Look for the state parks official parking area. Most people write off our Tennessee waterways simply because we don't border a coastline, but hey - we have some of the prettiest lakes and rivers in the country - which means we have a handful of lighthouses that are pretty enough to be a picture. The prettiest bridges aren't all in Madison County, you know. As we mention above, there are a ton of scenic overlooks especially along Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441). in two hours. Make your itinerary or check out Knox Brew Tours to let their knowledgeable guides shuttle you to four breweries with beer tastings at each stop. From paths that follow the mighty rivers to the ferries connecting barrier islands, here are our favorite North Carolina road trips. The chain of narrow barrier islands continues to the north, but the official byway only covers a portion. Find inspiration for your next road trip with one of these travel guides and itineraries. If youre visiting between June and August, dont miss the nightly performance of. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. When you come to the Attic Windowyoull know it when you see itclimb up to the point that marks the top frame of the windowfor incredible views of the national forest. information from Road Trips & Coffee. September 21, 2020 Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina Travel Inspiration Road Trips Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina In this road trip guide, we'll be highlighting four stops starting in Nashville, the country music capital of the world, and heading east through the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains to Knoxville. Plan your next adventure with these road trip itineraries across the country. The best car to book is the Open Air Gondola (or Premium Open Air Gondola) which is a covered open air car with benches on each side. With the open air gondola, youre exposed to the elements so make sure you bring layers in case it gets cold. The region is now part of an American Viticultural Area spanning seven counties. You must be 5+ to roll. Wander from Graceland to Hurricane Mills, Carnton Plantation to the Bell Witch Cave - you really can't mess up with a whole ream of eerie in your back pocket. Learn about the scenic or historic routes to drive and all the destinations youll discover along the way. The edges of the park might have a bit of service but plan to be disconnected while here. Make sure to look down at the water where you might see trout passing through. Here are the top things to do in South Carolina. There is some elevation change up to Juney Whank Falls. The 11.4-mile Linville Gorge Trail tracks the length of the gorge downstream fromthe falls, but youll have to hike in for access. This pretty valley is about two hours and twenty minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge so, like the rest of the Great Smokey Mountains, it is a good day trip. The hike up to Clingmans Dome is only 0.5 miles and well-paved but dont be fooled, the elevation change is quite large and so youll find yourself quite gassed when you reached the base of the tower. Most of today's journey between Chattanooga and Knoxville is on the interstate, allowing ample time for touring in either city. This gives you unobstructed views. The Cherohala Skyway is a 41-mile National Forest Scenic Byway between Tennessee and North Carolina. Getting there: Turn off at mile 6.9 of North Carolina Highway 197 South to Bowlens Creek (State Route1109). Guests spend their days driving the nearby Tail of the Dragon or checking out the Cheoah Dam, less than a mile up the road. Get inspired with adventure films, event replays, series, and more. Also, these are tailrace waters, so youll need to plan your trip around dam-release schedules. The trail to the popular Laurel Falls and back is only 4.8 miles. Photos are taken before you take the chairlift and rides such as Rail Runner. There are no gates to enter Cataloochee Valley so you can enter as early as youd like or leave as late as youd like. 11. The Watauga River in Elizabethton and the South Holston River in Bluff City offer excellent tailrace fishing, which involves angling just below natural or man-made dams. Elkmont is our most famous ghost town, but it's also the best known. At your final stop, the ceremonial square, the Cherokee perform a number of sacred dancesthe bear, the bison, the groundhog, and the quailregarded by the tribe as prayers to the Creator. Book an excursion with one of the many river-rafting outfitters navigating the world-class rapids; if that's not enough adventure, many also offer canopy and zipline tours. Southern Trippers has researched, mapped out and detailed every single best North Carolina road trip you could possibly take! Since 1961, Atlanta magazine, the citys premier general interest publication, has served as the authority on Atlanta, providing its readers with a mix of long-form nonfiction, lively lifestyle coverage, in-depth service journalism, and literary essays, columns, and profiles. The curvy roads