Sometimes when the week gets rough, all you want to do is just be in the car with a fabulous playlist of tunes and a long open road in front of you. Many back roads in the Volunteer State rank among the very best scenic drives in Tennessee, as they treat drivers to views that are downright remarkable. We found eleven places around the state of Tennessee — yes, even on the west side — that are great for driving during the twilight hour, in the afternoon, or even during those light, bright early mornings. So next time you are in search of "Scenic drives near me" remember this list to help you hit the road. Before you go make sure you check out our road trip packing list so you don't forget anything in a mad rush out the door eager to see these incredible places. How many have you checked off your list...?
1. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. It's where you can take a view from the Double Arch Bridge in Birdsong Hollow and meander through the deep beauty of Middle Tennessee's rural countryside. Learn more about this peaceful road trip with this video from the National Parks Service.
2. Little River Road
Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. You'll find it along Little River Road, a beautiful, quiet backroad that boasts its pretty waterfall about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This is also the road where you can see The Sinks which is a fascinating waterfall right off of the road. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see it for yourself.
3. Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway
One of our lesser-known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge, and you'll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap.
4. Cherohala Skyway
A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the Cherohala Skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state.
5. Cades Cove Loop
Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. Over eleven miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas. Check out this road with another Adventuring in the Moment video:
6. Grundy State Forest
Make your way through South Cumberland State Park for a view of Grundy State Forest, a facet of Tennessee protected land that hides not one, not two, but FIVE waterfalls in its heart. How amazing is that?!
7. Roan Road
If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you'll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Known for its rhododendron fields, take a drive along this lovely East Tennessee road and enjoy views of the hollows and ridges that dot the mountain. This trip is stunningly beautiful all year round but has a certain magic to it during a winter storm, check it out with this Adventuring in the Moment video:
8. Great River Road
Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. It's known as the "Blues Highway," traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Keep an eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs!
9. Ocoee Scenic Byway
The Ocoee Scenic Byway is made up of a 26-mile route that takes you through the beautiful and rocky bluffs of the Ocoee River Gorge. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? A drive that's lovely to see AND historic.
10. Reelfoot Lake
Here you can see Reelfoot Lake, but it's the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, a quiet drive through the park is sure to give you the natural infusion your heart needs.
11. The Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. Motorcyclists and sports car drivers come from all over the world to make their mark on this iconic road that carves its way through the East Tennessee mountains. Now that you have a list of the best scenic drives in Tennessee which one will you choose?
There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Which is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Can't get enough of Tennessee road trips? We don't blame you one bit! Continue your driving fun around the state with this mouthwatering ice cream trail in Tennessee.
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