From the Great Smokey Mountains to the rolling hills along the Cumberland, Tennessee is full of beauty. And scenic drives offer the best ways to marvel at these exquisite landscapes. One of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, the Cherohala Skyway is largely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the entire country. If you've yet to take this scenic drive, it's time to plan your trip.
Setting out along Tennessee's Highway 143 will yield some of the most breathtaking views in the entire state. It's here that you'll be able to admire the largest stretch of grassy heaths in the world. One of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, this route keeps you close to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflowers provided by the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smokey Mountains.
This 43-mile National Scenic Byway sets out from Tellico Plains and reaches all the way to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Tellico Plains can be accessed via 1-75 (exit 60). As you set out on the trip, be sure to fill up on gas as stations will be sparse in this area. You can stop by the Cherohala Skyway Visitor's Center to learn about the history of the region as well as nearby recreational activities.
Construction for the Cherohala Skyway began in 1958 and took nearly forty years to complete, with the total cost of construction coming to one hundred million dollars. The route gains nearly 4,000 feet in elevation and its highest point reaches the slopes of Haw Knob at 5,400 feet.
Some major points of interest along the scenic drive include Huckleberry Knob, Hooper Bald, Big Junction Overlook, Lake View Overlook, and Turkey Creek Overlook. These overlooks provide the perfect opportunity to pull off the main highway and admire the stunning landscape.
While the drive is certainly beautiful all year round, there's no time like autumn to really see the splendor of surrounding colors. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day, spending time on Route 165 will make for a memorable trip.
Have you recently driven along the Cherohala Skyway? Do you agree that it's one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee? Be sure to share your experience with us!
We are absolutely blessed to have some of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, from one side of the state to the other. The question is, of course, how do you find one that's underappreciated?! We do a pretty good job of loving on the entirety of our state, no matter if you're in the mountains to the east or the fields to the west, so finding a spot locals don't think of much is pretty hard. If we had to choose just one road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains is a pretty good place to start. Have you been?
Roaring Fork Motor Trail runs a little over five miles in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a one-way road, and it begins right at the end of Cherokee Orchard Road. You can access it by light #8 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is one of the best scenic drives near me and have gone many times.
The road is still fairly popular, don't get us wrong, but it's mostly traversed by locals. Finding a spare tourist is easier during the summer months, but we're happy to drive it any time of year. However, they do close the road down in the winter.
A low-elevation road, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail will take you on a scenic drive that boasts everything from stunning waterfalls to gurgling mountain creeks to the beauty of the old-growth forest.
You can also access the Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls trailheads if you're looking to traverse the area by foot. Both hiking trails also lead to Mt. LeConte.
You should note, however, that the road closes during the winter season. Autumn is the best time to enjoy a winding drive through the countryside though, so you have time to enjoy it!
One of the most interesting spots along the route is "the place of 1,000 drips," a roadside waterfall that's unique and strange. Although we don't have a photograph of it, you'll know this odd little waterfall when you see it.
Have you ever driven the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail? Would you visit, if you were in town? Leave your favorite memories and thoughts on the drive in the comments below! We always love to hear from you.
If you haven't been to this Tennessee scenic byway make sure to put it on your list for your next Smoky Mountain adventure. I would consider this to be one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee especially if you plan on getting out of the car for a hike. You can explore the area yourself but have you ever heard of the Pink Jeep Tours? This is an iconic way to see some of the best places in the Smokies by an expert guide. Learn more about the Smokies by checking out this OnlyInYourState video:
A last-minute, spontaneous Chattanooga road trip? Sign me up! There is a time and a place for detailed itineraries and planning ahead, but for one weekend let's throw all of that out and allow me to be your guide for a river city adventure the whole family will enjoy. Head on into Chattanooga for some scenery on the water, indoor attractions, natural wonders, amazing overlooks, a unique stay, and a lovely waterfront restaurant, all in one jam-packed weekend.
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For a successful, spur-of-the-moment adventure it's helpful to have a spot filled with fun things to do that are all close by. That way you can make the most of the time you have without traveling long distances. That is exactly what you will find in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so I created this interactive map for you to use so you can customize it however you would like. So with your map in hand let's start this road trip, shall we?
Chattanooga Ducks is a unique way to start off your day in this river city. Hop aboard an authentic WWII amphibious duck boat for a tour that starts on land and ends in the water, showcasing the landmarks around town *and* sights from the Tennessee River. The guides are funny and offer a local perspective on all the fun things to do during your time in the city. This will give you some ideas for some spontaneity on this road trip, or head on over to our next must-see stop.
After riding around, it is time to stretch your legs a bit. Down the road is one of the best urban parks in the city: Coolidge Park. Go for a walk along the scenic river or find some shade for a lovely picnic in the park. If you have little kids with you, make sure you take advantage of the fountain that doubles as a splash pad -- and the carousel! This is also just a great spot to rest and relax before continuing your day of fun.
You will want to dedicate a good chunk of your time to visit the Tennessee Aquarium. This is simply one of those most-see stops in Chattanooga where you can see dozens of aquatic creatures and so much more. The theme of the aquarium is to follow the path of a raindrop from the mountains to the sea. Along the journey, you will have up-close encounters with many exotic sea creatures and rare aquatic critters.
Leave the busy city behind and head straight for Lookout Mountain for a unique stay that offers a beautiful wooded retreat with a few luxurious tricks up its sleeve. The Treetop Hideaway at Ruby Falls offers three stunning treehouses tucked away deep within the mountain. You will feel miles away from the city below and be surrounded by the glorious mountain forest we know and love here in Tennessee. These treehouses are a “spare no expensive” kind of stay with hidden passageways and history woven into the decor that tells a story of the area. If you want to sleep soundly in the trees before another fun-filled day in Chattanooga, this is the stop for you.
After a good night's sleep, the treehouse isn't the only place containing hidden passageways. The very mountain has a cave system right under your feet that hides one of the best natural wonders in Tennessee! Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall available to the public in the country and is awe-inspiring to see. Head on over to the castle on Lookout Mountain and take the elevator underground to bear witness to this incredible sight. Along the way, you will also get the chance to explore an active and interesting cave where the waterfall is the grand finale.
One of the best views on the mountain is found at Sunset Rock. The parking lot is limited to only a few cars so it can be difficult to find a spot. We were able to secure a space the second time we went and were blown away by the scenery. After a short walk down a couple stairs, you will be treated to unobstructed views right on the cliff top. Being high up you can see for miles and as the name suggests, this is a great spot for sunset.
All of this exploration will really work up an appetite, so to feed your hunger head back into the city to find Scottie's On The River. As the name suggests, you will be dining right along the water with both open-air options and indoor seating. The seafood is fresh and delicious and an excellent way to end a road trip in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The beauty of a Chattanooga road trip is found in the city itself. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a weekend having loads of spontaneous fun. This trip only scratches the service so let us know what are some of your favorite spots in Chattanooga. Make sure you have everything you need with our master packing list for road trips.
