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Illustration by Joe Elberson
From the peaks of Rocky Top to the music-filled streets of Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee offers scenic views that make it a favorite road trip destination. Whether chasing waterfalls, touring historic sites or spending the day enjoying a theme park, there’s something for every kind of traveler. So, buckle up and get ready to discover what makes driving through The Volunteer State special.
Equally divided between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect starting place for a road trip. A wonderland of ancient mountains, rivers, gorges and wildlife, it’s the most visited national park in the United States.
Hikers will enjoy the journey up to Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome), the highest point in the Smokies. In contrast, those looking for a more relaxing journey can visit historic buildings or listen to audio tours created by the National Parks Service while driving the Newfound Gap Road. With over 380 miles of road, there's plenty in the park to observe and explore.
Two of the most well-known gateway cities to the Smokies are heading west out of the park - Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The smaller of the two towns, Gatlinburg, offers rustic charm with plenty of smaller attractions, including the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to give the car a rest and take the city’s free trolley. Another local must-visit attraction in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta. A mountaintop village high above the town, visitors can take a chairlift ride to the top to enjoy ziplines, sky bridges and views across the amazing Smoky Mountains.
Pigeon Forge is also known for its family attractions, such as go-karts, miniature golf and helicopter tours. But the town is best known as the home of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Situated over 150 acres, Dollywood, which is partially owned by country music icon Dolly Parton, has over 50 rides, including the world’s fastest wooden rollercoaster.
And, of course, there’s plenty of entertainment, along with a replica of the cabin where Parton was raised. But Dollywood isn’t the only amusement park in the area. There’s also Soaky Mountain Waterpark, which offers a wave pool, adventure river and multiple waterslides to cool off on a hot day.
Speaking of Parton’s upbringing, she was born in nearby Sevierville, where fans can see a statue on the grounds of the county courthouse and travel along with Dolly Parton Parkway.
While in town, don’t miss crossing the historic Harrisburg Covered Bridge. Built in 1875, it’s one of Tennessee’s last remaining covered bridges in use and a popular social media photo moment.
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Knoxville is on the west side of the Great Smoky Mountains and the banks of the Tennessee River. Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a blend of culture, hometown college spirit and many outdoor adventures. Its historic downtown area provides plenty of shops and places to eat, while its pathways and parks along the river offer plenty of opportunities to walk, run, bike or sit and watch the world go by.
Visitors can spend several days exploring the third largest city in the state at locations such as Zoo Knoxville, World’s Fair Park, the Sunsphere Tower and the Knoxville Museum of Art. And never worry about locating a great meal; this college town has many offerings, including fast food, Vietnamese, Mexican and vegan, giving visitors a wide variety of options.
The next large city southwest of Knoxville is Chattanooga. On the way there, stop at The Lost Sea. Located inside a mountain near Sweetwater, The Lost Sea is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s largest underground lake. Visitors can take a guided tour of these caverns and learn about their history from prehistoric times to the Civil War.
Situated on the southern end of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is 75 miles south of Sweetwater. One of the most famous attractions there is Lookout Mountain. An inclined railway takes visitors up and down the mountain.
Once at the top, experience the glass elevator ride into Ruby Falls, its internal waterfalls, or just enjoy the views over the valley. Back off the mountain, visiting the Tennessee Aquarium, the Chattanooga Zoo, Point Park Battlefield or taking a stroll across one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, can keep visitors busy for several days before heading back on the road.
Historians won’t want to miss Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park while in town. Hiking trails, viewing monuments to the battles that occurred, paddling the West Chickamauga Creek or taking a ranger-led tour help visitors explore the more than 10,000 acres that encompass the lands used in battle during the deadliest war in American history.
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Heading north to Cookeville, the terrain turns to wooded hills and flowing rivers, the beginnings of some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the southern United States. The area surrounding Cookeville has multiple locations where you can see these natural wonders.
Burgess Falls State Park showcases four waterfalls, one dropping more than 130 feet into the gorge, while Cummins Falls State Park offers a smaller waterfall and a swimming hole to relax in. For a unique view, Piney Falls is designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior, one of only fourteen in the state.
This part of Tennessee is ideal for nature lovers who want a break from city stops. With waterfalls, rivers, and forest trails, it’s a scenic detour that adds a reprieve to any road trip route.
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and a thriving city with deep musical traditions. Best known as the home of country music, it is home to various genres, thanks to the recording labels in town.
Music lovers have multiple museums to explore, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Ryman Auditorium, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and the National Museum of African American Music. There are also multiple opportunities to hear live music at the Grand Ole Opry or the honkytonks along Broadway.
Beyond the music, Nashville has plenty of history and culture. The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original in Greece, while multiple places of higher learning, including Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University, call the city home.
Food lovers won’t want to leave Nashville without trying the local specialty: Nashville hot chicken. Typically served on white bread and garnished with pickle chips, this dish flavored with cayenne pepper is a regional dish that has recently made its way across the country. However, the only way to get the original version is to head to one of the Nashville restaurants known for this specialty.
A short drive south from Nashville leads to Murfreesboro, where you’ll find the Geographic Center of Tennessee. Marked with a small stone monument, it’s a fun side stop for a quick photo and an easy addition to your road trip.
End the journey through Tennessee with a stop in Memphis. Known as the Home of the Blues and a major contributor to the beginnings of Rock 'n Roll, this city has deep musical roots. Beale Street is famous for being filled with live music any day of the week.
Take a tour of Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all once recorded. Head to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Don’t skip a visit to Graceland, which is a must for a closer look at the life of Presley, the King of Rock' n Roll.
But Memphis isn’t only about music. The Civil Rights Movement played a large part in the city’s history. The city has eight U.S. Civil Rights Trail locations, including the National Civil Rights Museum. Housed in the former Lorraine Motel, which is the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the museum has permanent exhibits along with several rotating galleries on different subjects focusing on civil rights.
And, of course, there’s the food. Barbecue is a way of life, and it’s possible to visit Memphis for several days and never eat the same barbecue twice. Grab some to go and sit by the Mississippi River at one of the many outdoor parks and then stroll across the Big River Crossing, the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi.
From the majestic mountains of the east to the sounds of music in the west, Tennessee’s broad landscape promises unforgettable stops and adventures.
Q: What is the best time of year to take a road trip through Tennessee?
A: While Tennessee offers beauty year-round, the fall is particularly stunning with vibrant foliage in the Smoky Mountains, and spring brings blooming wildflowers across the state. Summer is perfect for enjoying waterfalls, theme parks, and outdoor attractions.
Q: What are must-see destinations in Tennessee?
A: Some of the top destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Nashville for its rich music history, and Memphis for Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.
Q: Is Tennessee family-friendly for road trips?
A: Absolutely! Tennessee has plenty to offer for families, including family attractions like Dollywood, Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium, and many outdoor spots like waterfalls and hiking trails.
Q: How long should I plan for a Tennessee road trip?
A: To fully enjoy Tennessee’s highlights, plan for at least 7-10 days. This gives enough time to explore major destinations like the Smokies, Nashville, and Memphis without feeling rushed.
Q: What type of food is Tennessee known for?
A: Tennessee is famous for its barbecue, Nashville hot chicken, and Southern comfort food. Each city also has unique local specialties worth trying during your road trip.
Read the other articles in our Best Road Trips in the USA series. They include:
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