Take These 10 Country Roads In Tennessee For A Scenic Drive

There's something beautifully comforting about taking backroads, don't you think? There's just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. We're in the car so often nowadays that the beauty of nature and the twang of the radio is simply forgotten. Here are our picks for 10 scenic roads that make for the most scenic drives near Knoxville TN:

1. Antebellum Trail

This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Like most of the roads on this list, it's astonishingly beautiful all year, but there's just something about the summer and autumn months that are particularly special.

2. Cherohala Skyway

3. Cherokee National Forest

Much like its cousin, the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest offers way too many backroads with a perfect opportunity to burn some gas and kill an entire afternoon. It's one of the most beautiful drives in Tennessee.

4. Great Smoky Mountains

Looking for "scenic drives near me?" There's no better place than this National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in East Tennessee, and there are literally hundreds of little, barely-appreciated roads that spin off into a beautiful nature netherworld. Go out, cruise, and get lost.

5. Hyatt's Lane

Located out by Cades Cove, Hyatt's Lane is a little piece of heaven that may take a bit of work from your GPS to find - we promise it's worth it! Though it is definitely beautiful all year round, the road is super-lush during the warmer months. It's a wonderful drive if you're on the hunt for "country roads near me." To see all of Cades Cove and its lush beauty including lots of black bears check out this Adventuring in the Moment video:

6. Natchez Trace

7. Grundy State Forest

Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. Your best bet is to take Fiery Gizzard Road from Tracey City.

8. Overton County

Overton County, Tennessee, is an absolutely STUNNING bit of the state, and we found a million and a half little roads here with great views. So, pick a back road and get lost. You really can't go wrong with this one - it's easy and fun.

9. Deal's Gap

Credit for Deal's Gap is most commonly given to North Carolina, but it actually lies on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, so we'll count it. It's shared in the same way Lake Tahoe lives in both Nevada and California, you know? This mountain pass flirts with both states and will have your camera and selfie game working overtime. Be cautious, though, as it's also quite windy - there are 318 curves in 11 miles of road!

10. Camp Nakanawa

The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. The colors are beautiful in autumn, by the way, so plan accordingly!

In case you couldn't tell, we're totally obsessed with scenic drives near Knoxville TN, down country roads. So no need to search for "Best backroad drives near me" When you have this amazing list of 10 scenic drives right here. Don't forget to pack your favorite snacks for the road trip. Did you pick a favorite? What is it? Have you traveled anywhere on our list? We want to hear! Let us know in the comments below, friends, and happy (and safe) driving!