Home to bourbon, horses, and true Southern hospitality - you'll find plenty of fun places to stop. The museum is also a factory where they make the bats. Cades Cove Loop. The main reason we wanted to take a detour road trip through Kentucky was to visit Mammoth Cave National Park. 1. We have covered other unique places that you can visit too! Mother's Day Handmade Gift Ideas From Noonday April 10, 2021. Welcome to our ultimate Tennessee road trip planner! We enjoyed the hike and will come back. Explore Kentucky/Tennessee road trip - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Old Man River, Father of Waters, body of a nation, Big Muddyby any name the mighty Mississippi cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. It is a beautiful area featuring more than 100 natural archs/bridges, huge rock formations for climbers, and even some roaring rapids for thrill seekers. And if you know Tennessee well, please help your fellow Foodies can enjoy a variety of delicious Southern dishes from barbeque to biscuits and off course, the famous Nashville hot chicken. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is part of the National Park System and is also known as the "gateway to the west". On Wednesdays and Saturdays (May to November) visit the Market Square Farmers Market. Wear good hiking shoes and be prepared for a work out! Did we miss out any details or must visit spots? Some roots, rocks and mud, but an enjoyable hike with a nice waterfall. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. To play on the lake, rent a houseboat, Jet Ski, or pontoon boat at Edgar Evins Marina. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Friday: Before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Saturday: Before noon or after 7 p.m. "If you really want to beat the traffic, if you want to get to where you're going quicker and with less hassle, I would . Stop at the family-owned Stonehaus Winery (exit 320, Crossville) for a complimentary wine tasting. A road trip through neighboring states of West Virginia and Kentucky offers the best of both worlds. 1. Our first stop in Louisville was the Kentucky Derby Museum. In Pigeon Forge, you will find plenty of amusement parks, attractions, and shows including Dollywood, Titanic Museum, and Dixie Stampede show. A beautiful morning hike! Downtown Franklin is famous for its Historic Main Street and is great to take a stroll through charming architecture, eclectic shops, and eateries. It also has a film on the history of the area that includes the involvement of Daniel Boone. It was nice! Whether you start the trip on I-40 or at the Knoxville airport, its a short drive (about 30 miles) to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Because of this, it made time for us to venture on to see some other great spots in Kentucky. For 360-degree views of the park, hike the paved half-mile trail to the summit observation tower atop 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the parkand in the state. It wasnt much off our route either so it made for a great stop. 1. Kentucky is home to rolling hills, beautiful nature, National Parks, history, a World Heritage Site and amazing people (and so much more). is a breathtaking beauty that flows rushes the lake, in its own little cove that's perfect for enjoying some low-key water recreation. I feature family destination itineraries, theme park guides and family travel ideas to help plan and inspire your next trip. But this park is also home to some of the most spectacular geological formations in the state (and this is. We definitely recommend stopping here on your Tennessee road trip. This is one of those times where we feel like the pictures dont do it justice. Old Frankfort Pike 24 Scenic Drives By hrobinson1114 . 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. The Incline Railway is a funicular railway that will take you up the side of Lookout Mountain to an observation deck with spectacular views. Some more technical trails past the falls. But when you're short on time, this condensed itinerary is an excellent overview of both experiences. Start New Trip. The Yahoo Arch and Yahoo Falls are both located in Daniel Boone National Forest, about an eighth of a mile apart in McCreary County. The Music City is the best place to visit in America for those who love country music. This might have been our favorite stop of the day. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Extreme 'ghostly' particles detected in our galaxy, Heres where to travel in the U.S. this July. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The city has plenty of outdoor activities for everyone including biking, hiking, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. It was our first visit to the Great Smokey Mountains and we wanted to relax after our busy few days of driving. Newfound Gap Road. The fall itself was flowing nice Easy scrambles across the creek or on the land side to get under the falls. Home to four lakes and an equestrian center, the 9,629-acre park boasts top-notch bass fishing and over 250 miles of public use trails open to horseback riders. