Tennessee Road Trips

What are the best drives in Tennessee?

These are the routes people ask for by name. Road conditions and closures change, so check the official source for each before you set out.

Tail of the Dragon

Deals Gap, at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line to Tabcat Creek Bridge at Chilhowee Lake, Tennessee: 11 miles, about a half-hour. More than 300 turns in 11 miles of US 129, at a strict 30 mph speed limit. Official information.

Cherohala Skyway

Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina: 43 miles, about 2 hours. A National Scenic Byway climbing from 800 feet to 5,300 feet, with 15 overlooks. Official information.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Near Natchez, Mississippi to near Nashville, Tennessee: 444 miles, at least 10 hours. Numbered mileposts at a 50 mph limit, finishing at Milepost 444 near Nashville. Official information.

Cades Cove Loop Road

A loop from Cades Cove, south of Townsend, Tennessee: 11 miles, at least 2 to 4 hours. A one-way loop around a mountain valley, closed to vehicles on Wednesdays in season. Official information.

Ocoee Scenic Byway

Near Ocoee, Tennessee to Ducktown, Tennessee: 26 miles, about 1 hour. No gas stations on the enclosed Forest Service byway, so fuel up at either end first. Official information.

East Tennessee Crossing National Scenic Byway

Cumberland Gap area, at the Kentucky state line to near Del Rio and Newport, Tennessee: 83 miles, 3 to 4 hours with stops. Kentucky line to near the North Carolina border, with the Pinnacle Overlook at Cumberland Gap. Official information.

Looking for somewhere to stop? See places in Tennessee and the Tennessee outdoors.