Discover the Best of Tennessee: Road Trips from Nashville to Gatlinburg and Knoxville to Pigeon Forge

If one is planning a road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg, there are many interesting places to visit along the way, how far is Gatlinburg from Nashville?  

 

Knoxville:

 

A city in eastern Tennessee rich in history and culture, the downtown area is home to old buildings, lively restaurants, and shops. Visit the East Tennessee Historical Museum and Fort James White, Knoxville’s first permanent structure.

 

Sevierville:

 

Sevierville is a small town of forest and town that offers nature walks, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Visit public library exhibits, the Tennessee Aviation Museum, and the Forbidden Caverns, a vast underground cave system. 

 

Pigeon Forge:

 

Dollywood is a mountain town and vacation spot with rides, a water park, and a museum of costumes and memorabilia. There are also country concerts, dinner theaters, and outlet mall shopping. It is the home to country singers like, Dolly Parton.

 

Townsend:

 

This suburb is the gateway to the national park and has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years.

 

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage:

 

Visit Natchez Hills Winery producing excellent Middle Tennessee wines just right for one. Wine Tasting Guides guide them through varietal tastings at discounted prices, educate new wine enthusiasts, and share stories with respected wine enthusiasts.

 

Stones River National Battlefield:

 

Memorializes the Battle of Stones River, one of the most significant wars of the American Civil War.

 

Cumberland Mountain State Park:

 

Located on the Cumberland Plateau, this state park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a peaceful gateway with beautiful scenery. 

 

The road from knoxville to pigeon forge has interesting stops and activities. The trip includes stops in Bryson City, Cherokee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Townsend.

 

The first stop is Bryson City, a town in northern Tennessee featuring charming creeks, the Appalachian Trail, and the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Visitors can take the train, hike, visit the Swain County Heritage Museum, and hike Three Falls.

 

The second stop is Cherokee, a small town ten miles from Bryson. The town has a census-style reserve known for its 18th-century lifestyle. Visitors can see a play called Unto These Hills, explore the Cherokee Museum to learn more about the country’s history, and visit Streams and History in North Carolina.

 

The third stop is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located five minutes from Cherokee, famous for its Smoky Mountain region, lush forests, and vast wilderness. Visitors can explore long hiking trails, historic buildings, rivers, and waterfalls, swim and dive, and camp in the park. 

 

Lastly, the fourth stop is Townsend, Tennessee’s smallest peaceful area known for its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore Tuckaleechee Caverns, Brandywine Creek, and Lily Barn Gardens. One can enjoy a tubing adventure at Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing or visit the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum.

 

In summary, the drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg and Knoxville to Pigeon Forge is scenic, has road fun, and has multiple attractions and stops.