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. From Memphis, continue heading East to Nashville. Midway to Memphis, the GRR comes back to the modern world, crossing the I-55 freeway then rejoining four-lane US-51 as it races to downtown Memphis, passing pine woods and cotton fields mixed with mobile homes, suburban ranch houses, and gas stations. Ancient bone may be earliest evidence of hominin cannibalism. You can explore all of Nashvilles musical attractions on foot or by bike by following the Music Trail. PS! Tennessee is a state with music in its soul. . Our first trip we did this was during our road trip to Myrtle Beach. Kentucky to Tennessee drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Other attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains national park include Fontana Lake, Abrams Falls Trail, Gregory Bald trail, and Roaring Fork Motor Trail. In the Southern-hip 12South neighborhood, browse the curated collections at actor Reese Witherspoons flagship Draper James store and songwriter Holly Williams Whites Mercantile. (Not all of the states are strictly southeastern Appalachia as some routes extend into neighboring states, but they're included as . Take a photo of the charming Memphis bridge spanning the Mississippi River at night and also visit the beautiful Mud Island State Park. I dont know much about horse racing but this place was full of history and really told the story of the Kentucky Derby. Ober Gatlinburg is a mountain-top amusement park with a ski area and gondola rides. The distillery offers an interesting tour that educates visitors about how whiskey is made from start to finish. I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Sip wine on a tour of the wineries along the way. Notable formations include Log Rock (pictured here), a natural sandstone bridge, and Raven Rock, a giant rock exposure that soars 290 feet into the air -- at a 45-degree angle! We spent a lot of time researching different cities and attractions until we decided on the itinerary below. Its the largest known cave system in the world right here in beautiful Kentucky. The trail wasn't too hard, but there are a lot of up and downs, which could be tiring to inexperienced hikers. It is located just half an hour away from Nashville and can be seen in just half a day. 10 Awesome Things to Do in Kentucky on a Road Trip Horses in the fields on a farm in Lexington, Kentucky. A Scenic Drive through the 1800s. If it weren't for my AllTrails App,I would have gotten turned around a couple of times. Dont miss the museums interactive Voices of the Civil Rights Movement kiosk, a compelling touchscreen exhibit featuring firsthand testimonials and historical video clips. It may be difficult for kids to listen and pay attention for the duration of the tour. Following are some of our favorite areas to explore within the Great Smoky Mountains. We actually learned a lot about Colonel Sanders and his beginnings and felt like this stop was a win in our books. Traveling with a dog or cat? Dotted Globe USA Travel Blog helps you explore America through Road Trips & City Breaks. Previous Stop: Cairo and Metropolis Next Stop: Wickliffe to Dyersburg If youre planning a fly-and-drive vacation, arrive in Knoxville and depart from Memphis. To see where Elvis Presley launched his career, visit historic Sun Studio. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:37 pmdrive for about 30 minutes, Franklin (Tennessee) (12 answers) The falls make for a wondrous picnic spot and a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Video by Smithsonian, Getty Images, Photograph by Bill Swindaman, Getty Images, The Sunsphere glistens alongside city lights in Knoxville. Garage Organization Ideas March 31, 2021. Lots of roots, and steep inclines so dangerous when it's rainy. Rock City Garden is located at the top of Rock City Mountain. It begins near Franklin and this stretch of road is charming with rolling hills, lots of trees, and wildlife. Itinerary. Book Now. The Gorge is one of the most renowned spots in Kentucky to go for camping, hiking, boating, fishing and just embracing nature. Itinerary and destinations for Bill, Worth, and Phil's trip, including bourbon distilleries, hotels, restaurants. Visit Annie's profile on Pinterest. They make excellent bases to explore the national park during your Tennessee road trip. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation It feels longer than 2.4 miles, but I think thats due to the terrain. South of Nashville, you will find Lynchburg and Franklin. I'm Leah, welcome to Five for the Road. Kentucky and Virginia Road Trip: Culture, Nature and Local Charm By Kelly Larson Route distance: 1,526 km Suggested Time: 5 days This five-day road trip through the southeastern USA features a little bit of everything: unique museums, horse country, craft beverages, natural wonders and iconic historic sites. Its fun to do a quick visit stop but just know you might not get a tour the day of! There are so many enchanting spots to visit, camp, fish, boat or just absorb nature, a month wouldnt be enough time to visit them all. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, Day 8 was spent driving to Pittsburgh-it was also the longest part of our road trip. The trail is rocky with roots along the way, but nothing major. Next, visit eastern Tennessees famous Smoky mountain region. Very nice trail to hike. Cool trail with a pretty waterfall! Really enjoyed climbing down to see the falls. Great hike. Detour off I-40 at exit 376A (Pellissippi Parkway) to discover the Secret City of Oak Ridge. Visitors can hike across the many trails in the gorge or just sit back and enjoy the scenery from overlooks such as Signal Point. Memorial Day to Labor Day, rent a flat-bottomed boat to fish (licenses are sold at the Inn on Pin Oak Lake) for bass, bluegill, and catfish. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. After the studio tour, ride the free shuttle to Presleys iconic Graceland mansion and on to the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum. A red Ford Thunderbird is parked outside of the Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Our mission? It is well worth a visit. When most people hear you are going to drive long distances with kids they often think its crazy but planning a family road trip can be a really fun part of the adventure. Getting to Pinnacle Overlook is easy and its a short and pretty drive from the visitors center. Very nice trail. From there we hopped in the car and made the drive back to Rochester, New York. Nearby, stroll Lower Broadway to visit the citys famous honky-tonk bars and shop for cowboy boots (buy a pair, get two pairs free) at Boot Country Nashville. Tennessee road trip is one of the most underrated road trips in America and we definitely recommend it for everyone. Learn the best things to do in Kentucky on a road trip with friends or family. