Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Buckeye, AZ → Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) Road-Trip Plan — Stops, 2 Days at Dollywood + 2 Days in Nashville (Need dates)

Viewed by 165 travelers

Day 1: Out of town

Buckeye, USA → Flagstaff, USA on September 1, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — Buckeye (grab-and-go)

Start with a quick, reliable breakfast (Starbucks or a local cafe) before hitting I-10/I-17 north; a portable breakfast saves time on day-one driving.
USD0, 0h30m

7:15am

Drive to Flagstaff

Drive north through Phoenix and up I-17 to Flagstaff — a scenic, mostly highway day to get you into higher country and cooler air.
USD0, 3h30m

11:00am

Montezuma Castle National Monument (short stop)

Quick historical stop to see well-preserved cliff dwellings and stretch your legs — great introduction to Southwest history; park typically open ~8:00am–5:00pm.
USD10, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch — Flagstaff (Diablo Burger or local diner)

Flagstaff burgers and New American spots are great for a hearty midday refuel before exploring downtown.
USD15, 1h00m

2:30pm

Lowell Observatory or Flagstaff Historic Downtown

Lowell Observatory (visitor hours often around 10:00am–5:00pm) offers daytime exhibits; otherwise stroll historic downtown and the railroad district.
USD25, 2h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — Beaver Street Brewery

Relax with local beer and pizzas/comfort food in Flagstaff’s lively evening scene.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Buckeye

Day 2: Red Rocks & Cross-country

Flagstaff, AZ → Sedona (short detour) → Albuquerque, NM on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Flagstaff (local café)

Grab a robust breakfast (Macy’s or local spot) and coffee before a short detour south to Sedona.
USD12, 0h45m

8:15am

Sedona — Red Rock viewpoints & Chapel of the Holy Cross

Quick scenic stop for classic red-rock views and a short visit to the Chapel; outdoor areas are accessible dawn–dusk (Chapel open during daytime hours).
USD0, 1h15m

10:00am

Drive I-40 toward Albuquerque

Long driving block across northern Arizona and New Mexico; plan one fuel and restroom stop en route (Gallup or other towns).
USD0, 6h30m

4:30pm

Arrive Albuquerque — Old Town (walk)

Stretch your legs in Old Town Albuquerque: plaza, adobe shops, and quick cultural introduction; many shops open until early evening.
USD0, 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — The Range Café or local New Mexican spot

Try classic New Mexican dishes (green/red chile) to get a regional flavor.
USD20, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Flagstaff

Day 3: New Mexico highlights

Albuquerque, NM → Amarillo, TX on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Old Town café

Casual breakfast in Old Town; good coffee and traditional breakfast plates to fuel the day.
USD12, 0h45m

9:30am

Petroglyph National Monument (brief visit)

See accessible rock art panels along short trails; monument hours commonly 9:00am–5:00pm and make a great cultural stop before heading east.
USD0, 1h00m

11:00am

Drive to Amarillo (I-40)

Block of driving across eastern New Mexico and into the Texas Panhandle — expect 4–5 hours with a lunch stop en route (Tucumcari or Santa Rosa).
USD0, 4h30m

4:30pm

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo)

Iconic Route 66 public art installation — free, open 24/7; bring spray paint if you want to add to the cars (spray paint sold nearby).
USD0, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)

Famous steakhouse with a memorable Texan vibe; good for hearty dinners after a long driving day.
USD30, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Albuquerque

Day 4: Panhandle to OKC

Amarillo, TX → Oklahoma City, OK on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Amarillo diner

Early start; fuel up for a medium driving day to Oklahoma City.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (short morning hike/viewpoint)

Texas’ second-largest canyon with great short hikes and overlooks — park day-use hours typically dawn–dusk; allow 1–2 hours for a viewpoint loop.
USD8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Drive to Oklahoma City (I-40)

Afternoon drive east with a lunch stop in Shamrock, TX (Route 66 stops) en route to OKC.
USD0, 4h00m

5:00pm

Check in & stroll Bricktown, OKC

Bricktown riverwalk and entertainment district is ideal for an evening walk and casual dining; Bricktown Canal boat rides run into evening hours.
USD0, 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — Bricktown (local steak or seafood)

Good selection of family-friendly restaurants and breweries in the Bricktown district.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Amarillo

Day 5: Museums & eastward

Oklahoma City, OK → Little Rock, AR on September 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — OKC café

Local breakfast to start; prepare for a museum morning.
USD12, 0h45m

9:30am

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extensive exhibits on Western art, culture and history; typically open ~10:00am–5:00pm so check current schedule before arrival.
USD12, 2h00m

12:00pm

Drive to Little Rock, AR

Afternoon drive across eastern Oklahoma into Arkansas; stop for lunch along I-40 as needed.
USD0, 5h00m

5:30pm

Arrive Little Rock — River Market & evening stroll

River Market area is lively with shops and restaurants; good for an evening walk and light sightseeing.
USD0, 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — Local Little Rock restaurant

