time to take your road trip. 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 . Weave your way on and off of Interstate 40 between Nashville and Asheville, stringing together an eclectic assortment of must-sees including an upscale farmstead retreat, misty Appalachian forests, and the capital of country music kitsch. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Follow US-441 towards your final destination 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. For fun in the mountains, head to Gatlinburg. Where is the prettiest part of the Smoky Mountains? It can offer shelter from the weather to go along with the most amazing views. 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. Back on the main route, stick to the interstate until you reach Chattanooga, there you could detour northward to Cloudland Canyon State Park. 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 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. Related Read:6 Cool Campervan Rentals in Nashville, Tennessee. Follow Interstate 40 (I-40) out of the city and take Exit 407 towards TN-66. 10. The ultimate parkway cruise through the Smokies from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg! Cades Cove is not a traditional overlook in the sense that the view across the Cove isnt one that indicates how high up in the mountains you are. Sometimes you need a change of scenery, and these weekend road trips from Chicago make it easy to get away from the bustle of the Windy City. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 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. 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. Located not far from Inspiration Point as the crow flies, Morton Overlook is far easier to access. 71 north through the park until you reach downtown Gatlinburg. The quality service, amazing location and spacious rooms will shape up a unique getaway. In Gatlinburg, you get the blend of a tourist town and an outdoor adventure hub, with conveniently located hotels right near the Great Smoky Mountains, but also lots of family-friendly diversions, too, from museums to mini golf to go-karting. Three hours east of Nashville, clocking in at 180 miles, make a pit stop in Knoxville. One Way Distance: 30.3 Miles. But what if you want to see both destinations in one Tennessee trip? But, it should be said, as magnificent as these views from these popular spots are, they pale in comparison to the best places to get breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. How far is Gatlinburg from Nashville and how long will the road trip take? Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! Is it better to go to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? 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. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Follow Interstate 40 (I-40) out of the city and take Exit 407 towards TN-66. Take 40 E to Exit 364. Eventually the bypass turns into Highway 23 North. Maybe the least accessible popular viewing destination in the Smokies, Mt. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94392375', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nashville and we always take 40E. 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.. Get off of Interstate 24 at Highway 453 and take that road between the Barkley Dam and Kentucky Dam out onto the peninsula. The battlefield features seven miles of walking trails, a large Union cemetery and interpretive programming. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Heres how to break down your Nashville to Gatlinburg road trip into two segments, so you can see the state over a long weekend or even longer, if youve got the time to kill. 1-800-987-9852 Chat Now. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. 4 Days From $539pp. With our easy online approval process, finding and buying your next car shouldnt be something you struggle with. While youre there, be sure to check out the Rockefeller Memorial from which President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke at the parks dedication. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. If you plan on taking any of these scenic routes, don't forget your camera! If you really want to make a thorough trip of it, you can make a little side visit to Huntsville, Alabama, after you leave Murfreesboro, but before you reach Chattanooga. There are 6 ways to get from Nashville to Gatlinburg by bus, car, shuttle, taxi 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. I-95 North through Savannah into South Carolina.. I-26 West toward Columbia then Spartanburg. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94338434', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nashville, following I-40 east all the way to exit # 407. There are plenty of possibilities for exciting detours, some of which can extend your trip up to a couple of days, such as those to Atlanta and Huntsville. A road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg is a fantastic and easy drive through some of the most interesting attractions and landmarks of Tennessee. The weekday route backs up severely on weekends. You can actually book a stay at the theme park for the full experience, but dont neglect exploring the rest of the town, which includes outlet malls and all sorts of touristy things to do and see, from alpine coasters to wax museums. Note that, at the beginning of October tourist rates skyrocket and subsequently, you will definitely run into higher prices and crowded attractions. Related Read:11 Peaceful Cabins with Hot Tubs in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a very quick little drive outside of Nashville, so its easy to see why its a favorite small-town getaway for those who want to escape the bright lights of the city. And you will have plenty of time to run over to Pigeon Forge if you need to. 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. Drive past Douglas Lake, through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge where you can visit Dollywood and TITANIC Museum Attraction. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. 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. Tennessees Museum of Aviation has a variety of vintage aircraft, including its two rare Thunderbolt fighter jets. The population was 244 (2000) and 448 (2010). MLS# 251346. . Drive past Douglas Lake, through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge where you can visit Dollywood and TITANIC Museum Attraction. Avoid traffic with optimized routes. There are exactly two ways to get from Gatlinburg to Asheville: the boring route and the scenic route. Coming from I-66, begin your journey by picking up the famous Skyline Drive, a long and narrow road running 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. James Whites Fort, built by Revolutionary War captain James White in 1786, features the reconstructed log cabin. Whether you are a leader, a teacher, or a parent, you may be called upon to answer especially difficult questions right now, questions that have no satisfying answers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94341800', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pigeon Forge via Wears Valley. Weekend: I-40 east into Knoxville, exit 441 south from Downtown. Reservations go quickly in advance but it is possible to hike in and out on the same day if you have the stamina. How much water at 32c is needed to just melt 1.5 kg of ice at -10c? One involves travel on an interstate highway while the other involves the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Strollers and/or wheelchairs are not allowed on the path which is quite steep. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Mortar with multiple entrances A huge St Patricks Day parade returns to Dublin for the first time in three years.Almost half a million people are set to descend on the capital bringing a 70 million windfall, while other towns, For a while there have been rumors that Ford was going to close orders for the Mach-E. You can also make a detour to Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests here by following US-74 past Cleveland. Holly Riddle is a freelance lifestyle and business journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. If you take a few detours along the way, you'll find some incredible scenery and make memories to last a lifetime. 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. We hope weve inspired you today! One of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge is the family-friendly Dollywood, with its Dolly Parton-approved Appalachian theme-ing and thrills for all ages. This resort offers many amenities, including an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness centre, boat rentals, and more. Oaklands Mansion is another popular stop, with its National Register of Historic Places status and its similar role in the Civil War.
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