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the After Memphis, continue your road trip in central Tennessee at Nashville. Very nice and easy/moderate trail. Please be respectful of copyright. From there we made our way to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The river has some calm spots, perfect for swimming or fishing. Read our 3 Days in Smoky Mountains itinerary here. There is a great visitors center with museum, a restaurant, lots of hikes and camping too. One thing to note, if you are into visiting National Park System spots the Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site is not a far drive from here. Our plan was to take 3 days at the start visiting multiple places, spend a few days in Pigeon Forge, and take two days to drive home. Are you ready for a Road Trip? We have spent a lot of time visiting Pittsburgh and this visit was quick. They had sweet potato tater tots and fried pickles that everyone loved. You may also want to visit the Worlds Fair Park which is home to the iconic Sunsphere tower and observation deck. Was fairly easy to moderate except towards the end. A section on the trail to the West Pinnacle from Indian Fort Lookout was too difficult so we went another way. The unique formations are a barrage of shapes and structures, some looking alien, others appearing earthy. On the way, you can stop at Lebanon and take a detour towards Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Wildfire smoke affects birds too. There you'll want to take a tour of Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, walk down Beale Street, and explore the National Civil Rights Museum. Also Read: Smoky Mountains Fall Trip: When to go + What to do. Drive the scenic 11 miles long Cades Cove Loop Road to see historic buildings and log cabins built by early settlers as well as a working Grist Mill. Remote sleeps: Canada's best wilderness lodges, The destination drawing art lovers to Luxembourgs forests, Explore the world like Indiana Jones at these 11 destinations, Aerial footage of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I always take a bit of time to do some searching about where we want to visit and what family destinations are out there. Hi! 1. From Oak Ridge, follow TN-95 South back to I-40 (exit 364). Have you ever taken a Kentucky road trip adventure? 01. White House (2 answers) So, gas up the car and hit the scenic route. . Search for your favorite by visiting them all! The trail was well maintained and clean, however due to recent storms there were a couple of small trees on the trail that we had to cross over. Kentucky is truly beautiful. We hiked this trail with our dog. Rocky, lots roots and can be slick at times. worth the hike! We learned when we arrived that making reservations ahead of time for tours is the thing to do especially during the busy summer season. There is a timeless cafe inside where you can dine and enjoy your finger lickin good chicken meal with your favorite people while remembering the good ole days. We share family travel tips forDisney&Universal,road trips,weekend getaways, andfamily fun destinations. From here, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the gorgeous landscape! Beautiful falls and hike didn't see anyone else it was great. Mammoth Cave is not only a National Park but also a World Heritage Site. So if you really want to see the cave for all that it is, make a reservation several days before. Water rushes down Burgess Falls in its namesake's state park. You never know what you will find and makes for a fun adventure! Take a scenic drive through the many Riverfront Parks where you can enjoy views of the Tennessee River and enjoy walking trails by its banks. Gatlinburg, a charming town in the Smokies, serves as the gateway to the national park. Trust the All Trails directions to get to the shorter of the two trails to Dog Slaughter. We were excited to visit Pittsburgh but we were also exhausted from our busy week. Spend at least two full days and one music-filled night in Nashville (exit 209A, Broadway), Tennessees capital and home of the Grand Ole Opry. Hike to waterfalls such as Bald River falls and Baby Falls. Not too buggy today. We planned to stay a few nights in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dont forget to pick up a Junior Park Ranger program if you have kids! Camping along the way? Get the reverse directions for a Take the time to search about where you want to go and then make a plan. I'm a Pinterest Influencer. Straight forward hike in the woods. An additional treat is just beyond the falls as the trail continues ending at the Cumberland River; worth the additional .5 miles. The trail wasnt long but the views made us linger. If the Nashville Sounds are in town, catch a Triple-A baseball game (and the game-long party at The Band Box in right field) in historic Germantown neighborhood. really is one of Kentucky's most glorious wonders. Photo: Shutterstock. And to top it off, I reached out to a fellow clean transportation colleague, Wesleigh Wright from East Tennessee Clean Fuels, to join me, and to my surprise, it was her first time . Just 50 miles from Lebanon, you will find one of the most beautiful state parks in Tennessee. If you're planning a road trip to Kentucky, you can research locations to stop along the way. Search for murals and street art. When you see the purple dog leash under the rock ledge, leave it alone. After your tour, sample some whiskey from the barrels at the George Green Barrel House and stop by the gift shop for souvenirs. Falls were running some. 10 airport and train station restaurants that are actually good. Def some STEEP sections. 