When it comes to the art of a road trip, you’ll want to make sure you stock the car with all the treats you’ll need for the drive and plenty of water. It’s also a good idea to be well-rested for the day ahead. The road’s job is just giving you something pretty to look at. We’ve put together a quick guide to three of the best road trips in Tennessee. You’ll definitely want to check these out! These scenic drives will take you to some of the must-visit attractions in Tennessee.

1. The Great Smoky Mountains
Matthew Paulson / Flickr
There are hundreds of miles you can drive through the Great Smoky Mountains. This is usually near the top on people's lists of places to visit in Tennessee, and with good reason. The entire park boasts natural vistas that will keep your camera clicking and jaw on the ground.
You can head on down to Cades Cove.
Brian Koprowski / Flickr
The loop drive through this beautiful valley is about 11 miles long.
Or take in the Cataloochee Valley - it bleeds over into North Carolina, but Tennessee is neighborly.
Frank Kehren / Flickr
The Cataloochee area has so much history. There's an old church and lots of elk here!
Take in the highest spot in Tennessee at Clingman's Dome.
daveynin / Flickr
It's a tough 6,644 feet to get up, but the views are amazing!
Newfound Gap is one of the best places to observe fall foliage in Tennessee.
Timothy Wildey / Flickr
Sunrise or sunset, a road trip that spans the East Tennessee is sure to fill up your scrapbook and memory bank.
Tom Bricker / Flickr
Did you know this is the most visited park in the country? It's really an incredible place!
2. Memphis to Nashville/Nashville to Memphis
Newbie1982/Flickr
Doesn't really matter if you begin in Nashville or Memphis, either way you'll get an incredible adventure. This will take you through so many fantastic things to do in Tennessee!
While in Memphis, pick from one of their many fantastic barbecue restaurants. They've got some incredible food!
vui / Flickr
We're partial to Leonard's Pit Barbecue!
You can walk down the historic streets of this amazing city. Hang out on Beale for a while if you're feeling touristy!
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
You can take in some gorgeous Tennessee countryside on the road. It's about a three and a half hour drive from one city to the next. The scenery is beautiful.
Glenn Marsch/Flickr

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Stop off in Jackson. Even if you aren't getting married in a fever, we like to think he's singing about Tennessee.
Brent Moore / Flickr
Many say the song is about Mississippi. Take a pit stop and why not let us know your thoughts?
Heeeello there Nashville! Welcome to Music City, USA. Walk down Broadway and grab a drink at one of the famous bars while you're at it.
CEBImagery/Flickr
The city's got some incredible parks.
Gregor Smith / Flickr
Centennial Park has a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, built in 1897.
Want some fancy coffee? Check out Barista Parlor or Crema while in Nashville.
Elizabeth Kuharski/Google Maps
They definitely know what they're doing when it comes to a cup of joe!
Enjoy the ride. One of the neatest parts about road trips? No two are the same. Stop and take pictures of that pretty barn or the bubbling creek. It's Tennessee - we promise every inch is pretty much stunning.
faungg's photos / Flickr
3. Natchez-Trace Parkway
formulanone/Flickr
Stretching over 400 miles all the way from mid-Tennessee to Mississippi, Natchez-Trace is one of the best road trips in Tennessee for sure. You'll see stunning trails, waterfalls, rivers, and beautiful bridges.
Watch the southern skies stretch out ahead of you during your drive.
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
But make sure to stop and snap some shots!
Jamie / Flickr
There are scads of little towns on your way out of state, or you could make stops in Nashville.
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
You can even pull over and take a quick hike if you need to stretch your legs.
Brent Moore / Flickr
The Tennessee River is a stunning spot to dip your toes in the water and reminisce about the memories you made, tumbling about Tennessee.
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
Need more convincing? Here's some gorgeous photos from the drive!

Alright guys, sound off! Have you driven any of these gorgeous roads? Are you planning to? Tennessee is such a beautiful state with so many places to explore, do you have any suggestions of your own?

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More to Explore

Things to Do In Tennessee

Lisa Sammons | August 12, 2021

What are some must-visit attractions in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is one of the best in the southeast! If insects are more your thing, the Butterfly Gardens in Memphis are fantastic. Nashville is a great city and you could spend a ton of time there and never finish exploring it. We do have recommendations for some hidden bars you might wanna check out. They're great and not as likely to be crowded as some of the more touristy spots.

What are some natural wonders in Tennessee?

Obviously, the Great Smoky Mountains are the most famous of our natural wonders, but we have plenty more. Gatlinburg is a beautiful city and the gorgeous Ramsey Cascdes are one of the prettiest waterfalls in Tennessee. Ruby Falls is amazing and like nothing you've ever seen before. And don't forget to check out Lookout Mountain from Chattanooga! You can see seven states from there. For more natural wonders in Tennessee, we've prepared a handy list for you.

What are some good museums in Tennessee?

How about free museums? Nashville has a bunch! Discovery Park of America is in Union City and it's especially great for kids. And how cool is the Titanic museum in Pigeon Forge? It's shaped like a half scale model of the actual ship!

 

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Great Smoky Mountains, United States
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