Road Trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg
The road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg is full of wonders, excitement, and inspiration, and it is definitely worth thinking about. This exciting trip is sure to amaze you with its stunning nature and urban scenery, regardless of your level of experience.
It takes five hours to drive the 295 miles from Nashville to Gatlinburg. In addition to Chattanooga and Knoxville, popular destinations include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Fall Creek Falls, and Cloudland Canyon State Parks.
This is just a small sampling of the numerous sites and attractions that may be seen during this relatively brief trip. To find out the ideal time to take a road trip, where to stay along the way, and the best route, continue reading.
How long will it will take to drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg?
It will take around five hours to drive the best and most breathtaking road trip route from Nashville to Gatlinburg, which covers 295 miles. It is best to stop as often as you can along the road to get the most out of this exciting journey.
It’s a simple journey, and it’s likely that you won’t encounter any traffic until you get to Gatlinburg. There are many options for interesting detours, some of which, like those to Atlanta and Huntsville, may extend your journey by a few days.
Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, The Lost Sea Adventure, Nantahala National Forest, and numerous other breathtaking locations and attractive sights exist along the trip.
Although you may complete the journey in less than a day, it is preferable to spend two to three days traveling alone in order to fully enjoy East Tennessee’s sturdy scenery.
Best route for a road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg
A road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg is a great and convenient way to explore some of Tennessee’s most fascinating sites and attractions. Since you are mainly traveling on major highways and interstates, this beautiful drive will also be easy.
Depending on the season, you could face traffic or closed-off roads, but as long as you are aware of this in advance, it shouldn’t be an issue.
The Scenic Road trip route from Nashville to Gatlinburg
The Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is located near Manchester, which is northeast of where you are now.
Exit 127 for US-64, which joins onto TN-121 before leading to Huntsville, Alabama, is an easy option to take a lengthy detour to Huntsville on your way out of Manchester.
If you are unable to make this detour, go on I-24, make a detour later, and then take US-72 across Nickajack Lake. Continue on the road until you get to Chattanooga, where you can take a detour to the north to visit Cloudland Canyon State Park.
You might think about taking a drive to Atlanta for an exciting trip in this vibrant city after deciding whether or not you want to relax at one of the Chattanooga resorts.
To take this route, head straight into the city via Marietta by taking Exit 185A for Interstate 75 South (I-75). After your visit, head back north on the same interstate.
You can also take US-74 past Cleveland and divert here to Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
If not, head toward Knoxville via Interstate 75 (I-75), where you can spend some time exploring the city. After leaving the city, take Exit 407 toward TN-66 and continue on Interstate 40 (I-40).
After driving past Douglas Lake, you can visit Dollywood and the Titanic Museum Attraction in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Proceed to Gatlinburg, your ultimate destination, by following US-441.
Best spots to stop between Nashville and Gatlinburg
The road ride from Nashville to Gatlinburg is simple and relaxed, which will help your trip go well. However, it won’t hurt to add a day or two to the trip so that you can relax at one of these fantastic resorts along the way:
Connect with nature at Chattanooga
Known as the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga is two hours from Nashville and is renowned for its gorgeous surroundings, which make it an ideal place for outdoor activities. Both a night at The Read House plus the many hiking, climbing, and kayaking paths will make for an amazing trip.
The Read House is an excellent resort with dark natural décor and luxurious, mood-enhancing chandeliers that greatly enhance the sophisticated atmosphere. You might not want to leave the hotel because of its amazing indoor pool and remarkable amenities.
If you do, you can walk to a number of attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Tivoli Theater, and Ross’s Landing, which has breathtaking views of the Tennessee River, because the hotel is downtown.
If you have time, a hike in Point Park around Lookout Mountain and a drive to Ruby Falls are excellent ways to get back in touch with nature.
You shouldn’t pass up the chance to eat at the elegant Bridgemans Chophouse on-site, whether you choose to relax at the hotel or spend the day exploring Chattanooga.
Where to stay after arriving in Gatlinburg
Although the events, vistas, and activities change with the seasons, a trip to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is always breathtaking. A weekend at Margaritaville Resort is one of the few ways to make your time in Gatlinburg even more delightful.
For individuals who love vibrant colors, coastal patterns, and the warm feeling of unique design, Hotel Margaritaville is a diverse oasis. The great location, excellent service, and roomy accommodations will provide a one-of-a-kind retreat.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle and the wildly popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies are both easily accessible to the hotel and can be reached on foot.
The resort is just a 5-minute drive from the stunning hills and peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, and there are countless outdoor activities available in this national park, including hiking, biking, waterfall gazing, and wildlife observation.
