Best Tennessee Road Trip Itinerary - Tennessee Vacation Spots

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Tennessee’s perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant music scenes, rich history, and Southern hospitality makes it one of the most exciting states for a road trip. From the Appalachian Mountains to bustling cities and charming small towns, a Tennessee road trip takes you through diverse landscapes and experiences. So check out some of the fantastic Tennessee vacation spots and the best places to visit in Tennessee.

👉🏼8 Best Scenic Drives in Tennessee – Day Road Trips + Scenic Stopovers

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Tennessee Road Trip – Places to Visit in Tennessee

Read this detailed Tennessee road trip itinerary for a memorable journey with the best things to do in Tennessee, scenic stopovers, where to stay, places to visit with distance, and some useful protips.

Tennessee Road Trip – Tennessee Vacation Spots

Distance: Approximately 650 miles (total)
Duration: 7-9 days
Tennessee Drive Route: Start in Nashville ➝ Memphis ➝ Great Smoky Mountains ➝ Chattanooga ➝ Pigeon Forge ➝ Gatlinburg
Scenic Stops: Natchez Trace Parkway, Cherokee National Forest, Lookout Mountain, Foothills Parkway

Day 1: Nashville

Nashville is known as Music City, and therefore, it is a vibrant city filled with live music, historic landmarks, and great Southern food. It’s a perfect starting point for your road trip.

Things to Do:

Country Music Hall of Fame: Learn about the history of country music and see memorabilia from legendary artists.
Broadway Street: Experience the lively honky-tonk bars with live music day and night.
Ryman Auditorium: Visit the “Mother Church of Country Music” and enjoy a concert or tour.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A great spot for a scenic walk with views of downtown Nashville.

Overnight Stay – Hotel Indigo Nashville: A mid-budget option near Broadway with modern amenities and proximity to the city’s top attractions.

Scenic Stops—Natchez Trace Parkway: Drive a portion of this scenic highway, which stretches from Nashville and offers serene countryside views and historic sites.

Day 2-3: Memphis

Drive to Memphis from Nashville on day two of your Tennessee drive. The distance from Nashville to Memphis is 210 miles (3 hours via I-40 W)

Memphis is the home of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s also rich in civil rights history and delicious barbecue.

Things to Do:

Graceland: Visit Elvis Presley’s famous home, which is packed with personal memorabilia, gold records, and custom cars.
Beale Street: Walk down this historic street to experience live blues music, great bars, and BBQ.
National Civil Rights Museum: Located at the Lorraine Motel, this museum covers key moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
Sun Studio: Tour the legendary recording studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits.

Overnight Stay – The Guest House at Graceland is a mid-range option located near Graceland with themed rooms and live entertainment.

Scenic Stops – Big River Crossing: Take a scenic walk along the Mississippi River and enjoy stunning views from this pedestrian bridge.

Day 4: Chattanooga

Drive to Chattanooga from Memphis. The distance from Memphis to Chattanooga is 340 miles (5 hours via I-40 E and I-24 E)

This small city is known for its outdoor adventures and iconic attractions, such as Lookout Mountain, which has underground caves, waterfalls, and the Tennessee River.

Things to Do:

Lookout Mountain: Visit Rock City and the Incline Railway for breathtaking views of seven states from the top.
Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the country, showcasing river ecosystems and marine life.
Chattanooga Choo Choo: Visit this historic train station, which has been turned into an entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and gardens.

Overnight Stay – The Chattanoogan Hotel is a mid-budget hotel with a spa, rooftop bar, and stunning city views.

Scenic Stops – Cherokee National Forest: As you leave Memphis, stop in this national forest for hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.

Day 5-6: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Chattanooga. The distance from Chattanooga to the Great Smoky Mountains is 150 miles (2.5 hours via US-74 E)

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. due to their stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless hiking opportunities.

👉🏼10 Best Towns in The Smoky Mountains – Things To Do, Scenic Stops & Tips

Things to Do:

Clingmans Dome: Hike or drive to the highest point in the park for panoramic views.
Cades Cove: Explore this scenic valley loop, where you can spot wildlife, historic buildings, and beautiful mountain views.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A scenic drive with waterfalls and walking trails.
Laurel Falls Trail: A relatively easy hike to a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall.

Overnight Stay – Gatlinburg Inn: A cozy, mid-budget hotel just outside the park with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.

Scenic Stops – Foothills Parkway: A beautiful scenic drive along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 7: Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

Drive to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, mountainous towns in the Great Smoky mountain range. The distance from Great Smoky Mountains to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg: 30 miles (40 minutes via US-441 S).

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are bustling mountain towns near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains. They are famous for family-friendly attractions and stunning scenery.

👉🏼Gatlinburg In Winter Tn – Best Things To Do In Winter + Cabin Stay Options + Events

Things to Do:

Dollywood: Visit the famous theme park owned by Dolly Parton, which has roller coasters, music shows, and craft demonstrations.
Anakeesta: An outdoor adventure park in Gatlinburg with zip lines, a treetop canopy walk, and breathtaking views from the mountaintop.
Ober Gatlinburg: Take a ride on the aerial tramway for panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, and enjoy winter sports or alpine slides.

Overnight Stay – Margaritaville Island Hotel: A mid-budget hotel in Pigeon Forge with a tropical theme and access to shops and dining on The Island.

Scenic Stops – Newfound Gap Road: A scenic drive that cuts through the park, offering breathtaking views at nearly every turn.

You can also visit Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge as a day trip from Great Smoky Mountain, or you can stay at either of these towns and visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a day trip.

Tennessee Drive – Scenic Route Overview

Natchez Trace Parkway: A scenic and historic drive connecting Nashville with smaller towns.
Cherokee National Forest: Offers a peaceful, scenic drive with hiking trails.
Foothills Parkway: A must for anyone traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains, providing incredible panoramic views.

Why Tennessee Road Trip Is Worth Doing

Diverse Landscapes: Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, rolling hills, waterfalls, and picturesque rivers. Driving through the state offers diverse and breathtaking views.
Rich Music Heritage: Known as the birthplace of country music and rock ‘n’ roll, Tennessee is filled with music history in Nashville, Memphis, and smaller towns along the way.
Cultural Experience: From Southern food to Civil War sites, Tennessee’s culture is as rich as its natural beauty.
Scenic Drives: The state boasts numerous scenic routes, from mountain highways to riverside roads, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Valuable Tips for Your Tennessee Road Trip

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for mild weather and beautiful foliage.
Car Rental: Ensure your vehicle is suited for mountain driving if you visit the Smokies.
Park Entrances: Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains via Gatlinburg offers easy access to popular trails.
Pack Layers: The weather can vary greatly from the lowlands to the mountains, especially in spring and fall.
Book Hotels in Advance, Especially in tourist-heavy towns like Gatlinburg and Memphis, as accommodations can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

I hope you enjoyed reading about some of these best things to do in Tennessee, which are must-visit places in Tennessee, and will soon plan this scenic Tennessee drive.

Experience this Tennessee road trip for an unforgettable journey through mountains, cities, and small towns rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the music of Nashville to the serenity of the Great Smoky Mountains, each stop adds a unique experience to your adventure.

Best Tennessee Road Trip Itinerary – Tennessee Vacation Spots

Tennessee Road Trip – Places to Visit in Tennessee