9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Tennessee
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.” These are the last and most popular stanzas in Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken. It is an apt sentiment for travelers who may one day come upon the off-the-beaten-path towns in Tennessee, destinations that not many tourists and trailblazers are aware of in the Volunteer State. From the Great Smoky Mountains all the way down to the fields and valleys of the land, the state of Tennessee is thriving with small towns that are off the beaten path and whose townsfolks’ ancestors had volunteered in several conflicts like the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the American Civil War. Those with a hunger for adventure should absolutely take the roads less traveled by and into the off-the-beaten-path towns in Tennessee.
Morristown
Out of the way from the city of Knoxville, which is about 50 miles away, Morristown is an out-of-the-way gateway to some of the many panoramic landmarks in the Ridge and Valley region. Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier, made his home in these wildlands and wilderness areas which you can learn all about in the Crockett Tavern Museum. The descendants of the brave pioneers who settled in this corner of the frontier alongside Davy Crockett have continued to preserve the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and that of the Smokies or the Great Smoky Mountains—places which you can certainly explore at your leisure.
For more nearby attractions, both Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake are exquisite destinations for fishermen to seek out game and other watersports. Meanwhile, areas like Panther Creek Park and Grainger County Park are suitable for individuals eager to take the off-beaten path through Tennessee’s wilderness. The Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is a particularly intriguing location for you to be, as it shelters many of Tennessee’s elusive and eclectic wildlife for you to seek out and photograph. There is more to savor in Morristown, so consider taking the less traveled roads towards this off-the-beaten path town in Tennessee.
Jonesborough
About seven miles from the Tri-Cities area of Johnson City, the small town of Jonesborough is considered “Tennessee’s Oldest Town” because it was established 17 years before Tennessee was granted statehood in 1796. In the period of 1784 - 1790, Jonesborough served as the capital of the state of Franklin, a vanished state in the US so named after Benjamin Franklin which was gobbled up by North Carolina after the Battle of the State of Franklin. Although Jonesborough tends to be in an off-beaten path compared to Johnson City, it nevertheless accommodated many individuals in establishments like The Chester Inn. This inn in particular has accommodated several historic figures like Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk. It was also in Jonesborough that The Emancipator, the first periodical dedicated to the cause of the abolitionist movement, was established in Jonesborough’s Historic District.
Because Jonesborough is situated close to the Great Smoky Mountains, travelers are encouraged to visit places like the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower to get a grand and unforgettable view of the land. When traveling down the Nolichucky River, you can explore regions like the dog-friendly Buffalo Mountain Park. Undoubtedly the best feature you can find in Jonesborough is the annual International Storytelling Festival in the month of October, held in the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. This is where storytellers from across America and beyond gather to Jonesborough in order to uphold the oldest human traditions of weaving worlds with words. Whether to listen to oral narratives or to see the historic sights, you will not be disappointed at all by the off-beaten routes and trails to take in Jonesborough.
Dayton
For travelers taking off-the-beaten pathways out of Chattanooga, you may come across the wonderful small town of Dayton just 36 miles away from the city. Originally known as Smith’s Crossroads until it was renamed to Dayton in 1820, this small town beside the Richland Creek and the Tennessee River was the setting and scene for the most unusual court trial. Around the year 1925, John T. Scopes, a high school science teacher, was found guilty of teaching evolution. Not only can you learn more about this unusual and unfounded trial at the historic Rhea County Courthouse where it took place, you can also watch a reenactment of the Scope Trial via the Scopes Trial Play and Festival held annually in July.
Notwithstanding this odd bit of history, Dayton is a rather beautiful and serene destination for individuals wanting to get away from the city bustle. Both the Laurel Snow National Area and the Lorenzen Flower Farm are grand lands filled with budding flowers for you to pick. In contrast, Lake Chickamauga is home to many bass and other fishes for you to try and catch. The marshlands at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and the Blythe Ferry Goose Management Area are teeming with some of Tennessee’s most reclusive organisms for you to seek out. However, if you are not one for the outdoors, then you can certainly attend the Tennessee Strawberry Festival in May for its exquisite produce of strawberries this 2025. Be it day or night,Dayton is definitely one of the best towns worth visiting this year.
Tellico Plains
As the gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest, the small mountain town of Tellico Plains is far from a plain and ordinary town off the beaten path. Only about 60 miles away from Dayton, visitors to Tellico Plains can learn all about the dynamic and delightful landscapes and ecosystems prospering in this side of the Smokies at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. When taking the many mountain routes in the foothills of the Smokies such as the Conasauga Falls Trail, backpackers and trekkers will be astounded by the forested slopes and lush farmlands all around Tellico Plains.
The Nantahala National Forest and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest are just some of the many woodland regions neighboring the Cherokee National Forest. On the other hand, destinations such as the Indian Boundary Recreation Area and the Cheoah Ranger District are spots that will give you informative insights into the local wildlife that call the mountains around Tellico Plains their home. Some of these wildernesses, however, do share their arboreal borders with the state of North Carolina. In any case, you will not be dismayed or downtrodden when immersing yourself in the untamed and untainted nature sceneries around Tellico Plains.
Lynchburg
In spite of Lynchburg’s relatively small town appearance, this community about 74 miles away from Nashville and near the border of Alabama is home to one of the most famous whiskey industries in the world—Jack Daniels. In 1866, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel established the first registered distillery within the US. After his death in 1907, the Jack Daniel Distillery continued operations in Lynchburg, expanding its spirit and spirits by associating its popular product, the Old No. 7, with Rock N’ Roll music and other advertisements throughout the years. The Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center elaborates more on the history of the oldest registered distillery in the US.