were made for lollygaggers, not the impatient, for those who stop to dawdle and gaze, breathing in the fragrance of rhododendron in the spring and . If youre coming here for sunset, this means youll be driving in the dark through the national park so be careful and use your high beams (while not blinding oncoming traffic at the same time). Alternatively, skip the hike to the Grandfather Mountain Trail and arriveat the trailhead via the Mile High Swinging Bridge instead. You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Founded in 1946, Qualla is the oldest American Indian cooperative in the United States, preserving generations-old techniques and craft traditions. If you want to add to the drive, continue on US 129 and NC 28 to make the loop around Fontana Dam or head north into Tennessee for the circuitous Tail of the Dragon. Its best to look at the. Search for RV campgrounds. The. We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around Tennessee and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, car rentals, what to eat, where to stay, etc. When its your turn, the staff will place a small pad over the entrance of the zorb to prevent your clothes or skin catching on the zipper. There is a large parking lot but during high-season it can fill quickly so come early. Bears are nearby but the park staff do a good job at making sure they dont come into the park itself so you dont need to worry. . Comprising part of the Roan Highlands that crosses state lines into Tennessee, Roan Mountain State Park isnt just a good base camp for local adventures off of 19E, its a destination in its own right. This route, which reaches 2000ft to 4000ft above sea level, is a nice alternative if you dont want to commit to the longer Blue Ridge Parkway. While you could make the drive in less than two hours, this section of the North Carolina Smokies begs for further exploration. 12. Give yourself the entire day to detour. They come by 2 at a time. You have to call to reserve. The viaduct is one of the most photographed spots on the parkway, but theres so much more to see. Opened in 1996, the 43-mile Cherohala Skyway travels between Tennessee and North Carolina through Nantahala National Forest. Want a gentler hike? This is a great spot to shoot the silhouette or mountain ridges. We have a road trip for that. This will be around 4:30PM. The Quiet Walkways along the route offer restful contemplation. The Tennessee State Prison from, "The Green Mile" is on here as welland in a place you probably never would have guessed. The falls themselves are 40 feet high and 50 feet wide, but in the summer, when the water is low, they form two cascades that splash down mossy rock shelves. If you are military, first responder, or educator, use THANKYOU for a 10% discount. Enjoy these scenic drives and road trips to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other spots in Tennessee and North Carolina. There are washroom facilities in the parking lot. This is also when theyll ask whether you need paddle jackets, wetsuits, or booties. As of press time, the trails and campsites mentioned in this piece were open. If youre feeling adventurous and want an aerial view of the park, check out Navitat, also located at Ijams. If you love sunsets, plan to stay around and watch it from the top of AnaVista Tower. And be sure to step inside the small on-site meadery for a pint of one of the five housemade meads on tap; the Dry County Dry (with a whopping 11.4 ABV) is the most popular. But dont let the length of the access trails fool you: these are steep hikes. The rafts rafts can carry up to 8 people + guide so these arent the massive rafts we had at. The road from the main Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441) is windy but easy to drive and newly paved. Traveling with a dog or cat? The high-altitude, heavily forested realm also beckons to adventurers of another stripe: motorcyclists and sports-car drivers looking to push the envelope on some of the nations most scenic and challenging roadways. To the west, the peak rises above Pisgah National Forest and one of the Blue Ridge Parkways most photographed locations, the Linn Cove Viaduct. Also located on Hatteras is the Frisco Native American Museum, which highlights Native culture from all over the country through art, artifacts and handmade jewelry. Save time on your check-in process for Rail Runner and Dueling Zipline by completing your waiver online. For the best of both, FUNnel is a great one to start with. Love Tennessee? However, the resulting views are well worth the journey; on certain days you can see the characteristic blue haze over the mountains. Once you get on the bus, itll take you uphill to the start of the course. There is plenty of nature to explore in the city limits. 140 miles, five hours. At the bottom of its850-foot descent, youll find the ten-foot-tall Babel Tower Fallsand a popular swimming hole. Try the well-trodden, 2.4-mile Babel Tower Trail. 