The Open Road Travel

Best Places To Stop On A Nashville To Smoky Mountains Road Trip

As a Nashville to Smoky Mountains road trip only takes 3.5 hours to drive, many people will complete it in one day. For anyone wanting to enjoy all the route has to offer, though, breaking it up over two days is a better option. There are a few spots on the drive you can make a great overnight stop, but the best choice is Knoxville, Tennessee.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is Tennessee’s third-most populous city, behind only Nashville and Memphis, with over 190,000 residents. Founded in 1786, it is the second-oldest city in the state and served as Tennessee's original capital, although its remote location hindered early development. The city's growth accelerated significantly about 70 years later with the arrival of the railroad.

Knoxville holds a distinctive place in history, having been divided during the American Civil War, and offers attractions that reflect both northern and southern heritage. With its array of historic buildings, forts, squares, galleries, and museums, it stands out as perhaps Tennessee’s premier destination for history enthusiasts.

For those seeking a place to relax and recharge, Knoxville's extensive selection of amenities, including bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops, makes it the ideal stop before you reach the far more rural region surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Knoxville, Tennessee – The Tennessean Hotel

The Tennessean Hotel is an exquisite five-star establishment located in Downtown Knoxville. Its prime location is surrounded by various shops, entertainment venues, and upscale dining options, ensuring guests enjoy both comfort and convenience during their visit. The hotel artfully combines modern design and amenities with the warm charm of traditional southern hospitality.

Guests can indulge at an on-site bar and in a restaurant offering breakfast, dinner, cocktails, and a selection of spirits. Accommodations feature spacious rooms equipped with cutting-edge 55-inch flat-screen cable HDTVs, which include radio and Bluetooth capabilities. Each room is also fitted with air conditioning, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and high-quality furniture, linens, and towels.



The entire facility welcomes pets, and a 24-hour concierge service is available to cater to guests' every need. Additionally, complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, and on-site parking is provided for all visitors.

The Best Things To See On A Nashville To Smoky Mountains Road Trip

Watertown, Tennessee

Watertown, Tennessee, is a delightful small town celebrated for its friendly ambience and deep musical roots. Once the site of the legendary Bluebird Café, this town has significant connections to the history of country music, with local icons such as Faron Young contributing to its fame. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic downtown area, where they will find antique shops, charming cafés, and family-owned boutiques that embody the essence of Southern hospitality and a laid-back lifestyle.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the surrounding countryside, which is abundant with picturesque back roads, fishing locations, and tranquil picnic areas ideal for relaxation. Additionally, Watertown organises seasonal festivals and community gatherings that highlight local crafts, culinary delights, and live performances, offering tourists a genuine experience of small-town Tennessee culture. It serves as a perfect destination for those looking to explore Tennessee’s history and musical heritage.

Edgar Evins State Park

Edgar Evins State Park is a picturesque retreat on the shores of Center Hill Lake. Renowned for its rugged terrain and expansive water vistas, the park is a tranquil escape boasting an abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, designated fishing areas, and boat access to a lake recognised for its pristine waters and dramatic cliff-lined edges.

The park is equipped with a marina and picnic zones, making it a perfect destination for families and day visitors. For those planning to stay overnight, Edgar Evins offers charming lakeside cabins and a well-appointed campground, ideal for immersing oneself in the serene environment. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by opportunities to spot deer, various bird species, and other local fauna along the trails.

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat in nature, captivating photography options, or thrilling outdoor experiences, this park promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau.

Cummins Falls State Park

Cummins Falls State Park is among Tennessee’s most stunning natural destinations. Renowned for its impressive 75-foot waterfall that plunges into a spacious, cool swimming hole bordered by rugged cliffs, the park offers a range of activities for visitors. There are picturesque viewpoints, ideal spots for photography, and areas for picnicking. For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, hiking down into the gorge provides a closer look at the waterfall. Although the trail is moderately difficult and necessitates a permit, the breathtaking scenery is well worth the effort.

This park caters to nature enthusiasts looking for both adventure and relaxation. During the warmer months, swimming at the foot of the waterfall is a popular attraction, while spring and autumn showcase vibrant foliage and thick greenery. The presence of diverse wildlife and tranquil forest paths contributes to the park's appeal, making Cummins Falls State Park a fantastic destination for hikers, families, and anyone eager to immerse themselves in Tennessee's natural splendour.

Cookeville, Tennessee

Cookeville, Tennessee, is a vibrant small city recognised as a gateway to some of Tennessee's most stunning waterfalls and outdoor experiences. Many visitors choose Cookeville as a starting point to uncover the nearby natural wonders, such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, and Window Cliffs State Natural Area.

