7 Great Road Trips to Take in Tennessee
Taking a road trip is the perfect way to break free from routine and explore your surroundings, and there is no better place to feel liberated than the state of Tennessee. Tennesee borders eight other states, and its first inhabitants were Paleo-Indians, meaning people have been living here for at least 12,000 years whose roads and towns tell a vast history. Whether you want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, immerse yourself in Nashville's vibrant music scene, or visit Graceland in Memphis, a road trip here can take you anywhere. So pack up and get behind that wheel; the breeze of Tennessee’s open roads will set you free!
Knoxville to Rugby
If you are starting out in the great city of Knoxville, you cannot embark on your journey without seeing the Three Rivers Rambler first. Of course, there are many tourist attractions in big cities, but the point of a road trip is to get on the open roads and avoid crowded streets. Rugby is our go-to, and also a utopian settlement founded by British author Thomas Hughes in 1880. Along the way, you may want to stop at Frozen Head State Park in Wartburg with over 50 miles of hiking trails there, and you just might see the namesake mountain's peak if you are brave enough to make the climb. A quirky stop along the way includes RM Brooks General Store, just outside Rugby, which was built in the 1930s! Once you get to Rugby, you are greeted with 20 original buildings, including the Thomas Hughes Library, preserved from the 19th century—a must-see!
Nashville to Bell Buckle
Before heading out of Nashville, you would be remiss if you did not visit The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon, an art museum, but a work of art in its own right. Once you start moving down south, you may want to make a stop at Henry Horton State Park if you want to picnic at Duck River. Shelbyville would be your next destination, where you get to see the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds—a close-up view of the town’s rich equestrian history. Once you get to Bell Buckle, you can take a stroll through the antique shops downtown; it is also recommended to sit down and relax at the Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book. The atmosphere there is quite serene.
Chattanooga to Sewanee
Chattanooga is known for its Tennessee Aquarium, so it is understandable if you want to start there or perhaps the International Towing & Recovery Museum. Once you finally get a move on, you may want to head west and make a stop at the beautiful South Cumberland State Park, home to Foster Falls, a 60-foot waterfall. A barbecue meal at Monteagle for The Smoke House Lodge might be in order first because after the park lies your final destination. Sewanee is a small town with a breathtaking attraction: the Sewanee Natural Bridge, a sandstone arch formed over millions of years, accessible via a short hike. Finally, Sewanee’s All Saints' Chapel is a Gothic Revival masterpiece worth paying a visit to before you leave.
Memphis to Reelfoot Lake
If you are starting out in infamous Memphis, you may as well visit the Memphis Zoo or Metal Museum, but the real prize lies outside the city's boundaries. On your way to Reelfoot Lake, you might want to make a stop at Dyersburg and its historic courthouse square. The lake itself offers ample opportunity to spot bald eagles, and guided tours are available during the winter months if your road trip happens to be in the season. This destination resulted from a series of earthquakes that took place in 1811-1812, which caused the Mississippi River to flow backward. Today, you can enjoy fried catfish at Boyette’s Dining Room around there—the family-style restaurant has been running since 1921.
Jackson to Shiloh National Military Park
A great city and a great launch point, Jackson has even greater activities along the way to your destination. Start with a breakfast at Casey Jones Village, home to a historic railroad museum. Pickwick Landing State Park also offers good fishing spots along the way. Once you do get to Shiloh, the visitor center should be a useful first stop; there is also memorabilia and a film about the area’s Civil War history. Shiloh was, in fact, the site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles, with over 23,000 casualties in 1862. It is a very historic destination, and the Peach Orchard Hill is doubly so, as it was part of the battle site—though now a serene meadow.
Knoxville to Jonesborough
Your start at Knoxville could go in a different direction besides the aforementioned Rugby, of course. Jonesborough is Tennessee's oldest town, founded in 1779, and an excellent destination. First things first, the David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone is a great stopover to learn more about the legendary frontiersman, and if you keep going, it will do you some to take a look at the Chester Inn Museum. Jonesborough is known as the “Storytelling Capital of the World,” and it hosts annual festivals. You can visit the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center for more on all the local talent.
Nashville to Lynchburg
Driving up to Lynchburg is well worth the trip, as you will quickly discover. Before you do, a stop at Normandy Dam for lake views and picnicking is a must. Tullahoma’s Beechcraft Heritage Museum is also a good place to see vintage aircraft and aviation history before reaching Lynchburg. Once you get there, there is much to do. The town’s square has several small shops, including the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store, selling Jack Daniel’s memorabilia. Lynchburg is, in fact, home to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the United States. A good way to end the visit would be with a Southern meal from Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House, a family-style restaurant rich in both flavor and local history!
The open road leaves you with more places to see than there are hours in the day to see them. Tennessee has always had much to offer, but the liberation that one experiences on its roads is worth an exclusive trip. An incredible landscape with the friendliest people and countless sights to visit—it is an exquisite cocktail that anyone with a car must experience. What is great about road-tripping is that if you stumble upon a spot with a special place in your heart, you can always hop back in the car and visit it again!