859-379-9489. stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am, 11:00 am leave from Mammoth Cave National Park She covers Kentucky women's basketball and other sports around Central Kentucky. A visit to Lynchburg is a must for any Jack Daniels enthusiast planning a road trip in Tennessee. Kentucky To Tennessee. Find road trip planners as well as recommendations for what to see and do, where to stay, etc. Back. Park tours begin at the American Museum of Science & Energy. If you travel out to 2135 Natural Bridge Road, you will find some amazing Mother Nature made connectors that allow one to see miles of preserved woodlands. The gorge with its steep rock cliffs and bluffs was carved in the Cumberland plateau by the Tennessee river. Cherohala Skyway. Tennessee is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience all that America has to offer. The monarch butterflys spots may be its superpower. The city is also famous for the Memphis style barbecue. Walk through woodlands and along the waterways on more than 20 miles of hiking trails. I passed a few groups, but the trail is long enough to allow people to spread out. The park offers various outdoor activities for people of all ages. Plus, the temperature stays a very cool 50 to 60 degrees. We decided to make our final destination Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and spend 5 days there before continuing our road trip back to Rochester. I was happy that we had a mix of busy days with relaxing days and had a chance to visit so many places. Also Read: Romantic and Fun Things to do in Nashville for couples. We are so glad that you are here. Memphis is legendary for Delta blues and barbecue, but theres so much more here to explore. Bridge had a tree on it on Monday but still easy to get over. Scenic Drives & Road Trips. It truly was a stunning sight. Lynchburg is located 75 miles south of Nashville and can be reached in 1.5 hours. Its just one of those things you have to do if you are driving by. Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and has a rich history. drive for about 1.5 hours, 12:19 pm Jamestown (Kentucky) The Harland Sanders Caf and Museum is located in Corbin Kentucky and was a really fun stop! But, you could definitely make this a longer stop or even a weekend destination. Morning hike 65 degrees. Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. to double check the weather. Eat and Stay: Monells Germantown and The Hermitage Hotel. The falls was fun and we enjoyed exploring behind it. If you're planning a fly-and-drive vacation, arrive in Knoxville and. Wildfire season is getting longer. Charming Franklin makes a perfect stop on the Tennessee road trip. Kentucky is one, bigwondrous place to behold, full of bucket-list-worthy adventures around each and every turn. The 9 Best Backroads In Kentucky For A Long Scenic Drive One of Kentucky's favorite pastimes is an afternoon drive on a scenic back road. Finally, explore Chattanooga and the many attractions near Lookout Mountain. Welcome to our blog! 5. The self guided tour just allows you into a small section of the cave though so you miss a lot. This 400-mile road trip will take you from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, and all that is in between. Rolling hills everywhere we looked, so many greens and quaint towns. Dog slaughter falls at this point is about 3 miles but was beautiful and easy to follow! These bug repellents actually workif you use them correctly, People with ADHD struggle to stay afloat amid drug shortage, A supersonic jet chased a solar eclipse across Africafor science. This hike was perfect! I'm looking to take a road trip with my wife in mid October. Experiences. Today, you can celebrate this shared heritage along this route which traces beautiful countryside dotted with museums, memorials, working farms and the racetrack. Listen to country music, jazz blues, gospel, and folk music. All rights reserved, Spent the day exploring and relaxing as a couple i. Montgomery Bell State Park in bucolic Burns (exit 182, Fairview) is a 40-minute drive westand a world awayfrom the bright lights of Nashville. February 12, 2019 These 16 self-guided scenic drives will take you off the beaten path and through all of the state's 95 counties. The arch is a nice shady spot to take a break. This gave us time to check in to our hotel, visit the local IKEA, and pick up a pizza for a night at the hotel. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Overview. Our list of southeastern Appalachia scenic drives features trips running through portions of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Getting down to the falls at the end is a little tough and slippery but otherwise an easy trail. trail is very narrow in several places so i wouldnt recommend taking children. It was a great lunch spot and perfect to add a little more to our drive. Tennessee is also blessed with abundant natural beauty. No questions. Search for RV campgrounds. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Not a lot of water at the falls due to little recent rain, but that made creek crossings easier. I am having trouble deciding how to go about it. and answers related to Kentucky. Begin your Tennessee road trip in Memphis and then drive east towards Nashville and Smoky Mountains. It was good and fun to try something new! Suggested Accommodation. This location is registered with the National Register of Historical place.