208.6 miles: Getting there: Exit on Highway 194 North/Three Mile Highway to U.S. 221 South, Highway 183 South, and thenKistler Memorial Highway. Its 350-plus members produce a wide range of authentic pieces, each with a tag identifying the object and its maker, as well as the materials and dyes used. (You can also opt for the simple picnic tables out back overlooking Santeetlah Creek.) With all of our stunning vistas and mountains, you KNOW we have to have a couple of beautiful waterfalls. Pullouts will lead you to the Wisemans View overlook. Theres also a swimming area and fishing options at the northern end of Doe River, which flows through the park. April 18, 2019 Illustrated map by Steven Stankiewicz Eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina are home to some of the highest elevations in the eastern United States, rising more than 6,000. Although its little known outside of the region, the 60-mile stretch connects as much natural diversity as any locale in southern Appalachia. At your final stop, the ceremonial square, the Cherokee perform a number of sacred dancesthe bear, the bison, the groundhog, and the quailregarded by the tribe as prayers to the Creator. . Theres much more to experience in the Palmetto State than beautiful shorelines and dreamy marshes. If youre looking for the road less traveled, youll find it in North Carolina. When booking your tickets, the parking fee is mandatory and built in. From hiking to kayaking, here are the very best activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow your guide on an hour-plus walk past work areas and dwellings, stopping to talk with villagers as they weave belts and blankets, create beadwork, make tools and weapons, and craft baskets and pottery. It dates back to 1933 when US Senator Harry Byrd suggested connecting Virginias Skyline Drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The day hikers who make it to Grassy Ridge Bald often stop for lunch by the boulder with a plaque commemorating Cornelius Rex Peake, one of the highlands early conservation benefactors. The staff will zip up the zorb (its double sealed). Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. When youre ready to relax, book an appointment at The Spa at Grove Park, ranked one of the countrys top spa resorts as ranked by Fodors and Travel + Leisure. At 500 miles across, there's lots to explore, so give yourself plenty of time to see the changes in topography. The rafting experience itself takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. The main building has change rooms and restrooms. How To Get Around The Great Smoky Mountains? The drive will take people from the Tellico Plains of Tennessee all the way to North Carolina's Robbinsville. Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, and its presence has drawn lots of dining and entertainment to the city. Yes! The same bus will pick you up and once the rafts are loaded back on, theyll drive you to the Wildwater outpost/office. For pirate lore and buried treasure, head to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Hatteras Island, filled with artifacts pulled from shipwrecks, including Blackbeards Queen Annes Revenge. Since its not a round-trip hike, itmakes for a challenging 22.6 mile out-and-back, so planaleisurelytwo-to-three-day triparound four first-come, first-served primitive campsites along the Pisgah National Forest section of the trail before it enters the state park at mile 7.9. Eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina are home to some of the highest elevations in the eastern United States, rising more than 6,000 feet above sea level in some parts. Just outside Cherokee, youll turn onto a mountainous road that becomes increasingly steeper. Yes, youll be driving to the various fields in the valley but once youre there, you park, get out of your car and choose a spot on the gravel or edge of the field to watch the elk. In another, a glass case holds hundreds of vintage Avon perfume bottles in the shapes of dogs, model cars, chess pieces. Need to know: Dont underestimate the weather here. . On the contrary, you actually stay relatively planted at the bottom with the water as the zorb rolls around you. You need to arrive 1 hour before departure. Be sure and ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway before leaving Chattanooga. 3 minutes. But the best section for the outdoors person is from miles 6 to 61,connectingeight adventures never more than 25 minutes off 19E. The barn across from Hiram Caldwell House has two floors and has a giant opening that is great for portrait photography. This book showcases 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth, from classic routes in America, Australia and Europe, to incredible adventures in Asia and Africa. Youll find these on the checkout page. Rafting is only available April October. 1 hour 30 minutes in, theres a 1 hour 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro. In one section, Edison open-horn phonographs sit alongside 1930s cathedral radios and early transistor models from the 1950s. If you cant do the hike up to the dome, theres actually a great view of the mountains looking westwards which is perfect for sunset. They dont have a videographer. 