The city’s delightful downtown area is filled with local shops, cafés, breweries, and restaurants, along with a friendly college-town vibe influenced by Tennessee Tech University. Its burgeoning arts and culture scene is supported by live music performances and various community events held throughout the year.

History enthusiasts can explore the Cookeville History Museum or enjoy leisurely walks through picturesque neighbourhoods that highlight traditional Southern architecture. Whether you're just passing through or planning an extended stay, Cookeville offers a perfect blend of small-town appeal and convenient access to some of Middle Tennessee's most beautiful landscapes.

Crossville, Tennessee

Crossville, Tennessee, is renowned as the "Golf Capital of Tennessee," thanks to its numerous manicured golf courses drawing players from all over. The town exudes a laid-back and welcoming vibe, boasting a pedestrian-friendly, historic downtown that is home to local boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. Visitors can enjoy the Cumberland County Playhouse, one of the largest professional rural theatres in the country, which presents exceptional live performances throughout the year.

For those who appreciate the outdoors, the nearby Cumberland Mountain State Park offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and fishing, alongside beautiful waterfalls and forested trails in the vicinity. Additionally, Crossville serves as an excellent starting point for venturing into the scenic drives and wildlife of the region. Whether your interests lie in golf, the performing arts, or serene nature experiences, Crossville provides a diverse and inviting destination in central Tennessee.

Ozone Falls State Natural Area

Ozone Falls State Natural Area is among Tennessee’s most impressive natural landmarks. The centrepiece of the area is the spectacular 110-foot Ozone Falls, where cascading water flows into a rugged gorge adorned with ferns. A brief walk from the parking lot provides access to scenic viewpoints offering stunning views of both the waterfall and the surrounding wooded landscape with little effort required.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, a steep trail leads down into the gorge, allowing visitors to observe the waterfall from a closer perspective; however, careful navigation is advised due to slippery rocks and varying water levels. The site is particularly stunning following rainfall and during the spring and fall seasons, when wildflowers or autumn foliage enhance the scenery. Ozone Falls is perfect for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to enjoy a quick yet unforgettable glimpse of Tennessee’s natural beauty.

Sevierville, Tennessee

Sevierville, Tennessee, is a vibrant mountain community alive with Southern charm and ideal for outdoor activities. Guests can take advantage of the picturesque hiking paths, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife that surround it, or partake in family-friendly venues such as Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains, and Wahoo Ziplines, as well as the Tanger Outlets for shopping. Additionally, as the current hometown of Dolly Parton, visitors can find various statues and displays that honour her impact on music and culture.

In addition to its attractions, Sevierville boasts stunning mountain vistas, riverside strolls, and a wide selection of dining options, ranging from traditional Southern fare to contemporary dishes. Those seeking adventure will find activities such as white-water rafting and scenic chairlift rides, while those preferring a leisurely experience can enjoy charming cabins and resorts nearby.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The mountain resort town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has emerged as a favoured spot for enthusiasts of country music and Southern culture. Although established in the 1780s, it remained relatively obscure for nearly two centuries until the 1980s. During this period, Dolly Parton, a resident of a nearby town, Pittman Center, was achieving global recognition for her music.

This prompted the development of various tourist attractions aimed at her dedicated fans, many of whom were eager to visit her hometown. As a result, local entrepreneurs established amusement rides, musical theatres, outlet malls, souvenir shops, and even the Titanic Museum Attraction. Additionally, Dolly Parton personally opened the Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.



Consequently, Pigeon Forge serves as an excellent destination not only for Dolly Parton admirers wishing to delve deeper into her background, but also for casual visitors searching for enjoyable family activities or a combination of both.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, originally called White Oak Flats, was established in 1806 and is situated on the fringe of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many regard it as the gateway to this renowned park, which has contributed to its popularity as a destination for travellers. Its breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains make it an ideal base for those wishing to experience the natural beauty of the area while having an array of amenities and activities to engage in beyond the park, including bars, restaurants, souvenir stores, and entertainment attractions.



The town boasts a variety of distinct attractions, including the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, the 407-foot (124-meter) tall Gatlinburg Space Needle observation tower, a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) Sky Lift aerial cable car, and the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park. Visitors can also enjoy numerous covered bridges, ski resorts, and picturesque waterfalls.

Final Thoughts On A Nashville To Smoky Mountains Road Trip

That concludes our guide to planning the ultimate Nashville to Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary. You should now know exactly when to go, which route to drive, how long it will take, and what to see and where to stay along the way. We also have a detailed Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide to help you explore while you’re there, which you can read here.

All that’s left is to decide what to take with you, and then you can start booking and budgeting everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.



Anyone looking to continue the drive may also enjoy our selection of road trip guides from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These include:

A Blue Ridge Parkway road trip from Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park

A road trip from Great Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone National Park