If you do not have the stomach for whiskey, you always savor your appetite with scenic explorations through areas like the Tims Ford State Park and Pleasant Grove Public Use Area. Pennington Cave is undoubtedly the most unique natural feature in Lynchburg as it contains underground rivers that one can go kayaking in perpetual darkness. Should the heat of the day become irksome, travelers can cool down in the humble waters of either the Short Springs Natural Area or beside Normandy Lake. On the month of April, Lynchburg fills the air with lively musical performances during the Lynchburg Music Fest. Between drinking one of the world’s most famous whiskeys or taking in the excellent views of the land, Lynchburg certainly has a wide array of amenities you can enjoy on the least-beaten path.
Columbia
Approximately 43 miles from Nashville on the Duck River, the out-of-the-way town of Columbia is a remarkable town filled with history and culture. Despite the name, Columbia has little to do with the province of British Columbia in Canada. Instead, the town has everything to do with President James K. Polk’s childhood as well as the beginning of his law practice in the year 1820. His house, the James K. Polk Ancestral Home, now functions as a living museum depicting Polk’s career and livelihood in addition to other antebellum structures like Athenaeum and the Rippavilla Plantation.
The most amazing thing about Columbia is the fact that it is the “mule capital of the world” or simply “Muletown.” Back in 1840, a livestock market, one of the largest in the world at that time, was held in Columbia for the sale of many mules. Today, the townsfolk celebrate Mule Day every April where hundreds of people perform Appalachian folk dances and music to the theme of mules. For those of you more interested in wandering about, you can certainly go trekking through the vistas of Riverwalk Park, Maury County Park, Yanahli Park, and Chickasaw Trace Park. The last park is an especially significant destination since it often hosts off-road races at the Radio Control Car Track. No matter how you intend to arrive in Columbia—on foot, in a car, or even on a mule—you will doubtlessly find the destination as fulfilling as the journey.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge, about 35 miles from Knoxville, is a compelling town replete with a diverse spectrum of spectacles for you to see. Many of you are certainly familiar with places like Hollywood and Bollywood, but you may not know of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Appalachian theme park. This park in honor of the popular songwriter and actress features rides, musical performances, and a museum showcasing Dolly Parton’s iconic dresswear. Contrasting Dollywood is the TITANIC Museum Attraction, a museum shaped in the form of the tragic vessel Titanic where one can see artifacts and articles from or regarding the ship’s history and passengers.
For those of you more eager to go exploring in this side of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will not be disappointed by the ziplines of the Smoky Mountain Ziplines, Legacy Mountain Ziplines, and Wears Valley Zipline Adventures. Neither will you be chagrined by the animals at the RainForest Adventures Zoo or the horseback riding services at the Jayell Ranch Adventure Park. Travelers one and all will have a jolly time in Dollywood, a titanic experience at the TITANIC Museum Attraction, and general merriment in the airy town of Pigeon Forge.
Sweetwater
When traveling between Chattanooga and Knoxville, travelers may come across the sweet town of Sweetwater. Some who arrive in this underrated and remote town tend to stay in order to rest and refuel to resume their journey onwards. However, many will be staying a long time in Sweetwater because of its many remarkable landmarks that you should not miss. One of these features is the Lost Sea Adventure, a helpful program that allows visitors to rafting and kayaking through the largest underground lake in America, the Lost Sea. The Lost Sea is located in the Craighead Caverns State Park and was once a meeting place for Cherokee Native Americans as evidenced by pre-pioneer artifacts found in a subterranean chamber called “The Council Room.”
The surface of Sweetwater is just as attractive as the town’s underground, for you will be amazed by Tennessee’s largest muscadine vineyard, the Tsali Notch Vineyard, which also happens to be the first producers of grape in the state. Elsewhere, you might fancy seeing a replica of a British fortress from the 18th century at the Fort Loudoun State Historic Park near Watts Bar Lake and Little Tennessee River. Ultimately, you will find Sweetwater a sweet and watery experience in Tennessee.
Cumberland Gap
Even the off-beaten paths converge with others into crossroads and meeting points. This is particularly true when explorers from Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee all find themselves uniting into the border town of Cumberland Gap. This location at the meeting point between the three aforementioned states is a perfect destination for people enthusiastic to take in the idyllic outdoors. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a significantly riveting landmark as many bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers of the past have traversed this way on their personal exoduses and odysseys. From atop the Pinnacle Overlook, one can attain an impeccable and unspoiled view of three American states and their shared wildernesses. Meanwhile, one can go camping in bucolic areas in Fern Lake, beside the Powell River, or at the Mountain Pass Campground. For a deeper dive into the past, you can ascend Bush Mountain to see the well-preserved Hensley Settlement, a humble image of rural simplicity in this remote corner of Tennessee.
Beyond the big cities of Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, explorers in the Volunteer State of Tennessee ought to take the roads less traveled by and into the memorable and delightful small towns off the beaten path. Between the tri-state area of Cumberland Gap and the forested beauties and amenities in places like Pigeon Forge, you will have no difficulties in arriving in your desired destinations even if you took a less popular or unfamiliar route. Some may say that the journey is better than the destination, but in Tennessee the destinations are just as rewarding as the journey. So in this state so named after the Cherokee word “Tanasi” which means “meeting place,” “wind river,” or “river of the great bend,” visitors should definitely take the road less traveled by in order to make a great difference in arriving in the many off-the-beaten path towns this year.
