Won't be in a hurry as it seems to only be about 2.5 hours anyway. 6 years ago Save For the most scenic drive you should take 441 thru The Smokies then take the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee up to Asheville. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its beautiful and diverse scenery. Nashville to Gatlinburg drive is long but scenic. The upper Pigeon offers an exhilarating Class III rapid trip, while the lower river is calmer, offering those who would rather take in the peaceful scenery than get their blood pumping, a chance to float gentle rapids and swim in calm swimming holes. From there, we made the easy hour and a half trip north to the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of Americas most beautiful and beloved parks. Road Trips. Make sure that your car is must in satisfactory condition for the journey. Within a short distance of the Trace are towns and communities with additional services and attractions, some of them with worthy scenic or historical value in of themselves. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the parkway. How far is it from Nashville to Knoxville? Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto Monticello Road. We are the only tertiary cardiology program for a 14-county area known as the Upper Cumberland region. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? Yall, were from Austin so we know what good food is, and OliBeas breakfast is darn good. If you follow Highway 321through Townsend and Wears Valley, youll eventually find yourself on the Parkway, right in the heart of Pigeon Forge. By 1820 the invention of the Steamboat allowed two way travel up and down the Mississippi and Ohio rivers meant the Trace began to lose its main customers. At night, Old City turns into a vibrant location for live music and electric dance clubs. Yes! Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Perfect East Coast Road Trip Planner USA; Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 - 25 days Ultimate Florida Itinerary 10 days - Best Of Florida Road trip (with Map + Key West)) Overall, what more could you want in a trip? Explore this park's 30 miles of trails through the scenic Holston River Valley on foot, mountain bike or horse. From there we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for a look at some really amazing exhibits. We arrived at the course and after a 5-minute hike through the forest showed up at a fully lit up adventure-forest-world that looked like something out of Avatar. CMP, Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. Once you pass through Cherokee, youll find yourself in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by way of US-441. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Like most of the roads on this list, it's astonishingly beautiful all year, but there's just something about the summer and autumn months that are particularly special. Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com Find a Scenic Drive Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. During your visit to Market Square, you can browse for unique gifts, pick up handmade jewelry from local artisans, and enjoy the vibrant street performers. Over time inns (called stands) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? In addition to the stunning views, Chuckanut Drive is also home to several charming restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, so you can make a day of it and enjoy all the local businesses. 2. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. A totally unique and totally fun! Take Highway 31 from Nashville to go through Franklin (a great town) and get to Lewisburg. Scenic Drives in the Great Smoky Mountains Cades Cove Loop Road Newfound Gap Road Upper Tremont Road Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail National Park Cades Cove Clingmans Dome Foliage Hiking Scenic Drives Waterfall Hikes Wildlife We believe in cultivating meaningful experiences. Folks travelling to Pigeon Forge from the East typically take I-40 West to Exit 407, but theres a much more scenic way to reach Pigeon Forge while simultaneously getting the chance to see amazing mountain and rural views. The peak is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It's shared with Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can get to cracking along some state lines again! Our trek to Tennessee started at 5:30a.m. Love Tennessee? Your Middle Tennessee Adventure Starts Here. Listen 28:54. 1. You will discover 883 acres of unblemished natural landscape that encompasses Center Hill Lake at the juncture of three powerful waterways. Located in Tracy City off of Highway 56, the drive up into the mountains here is one you'll never forget. The park surrounds the stunning waters of Center Hill Lake and is just a short drive from scenic kayaking adventures on the Caney Fork River. - When I Google map directions from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg, it suggests the route 129 south to TN-71, east to 441 south. Distance from Nashville: 74 miles, 1 hour and 19 minutes Warren County's positioning between the Barren Fork and Collins River make it a must-visit for outdoor lovers, as do its nearby state parks, Rock Island and Fall Creek Falls. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. Find Family Fun Under Pigeon Forges Sparkling Lights, Find Authentic Charm Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Sevierville. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. On the first route, you can continue on Highway 321 through Townsend and Wears Valley, arriving in the heart of Pigeon Forge. While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts including . Market Square is one of the most charming places to go in Knoxville, with an array of shops and restaurants lining the cobblestone sidewalks. The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal's Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. I-40W from Knoxville to Nashville Headed to Nashville from Knoxville? Best stops along Nashville to Knoxville drive The top stops along the way from Nashville to Knoxville (with short detours) are Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Lost Sea Adventure, and Stones River National Battlefield. Tennessee Motorcycle Rides and Roads. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The routes are split into four categories, depending on which direction youre coming from. Bleak House, a luxurious mansion that briefly served as a Confederate headquarters, is another highlight of the tour, as is Campbells Station, where the Battle of Knoxville raged. Tennessee is a state with multiple motorcycle rides that work well for beginners as well as experienced riders and offers motorcycle touring opportunities ranging from day trips to long distance multi-day motorcycle trips. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. Conflicts with the native Natchez people ensued and by 1735 the Natchez Indian community in the area was essentially wiped out and the village of Natchez began to form. Also, visit the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website for some tips on things to do in Wears Valley. The best time to fish for trout is between February and March. There are, and they're our favorites! Travelling on I-40 West, take Exit 364 in Lenior City. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert was absolutely spot on; definitely dont miss having a meal there when you visit. If youre looking for Knoxvilles quirkier side, Old City is the place to head. Dubbed the citys creative Corridor, youll find beautiful architecture, a variety of shops and dining and East Tennessees most beloved coffee shops like Remedy Coffee, Wildlove Bakehouse and Old City Java. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the drive. These voices - and more - on this edition of "Scenic Roots.". Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below! The Woodlands Trace also has hiking, camping, boating and wildlife encounter opportunities along the way. The is the oldest scenic byway in North America. I find the I-40 section to Nashville (or to Knoxville) less "mountain" than the I-24 section to Chattanooga. Benefits: Drive through a national forest and a national park on your way to Pigeon Forge, visit several small historic towns, experience the cultural center that is Cherokee, NC, Google Maps Link:https://goo.gl/maps/ZJHCFWCSjJ62. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Rocky Top Trail The Great Smoky Mountains are the ultimate Knoxville area getaway, and the Rocky Top Trail offers one of the most scenic ways to see them. This fantastic 20-minute short railway ride takes place on an original coal-fired steam engine. CMP, One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. Benefits: Skip Knoxville traffic, drive through historic towns, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, Google Maps link:https://goo.gl/maps/957KV9nnXM12. Check out these perfect pet-friendly parks which make some of the best places to walk, exercise, and have fun with your pup in Tennessee. As any seasoned traveler knows, the journey is just as important as the destination. Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip, Via Natchez Parkway, music roadtrip, blues highway, highway 61 blues tour, Map, Itinerary, Tips, Places to stop of . If you complete the trail from beginning to end, youll traverse nine state parks, plenty of hiking trails, and even some off-road trails for your ATV. Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Belle Meade not only offers tours of Tennessees history and architecture but also provides visitors with a taste of the states hospitality through wine and food pairings, chef-inspired meals, and bourbon tastings. When youre ready to relax for the evening, head to Market Square, near the University of Tennessee. CMP, Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. From the mysterious Lost Sea Caverns to the amazing Great Smoky Mountains National Park, youre sure to have a wonderful time as you explore what these cities have to offer. These cookies do not store any personal information. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Like most of the roads on this list, it's astonishingly beautiful all year, but there's just something about the summer and autumn months that are particularly special. You can hike among beautiful wildflowers and powerful waterfalls at the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, climb to the top of Chimney Tops, or pay respects to early pioneers at Cades Cove. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! . fishing, waterfalls, horseback riding, scenic overlooks, Park Service Ranger-led programs and historic areas to explore. stay for about 1 hour. drive for about 13 minutes. The scenery surrounding the two-lane route includes mountain peaks and rock bluffs, as well as access to sites that explore Civil War history and Cherokee Indian culture. The thing we really appreciated about Chattanooga was its easy access to nature. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive through three states, approximating the 'old Natchez Trace' travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, slave traders, and soldiers. Wears Valley Chamber of Commerces website, Field Trip Destinations in the Pigeon Forge Area. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. Downtown Nashville Cherokee is also home to Harrahs Cherokee Casino, one of the only casinos of the area. Flight distance = 161 miles one-way Driving distance = 180 miles one-way flying is faster Getting to BNA airport = 18 minutes Nashville International Airport Check-in/wait at the airport = 60 minutes Flight time = 49 minutes McGhee Tyson Airport Leaving TYS airport = 33 minutes Total travel time = 2 hours, 11 minutes Known as Americas Favorite Drive, this is one of the best scenic drives youll find anywhere in the nation. One of the most popular scenic drives in the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway travels along the southern Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Learn about the mysterious city of Oak Ridge, the Appalachian crafts around every corner, and the areas long history of coal mining. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. ! and enjoy your chicken with traditional southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw. You can discover Belle Meades enchanting history and picturesque grounds on a guided Segway tour through the property. CMP, Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. Featured Trip Guides. Sizemore died Friday. CMP, Follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, Native Americans, and Tennessee Wildlife across the Cumberland Plateau from the Cumberland Gap to Dale Hollow Lake. What is the best time of year to drive from Nashville to Knoxville? Read our privacy policy. We guess it depends on just what you're looking for out of your Tennessee forest adventure! One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. Cherokee is an amazing town to stop and explore. Alternatively, you can take a left on Ellejoy Rd. Motorcyclists and sports car drivers come from all over the world to make their mark on this iconic road that carves its way through the east Tennessee mountains. CMP, This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov A little over half of the state is covered in dense forest (52%, if you're wondering). This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. Then when you leave Chattanooga, take I-75 to Knoxville. The weather is usually mild, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. UTC's Dr. Mina Sartipi on new vistas for smart cities. Distance: 135 miles. From there you'll follow US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour along the same path described in number 5 on the list. Published March 1, 2023 at 4:07 PM EST. Scratch-Made Dishes, Ice-Cold Drinks, Hot Country Music. When you buy one of these experiences, you can feel good about the fact that you are helping Belle Meade fulfill its educational mission. Our trip offered us everything from amazing adventurous hikes, to world-class cuisine, and everything in between. Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License; Can You Rent A Car For Someone Else; Can You Rent a Car If You Have A DUI? The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. Length of Time Required: 1-2 hours! You can spend as much time as you want in and around Centennial Park but if you are focused solely on exploring the Parthenon, you can experience both inside and out in less than 2 hours. Theres so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee! With 75 overlooks and a speed limit of 35 mph, Skyline Drive is a true opportunity to take in the beauty of Shenandoah and a trip to the Luray Caverns is well worth a visit. Let us know on our Facebook page. Created by Brian - October 15th 2013. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. Make sure to ride the Lightning Rod, the worlds fastest roller coaster and dont forget to check out other amazing roller coasters like the Wild Eagle and FireChaser Express. CMP, Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. Whatcom Falls Park. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. . Hop out and take a ride on the aerial tramway, catch a show at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, or sip some legally produced moonshine at the Ole Smoky Distillery. One . We had a blast getting lost in the various environments and found it to be a great way to start our trip. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. The tour also takes visitors to Fort Sanders, a Union outpost, as well as the Old Gray Cemetery, where countless veterans from both sides of the war still rest. Follow the highway through beautiful rural country. With its mountain summits and lush forests, East Tennessee is a major draw for many Knoxvillians. Youll travel on Highway 74 for a little over 2 miles past Haywood Regional Medical Center and Tuscola High School before taking Exit 103 onto Highway 19 / Dellwood Rd. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Will be driving from Asheville to Knoxville in July for our journey to Nashville. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Waldens Ridge, and you'll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap. The night continued with dinner at one of Knoxvilles newest restaurants, J.C. Holdway, a beautiful farm to table restaurant serving up some amazing local fare and thoughtfully crafted mixed drinks. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This 17-mile N.C. Scenic Byway just north of Asheville starts at I-26, Exit 19. As River Divide Rd. Once you enter Sevierville, take a left onto Veterans Blvd. Take one of these top scenic drives to learn more about the Knoxville area. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. If youre looking to explore the great outdoors by foot and want to park your car or RV first, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is your place. Official website of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2022. The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. We want to hear! 2. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Sometimes, though, taking the beaten path may mean sitting in traffic with rush hour or in line with the thousands of other visitors coming to Pigeon Forge. Filled with family attractions, music, events, food, drinks, and more, you can choose your own Tennessee vacation. We love them for planning our vacations and travel. Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite playlist, it's time to hit the road. Some of the best stops on your drive from Nashville to Knoxville include Rock Island State Park, Frozen Head State Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and having some food at Market Square in Knoxville. There are other options including I-40 to 441. Theres just something about the old school and brilliant, exciting, and almost forgotten treks that call to our wanderlust. travelling the entirety of the length of Veterans Blvd. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls State Park, and American Museum of Science and Energy. Visitors coming to Pigeon Forge from the west usually have to contend with Knoxville traffic before taking the final stretch to Exit 407. Covering about 150 miles of road, the Highland Scenic Highway road trip will take you along the entire scenic route while also hooking you . 7:14 pm arrive in Nashville. While music may be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks Nashville, if youre a foodie, Nashville Hot Chicken is a close second. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 8. Share your thoughts in the comments! It provides about 440 miles of driving pleasure! Hwy. We care about the protection of your data. Photo Courtesy: Cari Griffith Photography, Michael McClanahan The hotel staff was by far one of the friendliest staff weve ever interacted with. How many have you checked off your list? Thank you! The Ocoee Scenic Byway is made up of a 26-mile route that takes you through the beautiful and rocky bluffs of the Ocoee River Gorge. Tennessee is a state with a lot to explore, and our road network is excellent for adventuring. All Rights Reserved. Thunder Valley. Rock Island State Park, with its amazing waterways and gorges, is a cant-miss destination on your road trip from Nashville to Knoxville. Your first stop is the citys famous Gay Street. Go three miles to N.C. Highway 251. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. This performing arts venue offers live shows that are definitely worth watching. This inland sea is situated underground and boasts the title of largest underground lake in America, covering more than 4 acres. Get your free printed guide or e-guide to start planning. The parkway roughly follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail whose roots goes back to the 1600s evolving from hunting trails used by the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians. For over 96 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing country musics past, present, and future. The Last Great Colosseum. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. Travelers can see contemporary and historic art pieces on display, specifically curated from East Tennessee. After substantial growth, Stonehaus Winery wines can now be found in liquor stores and grocery stores across Tennessee as well as on site. Whether you want to take a quick break from the city or youd rather plan a long weekend getaway, theres no shortage of natural beauty in the Knoxville area. Out of these cookies, 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. 7 Exciting Stops on the Drive from Nashville to Knoxville, Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals + 10 Places to Travel With Your Pet in 2023. . The road to Camp Nakanawa is right off of I-40, near Crossville. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. This historic drive runs from Nashville to Mount Pleasant, and it is rife with great stops and immersed in national history. Pick one and drive on! Once youve driven through Maryville, youll have a decision between two routes of roughly equal distance. Continue on Highway 321, which will take you through the beautiful towns of Townsend and Wears Valley. Cosby Take your pick from about a dozen walking and driving trails along this route. These grand waterfalls that resemble stairs are easily two of the most beautiful and photogenic falls in Tennessee. But, were here to help you skip the waitand get to having fun faster with these 7 alternative routes. Well, to be fair, the vast majority of the state is composed of beautiful scenery. With no practical way to navigate their craft back up the Mississippi River, the float boats that carried the cargo were disassembled and the lumber sold. The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized The Lost Sea as a Registered National Natural Landmark. For even more stunning scenery, follow U.S. Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway. Knoxville, Tenn. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. The town is about 20 minutes from Nashville, making it the best spot for a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites!Share time outdoors with family and friends. The coffee was brewed, car packed, and together with our pup Aspen, we were ready to roll. The very best scenic backroads in Tennessee may be largely a matter of personal opinion, but many consider the Cherohala Skyway to be the most scenic drive, hands down. These 7 Covered Bridges Around Tennessee Are Just Begging To Be Visited On Your Next Road Trip, Take These 10 Country Roads In Tennessee For A Scenic Drive, These 7 Beautiful Byways In Tennessee Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive, Drive To 7 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Tennessee On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip, Take A 2-Hour Drive Through Tennessee To See This Years Beautiful Fall Colors, This Dreamy Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Fall Foliage In All Of Tennessee, The Lighthouse Road Trip In Tennessee Thats Dreamily Beautiful, Take This Road Trip Through Tennessees Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience. Gay Street was also home to famous entertainment like Knoxvilles finest theaters, vaudeville acts and opera. Bing maps either takes us by rt 40 or rts 26 & 25. and leave at 7:01 pm. Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. Where is some beautiful scenery in Tennessee? It's where you can take a view from the Double Arch Bridge in Birdsong Hollow (pictured) and meander through the deep beauty of Middle Tennessee's rural countryside. The 35-mile drive from Crossville (elevation 1,854 feet) to Cookeville (elevation 1,140 feet) is one of the highest stretches of I-40 between Knoxville and Memphis. Take in some history at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, and then relax by the water at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States. Road Trip Guide: Tennessee to North Carolina. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. Theres something beautifully comforting about taking a back road, dont you think? The direct drive from Pigeon Forge to Nashville takes approximately 213 mi (342 km), and the drive should take approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes in normal traffic. Also by this time a defined trail had taken shape between Natchez and Nashville as an overland return route from farmers and traders who floated their crops and products down the Cumberland, Ohio, and then the Mississippi Rivers to markets in Natchez and New Orleans. Clingman's Dome Road is a 7-mile scenic route that starts near Newfound Gap Overlook and ends at a large parking area just below the summit of the mountain. Conveniently situated within just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham, Chattanooga, offers the opportunity to live and learn in an exciting and enchanting environment. Explore its historic downtown, boutique shopping, chef-driven restaurants and a wide range of lodging options. If youre looking for things to do in Maryville, Townsend, or anywhere in Blount County, be sure to visit the Blount County Chamber of Commerces website for cool ideas and tips. Be careful, though, as you transverse this path, as the road has several sharp curves that could take the unsuspecting driver by surprise. Running all the way up from Mississippi to Tennessee, Natchez Trace is absolutely gorgeous during summer and even more incredible in the fall. 25 E Through Morristown to Pigeon Forge Time: 5 hours, 21 minutes By using wood-fire techniques, we provide a nod to cooking in an old-world way. Legends Corner mural in Nashville, Tennessee Photo: Depositphotos. My name is Hunter Lawrence and my wife Sarah and I own a photography and marketing businesses out of Austin, Texas. Ten minutes from the central entrance to Skyline, Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878, is one of the largest and most popular caves in the U.S, where your family will explore . Before arriving in Tennessee, we were told that we would be doing an adventure night course at a spot called Navitat. Check your email trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. From there youll take to enter Highway 74, which is where youll continue until you take Exit 74 to US-441. Knoxville tours cover the gamut of interests, from moonshine and local craft beer to aerial helicopter tours and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just an hour away.