Usually, when the weather is warm in Tennessee that means that everyone and their families are looking to get out of town – and fast. But believe it or not, there are quite a few cheap road trips in Tennessee that can be enjoyed all year long! It doesn’t just need to be summer in order to enjoy day trips in Tennessee. Even if you have a few days off in autumn, or a week-long winter break, there are plenty of exciting and inexpensive places to visit in Tennessee. In fact, we have ten of them right here on this list. And the best part? These ten places are cheap or – yes, we mean it – won’t cost you a dime at all. Beyond gas, of course. Let’s go!

10. Take a hike in Sewanee.
Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
The Sewanee Perimeter Trail offers roughly 20 miles of hiking trails, and you can even see Tennessee's natural bridge, formed by a sinkhole, along the way. Cost? Completely free.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
9. Visit the tiny town of Bell Buckle.
Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Bell Buckle is a lot of fun this time of year, especially during June (The RC Cola + Moon Pie Festival is everything good), and we'd recommend wandering their small Main Street and popping your head in for a cold soda when it gets too warm. The locals are friendly and this will feel like the sweetest step back in time! Cost: the price of a soda.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
8. Spend an afternoon at Cummins Falls.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Cummins Falls has reached epic proportions amongst the locals, and we'd recommend that you show up early if you don't want to battle crowds over the chilly, rushing waterways. This is a dream and a half. Just make sure to bring your swimsuit. Cost: Perhaps the price of a sandwich for your picnic lunch? Otherwise, free.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
7. Mosey down the Chattanooga River Walk.
River Street, River St, Chattanooga, TN, USA
Jeff Gunn - Flickr
There's no better way to take in the beauty of Chattanooga's cityscape than by a walk down the riverwalk. This pretty, water-filled city takes a lot of pride in its public recreation areas, and there's even a flea market held on a changing schedule. Cost: Free.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
6. Snag a coffee in downtown Franklin.
Franklin, TN, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Franklin has been voted the best small town in America time and time again, so it's about time you make a visit. Walk the Main Street, window shop, and grab a coffee at the brunch and bakery hotspot, Merridee's. You may give in and buy a pastry, but we're not going to own that one. Cost: The price of a coffee (and maybe a pastry).
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.

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5. Take a drive down the historic Natchez-Trace.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez, Mississippi, USA
Natalie Curtiss - Flickr
A drive down the Natchez-Trace Parkway serves as a history lesson for some, and a true infusion of Tennessee's natural beauty for others. Coming in at over four hundred miles, the road stretches through multiple states and will even take you to Mississippi if you'd like to shatter state lines. Cost: Just gas, folks.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
4. Fall in love with the view on Roan Mountain.
Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
Keith Callahan - Flickr
Roan Mountain explodes with rhododendrons in June, but we'd recommend visiting anytime during the year. Abounding with natural beauty, there's really no reason to miss out. Cost: FREE.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
3. Pitch in with some friends and rent a pontoon on Watauga Lake.
Watauga Lake, Tennessee, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Watauga Lake is a stunning place to take a moment away from the world, and it's located so far east that it's almost in North Carolina. A trip can be as expensive as you make it. But, make sure to stock up on supplies, rent a cabin with a couple of families, and enjoy a bit of time in nature. It's a beautiful place! Cost: Depends on how loaded your friends are.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
2. Visit the home of country music: Bristol.
Bristol, TN, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Best for a day trip, Bristol is known for its speedway and Bristol Caverns. You can explore the city that SHOULD be known as Music City (aHEM, Nashville), and maybe make your way to the Ernie Ford House or South Holston Dam. Cost: Up to you, bud.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.
1. Enjoy an afternoon hiking Fall Creek Falls.
Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Fall Creek Falls is well-known for a reason. It's absolutely beautiful, it's not too far from those residing in the east and middle areas of the state (Sorry, Memphis), and gets you out and about during the summertime with the promise of a refreshing moment by the waterfalls. Cost: Free.
To learn more about this beautiful attraction in Tennessee, click here.

So, what do you think about these cheap road trips in Tennessee? Are any of these places you’ve already been to before? Make sure to share with us your experience in the comments section! Or, are you looking for a little more fun? We’d recommend checking out The Hamburgers At This Nostalgic Eatery In Tennessee. They’re amazing!

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Cheap Road Trips In Tennessee

Marisa Roman | September 07, 2021

Where can I go on one tank of gas in Tennessee?

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Tennessee, we recommend some one-tank trips. While of course, this one-tank rule depends on where you're located, we’ve actually come up with 8 incredible places to visit in Tennessee that you can visit on one tank if you start in Nashville. From the adorable, quirky town of Watertown, Tennessee to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, come enjoy these incredible day trips.

What are the best day trips in Tennessee?

Speaking of day trips in Tennessee, we have quite a few that will show you a different side of the state. Are you interested in straying from the more touristy spots in the state? If so, then we have 15 day trips in Tennessee that will take you to some incredible hidden hot spots. For instance, did you know there was a vineyard just 25 miles from Nashville? How about 170,000 acres of natural space known as the Land Between the Lakes?

What food trails can I take in Tennessee?

Some of the best cheap things to do in Tennessee revolve around food and travel. You don’t need to travel too far or spend too much to have an enjoyable experience. We’ve come up with a few food trails that are simple to complete and won’t break the bank. Take the Mouth-watering BBQ Trail in Tennessee for all the best meat. Or, try the Tennessee Milkshake Trail which is perfect for a summer day trip.

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