Sometimes when the week gets rough, all you want to do is just in the car with a fabulous playlist of tunes and a long open road in front of you. Many back roads in The Volunteer State rank among the very best scenic drives in Tennessee, as they treat drivers to views that are downright remarkable. We found eleven places around the state of Tennessee — yes, even on the west side — that are great for driving during the twilight hour, in the afternoon, or even during those light, bright early mornings. How many have you checked off your list…?
- Natchez Trace Parkway
Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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.
- Little River Road
daveynin/Flickr Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. You’ll find it along Little River Road, a beautiful, quiet backroad that boasts its pretty waterfall about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
- Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge, and you’ll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap.
- Cherohala Skyway
Doug Bradley/Flickr A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state.
- Cades Cove Loop
Tim Lumley/Flickr Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. Over twelve miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas.
- Grundy State Forest
Michael Hicks/Flickr Make your way through South Cumberland State Park for a view of Grundy State Forest, a facet of Tennessee protected land that hides not one, not two, but FIVE waterfalls in its heart. How amazing is that?!
- Roan Mountain Road
Keith Callahan/Flickr If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you’ll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Known for its rhododendron fields, take a drive along this lovely east Tennessee road and enjoy views of the hollows and ridges that dot the mountain.
- Great River Road
Roland Klose/Flickr Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. It’s known as the, “Blues Highway,” traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs!
- Ocoee Scenic Byway
US Forest Service/Flickr 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. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? A drive that’s love to see AND historic.
- Reelfoot Lake
Thomas R Machnitzki/Wikimedia Commons Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it’s the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, a quiet drive through the park is sure to give you the natural infusion your heart needs.
- The Tail of the Dragon
donna0622/Flickr The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal’s Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. 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.
There is so much to love about the very best scenic drives in Tennessee. Have you taken any of these pretty routes? Which is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a lonely road that runs from the heart of Tennessee straight on through to Mississippi. 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.
daveynin/Flickr
Here you can see Meigs Falls, one of the very few waterfalls you can spot from the road. You’ll find it along Little River Road, a beautiful, quiet backroad that boasts its pretty waterfall about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
One of our lesser known, but still most beautiful hidden gems in Tennessee, the Sequatchie Valley is a pretty place to buzz on through. The byway runs through the middle of the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge, and you’ll drive through tiny, historic towns like South Pittsburg and Dunlap.
Doug Bradley/Flickr
A National Scenic Byway since 1996, this 42-mile-long road is well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Beginning in Tellico Plains, take the skyway to see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the whole of the state.
Tim Lumley/Flickr
Take a picturesque drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a spin around Cades Cove Loop. Over twelve miles of views await you here, chock full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain vistas.
Michael Hicks/Flickr
Make your way through South Cumberland State Park for a view of Grundy State Forest, a facet of Tennessee protected land that hides not one, not two, but FIVE waterfalls in its heart. How amazing is that?!
Keith Callahan/Flickr
If you take a drive up 6,285 feet, you’ll hit the peak of Roan Mountain. Known for its rhododendron fields, take a drive along this lovely east Tennessee road and enjoy views of the hollows and ridges that dot the mountain.
Roland Klose/Flickr
Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Although it cracks state lines, the road in Tennessee runs down Highway 61 just south of Memphis and through to Mississippi. It’s known as the, “Blues Highway,” traveled by legends like Elvis Presley and BB King. Keep and eye out for Chickasaw Bluffs!
US Forest Service/Flickr
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. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? A drive that’s love to see AND historic.
Thomas R Machnitzki/Wikimedia Commons
Here you can see the Reelfoot Lake Cypress Boardwalk, but it’s the trek out here that will really give you a beautiful view. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, a quiet drive through the park is sure to give you the natural infusion your heart needs.
donna0622/Flickr
The Tail of the Dragon begins in Deal’s Gap, Tennessee and takes you on a twisting, turning 318 curves in 11 miles. 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.
Can’t get enough of Tennessee road trips? We don’t blame you one bit! Continue your driving fun around the state with This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Tennessee.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Natchez Trace Pkwy, United StatesAddress: TN-73, Pigeon Forge, TN, USAAddress: TN-111, Dunlap, TN, USAAddress: Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN, USAAddress: Cades Cove Loop Rd, Tennessee, USAAddress: Grundy State Forest, Tennessee 37387, USAAddress: Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USAAddress: Great River Rd, Ridgely, TN 38080, USAAddress: US-64, Memphis, TN, USAAddress: Reelfoot Lake Watershed, Tennessee 38260, USAAddress: US-129, United States
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drives In Tennessee April 05, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the Mexican–American War. Regardless of its origin, you’ll want to follow our peoples’ example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Why? Well, you’ll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. We have a few sites worth bragging about, including a replica of the Titanic, the resting place of Jack Daniels, and an airplane-shaped gas station. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee?
There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? There sure are! Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. There’s so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drives In Tennessee
April 05, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the best roadside attractions in Tennessee? Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the Mexican–American War. Regardless of its origin, you’ll want to follow our peoples’ example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Why? Well, you’ll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. We have a few sites worth bragging about, including a replica of the Titanic, the resting place of Jack Daniels, and an airplane-shaped gas station. Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee?
There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features. Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon? There sure are! Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. There’s so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tennessee is nicknamed The Volunteer State because, according to legend, volunteer soldiers from Tennessee contributed heavily to historic victories. Some accounts point to the War of 1812 as the source of this nickname, and others to the Mexican–American War. Regardless of its origin, you’ll want to follow our peoples’ example and volunteer to drive on your next road trip. Why? Well, you’ll be treated to remarkable views of the finest roadside attractions in Tennessee. We have a few sites worth bragging about, including a replica of the Titanic, the resting place of Jack Daniels, and an airplane-shaped gas station.
Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Tennessee?
There are all sorts of country roads crisscrossing The Volunteer State. 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. This drive along Highway 143 is full of majesty, including wildflowers, rolling mountains, and water features.
Are there other similar things to do in Tennessee when you have a free afternoon?
There sure are! Time spent outdoors in this pretty state is endlessly rewarding. Some of the best things to do in Tennessee include hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and exploring caves and caverns. There’s so much to love about the great outdoors here in Tennessee!