You can relax at the hotel’s luxurious spa or amazing outdoor pool after a long day of being outside. If the weather permits, you can then eat at the on-site restaurant on the beautifully landscaped garden terrace.
Attractions on a road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg
Despite its brief duration, the road drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg is jam-packed with attractions that make for an unforgettable experience. We’ve put together a list of our top recommendations for things to see and do to help you make up your mind.
1. Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro- Discover the background of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles, the significant Union victories in the Battle of Stones River, and its historical context.
2. Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, Manchester – The Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is a popular destination for both tourists and history buffs, offering a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, elegant waterfalls, and museum displays.
3. Huntsville, Alabama – Huntsville is renowned for its dedicated scientists who work at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, developing aerospace and military technologies. The Huntsville Botanical Garden and Monte Sano State Park are two more interesting attractions.
4.Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn – Enjoy a distinctive hiking experience in Georgia, complete with steep cliffs, exciting scenery, and breathtaking landscapes.
5. Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, Chattanooga – With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you may explore the more than 5.5 miles of underground passageways at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and take in the stunning formations.
6. Chattanooga, Tennessee – Beautiful views, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of spectacular sites exist in this charming city. Be sure to take advantage of all the remarkable attractions in and around Chattanooga.
7. The Lost Sea Adventure, Sweetwater – Discover the amazing story of the lake’s discovery as you drift through a complex network of caves and explore the largest underwater lake in the northern hemisphere.
8. Atlanta, Georgia – Atlanta is an amazing town with a thriving art scene and a wealth of culture and history. “The Big A” is an ideal spot for both family and friend vacations because it has a thriving nightlife and a ton of amazing and thrilling activities.
9. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia – Along with thousands of kilometers of streams, rivers, and other natural features, this huge forest spans about 867,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including dozens of campgrounds and picnic places.
10. Knoxville, Tennessee – The attractive city of Knoxville offers the perfect combination of the serenity of the Great Smoky Mountains and the conveniences of a larger town.
11. Nantahala National Forest, Bryson City – The Nantahala National Forest, which the Cherokee people refer to as the “land of the noonday sun,” is a powerful location with breathtaking views that are guaranteed to make an impression.
12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee – In the midst of old mountains, thundering waterfalls, and sparkling mountain streams, you will find a variety of plant and animal life in abundance.
13. Cherokee National Forest, Elizabethton – The Cherokee National Forest is home to seven whitewater rivers, more than 700 miles of trails, and stunning mountain views.
14. Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville – The Cumberland Mountain State Park, which centers on a man-made lake called Byrd, offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, educational events, and overnight options of lodging.
15. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer – With more than 200 campsites and 30 cabins, this park provides a range of activities, environmental education, and extra art and craft programs.
Ideal time to go on a road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg
The road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg is great all year long, regardless of your preference for bright and sunny July days, soft snowy landscapes, or vibrant fall colors.
However, Gatlinburg’s ambiance may be attractive in the summer and fall, when it’s at most popular. Keep in mind that tourist numbers spike in early October, which means you’ll undoubtedly encounter more expensive and congested attractions.
September is the ideal time of year for outdoor enthusiasts to visit, especially on weekdays when prices are lower and the attractions are less crowded. With temperatures ranging around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather is quite lovely.
Even the busiest seasons are subject to unexpected and unpredictable weather changes because of the city’s high elevation. It is crucial to include an extra layer of clothing, just in case, even if you plan your trip based on the weather forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see between Gatlinburg and Nashville?
1) The Aquarium in Tennessee
2) The City of Rock
3) Lookout Mountain’s parks, include Cloudland Canyon, Little River, Lula Lake, and Reflection Riding.
4) Military Parks (Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain sections).
Which is better, Nashville or Gatlinburg?
Once you leave it, the Gatlinburg region is lovely. crowded, tourist-heavy, and packed with automobiles. Nashville is lively and active, but it lacks the natural beauty of Chattanooga and eastern Tennessee. Additionally, Chattanooga offers a wide variety of food and beverages.
How many days is enough for Gatlinburg?
According to the travel agent, a week should be sufficient for a family to experience the main attractions, including visiting several theme and water parks, walking around Gatlinburg, and visiting the national park, which includes Cades Cove, a valley with many opportunities to see wildlife, such as white-tailed deer.June 20, 2023.
Why is Gatlinburg so famous?
The most visited national park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is accessible from Gatlinburg. Many of the 14 million park visitors annually use Gatlinburg as a basecamp because there are three park gates located directly in town.
What is the cheapest month to go to Gatlinburg?
For those seeking a tranquil retreat away from the bustle, January, February, and March are the off-peak months. In addition, the best deals on lodging are available during these off-peak months. Get the best deal while enjoying Ober Gatlinburg’s most enchanting home away from home!
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