This Scenic Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published May 02, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
We have an abundance of scenic drives in Tennessee, from the Foothills Parkway to the Land Between Lakes we have plenty of places for beautiful views. There are still, however, many off-the-beaten path drives that don’t always make the “scenic drives” section of the Tennessee guidebooks. These are the kinds of roads you only know if you are a local, so for those roads, we have you covered. Get ready for a fun-filled day outing on this underrated and under-the-radar scenic mountain drive in Tennessee.
Not only are we going to tell you about a beautiful road you can drive down, but we also planned a couple of stops along the way to make the most of your time.
So check out our interactive map so you can customize your very own adventure day. The drive time for this trip will only take you a little over an hour and a half to complete so that leaves plenty of daylight hours for lots of fun.
If you notice the map up top you will be branching off a few times but for the majority of the trip you will spend on Route 107.
On one side of the road, you will be treated to beautiful farmlands in a charming country setting. Little churches and homesteads line the road from time to time but most of it is used for farming and we think there is just something special about backroads like this. The other side, however, will give you incredible views of the Cherokee Mountains -- 107 runs parallel to this national forest and the scene just makes the drive breathtaking.
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If you are doing the trip east to west, your first stop will be Nolichucky Produce.
Nolichucky Produce, 224 TN-107, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
This farmer's stand makes great use of seasonal decorations no matter what time of the year it is. Inside you will find fresh-from-the-farm fruits and veggies which are perfect for a healthy snack for the road.
Take the mile-long trail with a slight incline in elevation up to Sill Branch Falls. This gorgeous waterfall is quite a sight to see and because the hike is quick and easy it makes for a great trail all year round. Sill Branch Falls is one of those must-see locations within the Cherokee National Forest.
As the day progresses you will need to stop for a bite to eat and we know of the perfect little country restaurant.
The Farmer's Daughter, 7700 Erwin Hwy, Chuckey, TN 37641, USA
The Farmer's Daughter treats guests with good, old-fashioned country cooking. With a delicious menu and enough Southern charm to warm any Tennessean’s heart, this is one great option for lunch on this scenic drive.
The last stop on the trip will take you even deeper into the Cherokee Mountains.
Good thing you fueled up with some country comfort food because this hike will be a little bit tougher than Sill Branch Falls. Lace-up those hiking boots once again because this is a 2.4-mile hike with 623 feet of elevation gain leading you up to Margarette Falls. This is another one of those can’t-miss waterfalls in the Cherokee National Forest. With the water cascading down diagonally across the rocks this beautiful fall is the perfect place to end a day filled with scenic views.
It might not be on anyone’s list just yet, but this scenic mountain drive in Tennessee is certainly one of our favorites. With views of stunning peaks, sprawling farmlands, and wonderful waterfalls, and delicious detour for some fresh fruit and country cooking, we can’t think of a better way to spend an adventurous day in Tennessee.
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