6 Best Road Trips. Its a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who hike and bike its steep trails and brave its rushing rivers. The visitor center is right by the trailhead and their hours can be found on the, They have a number experiences and locomotives. Copyright 2021 Jason Barnette | All rights reserved | Seriously, dont steal my stuff. Youll immediately get wet because of the water thats inside. A Drive Down Tennessees Loneliest Road Will Take You Miles And Miles Away From It All, This Tennessee Whiskey Trail Is The Perfect Weekend Road Trip, Take A Road Trip To This Quaint Shopping Village In The Hills Of East Tennessee, The Small Town Petting Zoo In Tennessee Thats Worthy Of A Road Trip, The Magical Road Trip Will Take You Through Tennessees Most Charming Christmas Towns, A Haunting Road Trip Through Tennessee Ghost Towns To Take If You Dare, Take This Road Trip Through Tennessees Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience, This Epic 3-Day Restaurant Road Trip In Tennessee Will Make Your Mouth Explode, 12. We've planned it out for you, and you may just find some of your favorite Tennessee eateries scattered in-between. Then check out our haunted Tennessee road trip! In the park, campsites are largely nestled in the ridgeline forests. Two hikes will get you to the Roan Highlands, a 20-mile massif part ofthe AppalachianBald Mountains. Every region of the country seems to have its own little Grand Canyon. It offers 12 miles of hiking trails and three miles of biking routes that run from easy to strenuous. Construction began in 1935 and incorporated several New Deal programs. There's also a terrifying HAUNTED road trip through East Tennessee, 9. Getting there can be as fun as the park itself. After exploring downtown Knoxville, youll take several roads to the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway, which begins in nearby Sevierville. Have your zoom lens prepared and ready to go before heading out. left. Book Now. This is the perfect road trip if you're located in Middle Tennessee and need a bit of time to yourself - the most therapeutic kind of road trip is found on a Tennessee backroad, y'all. Cave Creek Road is a winding road that starts off as paved but once you pass through the residential area, it turns to a gravel road. Sixty-five years later, the historic property and its seven circa-1935 hillside cabins began welcoming the public. Youll be tempted to go to Cataloochee Valley Overlook when you just get in. These almost treeless ridges are carpeted in grasses and short shrubs, leaving room for 360-degree views. You can enter many of the buildings and explore their interiors. Getting there: Exit on U.S. 321 South, and drive 1.5 miles to the Laurel Falls Trailhead. From the Cherohala Skyway to Cades Cove, Tennessee, our reds and golds and oranges are the prettiest shades in the country. This is an easy answer! The speed limit through the Smoky Mountains is at most 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) but is generally 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). Sign up and be the first to read new road trip itineraries and destination guides. The view here is just ok so wed recommend getting down to the valley floor first and spend your time with the elk. Take a road trip thorugh Tennessee's most picturesque small towns. 3917 St. Elmo Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37409. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. Radnor Lake is located 20 minutes south of downtown and has 1,400 acres of hiking trails and as a Class II Natural Area wildlife preserve, offers some of the best bird watching in the state. 497.8 miles: 10 hours, 58 minutes. While its possible to explore by bus or train, theres nothing quite like navigating the state's curving roads from behind the wheel of a car. Charlotte, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee . The Yadkin Valley is set between the mountains of Western North Carolina and the cities of the Piedmont. You truly haven't lived until you hear of the horror behind the Glenmore Mansionit's truly terrifying. Also, be aware that this is a relatively dry trail: water is only available at three spots. Keep in mind that weather conditions may lead to closures, and some attractions and visitors' centers are only open from May to October. Youll find the gap where the AT bisects Tennessee State Route143 South, also called Roan Road, at the top of Roan Mountain. Sunrise is a great time to go because the lighting isnt harsh, the sun just lights the trees at the top of the valley, and you might be able to catch the mysterious fog that hovers over the field. Be sure to visit Destinations for travel guides about cities and towns and Travel Gear & Tips for packing lists and gear reviews. You will be on the Wildwater open air gondola car. Theres also quite a bit of bouncing around in the 44 adventure at the end. Our Best Deal: 60% Off Outside+, Ends July 9, The two-hour corridor from Asheville, North Carolina, to Bluff City, Tennessee, packs eight adventures into 60 miles. Its 350-plus members produce a wide range of authentic pieces, each with a tag identifying the object and its maker, as well as the materials and dyes used. Qualla Arts and Crafts MutualFounded in 1946, Qualla is the oldest American Indian cooperative in the United States, preserving generations-old techniques and craft traditions. Travel to the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests at the end of October or . Visit the southern shores of Fontana Lake or hike the trail to Findley Falls, one of many nearby waterfalls. Stop at the overlooks for incredible views of Lake Santeetlah. Sterling Road which eventually becomes 45 minutes of gravel road towards Cataloochee Valley but itd be much easier to take I-40 into North Carolina and then up through Cove Creek Road. This portion of US 441 showcases mountain vistas, so plan on a leisurely jaunt on US 441 as you pass over 5,048-foot-high Newfound Gap. Search for RV campgrounds. Be on the lookout for wildlife and more specifically, bears! As evening falls, bikers and hikers congregate around bonfires to roast marshmallows or head to the expansive riverfront terrace for local brews and rainbow trout topped with caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and pecan butter. Getting there: The Appalachian Trail crosses 19E at mile 44.7. Once you reach the other end of the bridge, theres a small deck with gift shop. Take a trip through Tennessee to visit all of our ghost towns. Read More. If youre looking for milky waterfalls, make sure you pack your ND filters and tripod (we use the. Curious? Snag a booth in the fifties-themed dining room with checkerboard floors and 45s hung from the ceiling or, for open-air dining, head to the adjacent circa-1920s barn. The forty-three-mile Cherohala Skyway, a $100 million scenic byway that took thirty years to build and traverses two national forests: the Cherokee and the Nantahala (which lend the route its name). These include Robbinsvilles Cheoah Dam, from which Harrison Fords character leapt in The Fugitive, and the banks of the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, where elk are often spotted fording the rolling waters. Do you love road trips? Next, well cross the North Carolina border and stop in Asheville before our last stop in the states largest city, Charlotte. If you have difficulty walking, Tom Branch Falls is right along the easy-to-walk path , has no elevation change, and the waterfall can be viewed right across the creek. Invest six hours in the best adventure of the year. But one industry has seen a rise over the past decade: breweries. Waynesville, Bryson City) and do day trips. The Pinch-In Trail, for instance, leads directly to the Linville Gorge Trail after a descent of more than 1,700 feet in just under 1.5 miles. South Holston has a reputation for monster brown trout and its hatches of sulphurs. If you want to support the national park, dont buy souvenirs in town but at the visitor centers instead where the money can make a difference. Just outside on the other end of the waiting area is an outdoor Wildwater kiosk where a member of team will ask you to fill out the waivers and brief you on how the trip will work. When you come out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, youre just an hour away from the trendy mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Bryson City/Swain County NC Chamber of Commerce. Youll be on this gravel road for 15-20 minutes and itll eventually turn into Old Cataloochee Turnpike. Take time to explore Downtown Asheville and its collection of art galleries, boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, live music venues and local breweries. The most popular time to visit is during the fall colours. The drive follows the curves of the Benton MacKaye Trail, named for the conservationist, and there are shorter hikes you can take from the trail. potential. Drones are not allowed here (we had special permissions to fly). But the best . Three days, three meals and day AND snacks? Be aware that both parking areas have had a reputation for vandalism in recent years, particularlyon 19E at mile 44.7. For a more challenging hike, you can ado the Deep Creek Horse Trail from Juney Whank Falls up to Indian Creek Falls before coming back down to the trailhead and catch Tom Branch Falls. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! It takes motorists from Tellico Plains in the Tennessee backcountry to Robbinsville, North Carolina, the jumping-off point for the Tail of the Dragon, an eleven-mile stretch of US 129 boasting 318 curves. Need to know: Fishing in North Carolina and Tennessee requires a valid license and a trout stamp that can be purchased online. Wildwater is the only one that is partnered with GSMR. Did you know that a handful of Tennessee natural wonders are enough to drop that jaw on the floor? Great Smoky Mountains RailroadStep inside the historic Bryson City Depot and book passage on the railroads Great American Rails-N-Trails Narration Car for a steam excursion across the countryside.