Choose from riverfront seafood, grills, or Southern comfort food in the River Market district.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Oklahoma City

Day 6: Capitol & on to Music City

Little Rock, AR → Nashville, TN (start 2-day stay) on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Little Rock café

Quick breakfast before visiting a key site in Little Rock.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00am

William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum

Well-curated exhibits about the Clinton presidency and 1990s history; usually open ~9:00am–4:30pm — great 1–2 hour visit.
USD12, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Nashville

Head northeast into Tennessee — roughly a 5‑hour drive; plan a lunch stop en route (Jackson, TN area).
USD0, 5h00m

5:30pm

Arrive Nashville — check in & rest

Settle into your hotel and prepare for an active music‑city evening on Broadway.
USD0, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner — Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Nashville’s famous hot chicken; reserve time for a classic local culinary experience.
USD20, 1h00m
Find Hotels in Little Rock

Day 7: Nashville sightseeing

Nashville, TN on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Pancake Pantry or Biscuit Love

Popular breakfast spots — expect a short wait but classic Southern breakfast options to fuel a full day of sightseeing.
USD15, 1h00m

9:30am

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Definitive museum on country music’s history — typically open 9:00am–5:00pm; plan 2–3 hours to see exhibits and artifacts.
USD30, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Assembly Food Hall or Merchants

Varied midday options near downtown: quick bites or sit-down in a historic setting.
USD18, 1h00m

2:30pm

RCA Studio B tour or Ryman Auditorium visit

Studio B tours highlight countless recorded hits; Ryman offers history and acoustic shows — check tour times and book ahead (often afternoon tours start ~2–4pm).
USD25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Evening — Broadway live music & dinner

Catch live bands on Broadway and dine at one of the many music venues or restaurants; many venues open nightly and stay lively late.
USD30, 3h00m
Find Hotels in Nashville

Day 8: To the Smokies

Nashville, TN → Pigeon Forge / Pigeon Forge (Dollywood area) on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Nashville café

Light breakfast since it’s a shorter drive east to the Smoky Mountains — consider a biscuit or quick sandwich for the road.
USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Pigeon Forge (Dollywood area)

Scenic 3.5–4 hour drive rolling into the foothills of the Smokies; arrive midday to check in and explore town.
USD0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — The Old Mill Restaurant (Pigeon Forge)

Classic Southern cooking in a historic mill setting — a local favorite near many attractions.
USD18, 1h15m

2:00pm

Explore The Island in Pigeon Forge or nearby attractions

Shopping, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, and small museums make a relaxed afternoon; many venues open midday to evening.
USD20, 2h00m

6:30pm

Dinner — Local Pigeon Forge restaurant (Local Goat or similar)

Casual dinner before your Dollywood days; many family-friendly options around the Parkway.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Nashville

Day 9: Dollywood Day 1

Pigeon Forge / Dollywood, TN on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — hotel or local café

Fuel up early; Dollywood days are long and best started as the gates open (park hours vary by season, typically ~10:00am but check Dollywood’s calendar for exact opening times).
USD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Dollywood — rides, shows, and crafts

Full day inside Dollywood enjoying roller coasters, family rides, live music and craft demonstrations; check the Dollywood calendar for showtimes and seasonal events.
USD109, 8h00m

6:30pm

Dinner — Pigeon Forge (themed restaurants or The Old Mill)

After the park, relax with dinner at a nearby restaurant; many places stay open late for tourists.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Pigeon Forge / Dollywood

Day 10: Dollywood Day 2

Pigeon Forge / Dollywood, TN on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — nearby café or hotel

Another early start to maximize rides, shows and any Dollywood Express steam train experiences — verify ride and show schedules for the day.
USD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Dollywood — second park day (focus on missed rides & shows)

Use Fast Lane or plan show times to make the most of the second day; park hours and specific attraction availability change seasonally so check Dollywood’s website in advance.
USD0, 8h00m

7:30pm

Evening — Dolly Parton’s Stampede (optional dinner show)

Family-friendly dinner-and-show experience located in Pigeon Forge — showtimes vary, usually evening; book ahead if interested.
USD60, 2h00m
Find Hotels in Pigeon Forge / Dollywood

Day 11: Head toward the Blues

Pigeon Forge, TN → Memphis, TN on September 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — early start

Quick breakfast and coffee; plan a longer driving block west toward Memphis with arrival in the afternoon.
USD10, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Memphis (approx 6–7 hours)

Scenic drive through Tennessee with a longer midday block; plan one rest/lunch stop (Jackson, TN) en route.
USD0, 6h30m

3:00pm

Graceland (Elvis Presley’s home)

Tour Elvis’ iconic home — typical hours ~9:00am–5:00pm but some experiences require timed entry tickets; book ahead for peak days.
USD49, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sun Studio or Stax Museum (early evening)

Sun Studio tours show the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll (typically open ~10:00am–6:00pm); Stax Museum offers soul music history (check hours).
USD20, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner & live music — Beale Street

Iconic blues and barbecue district; many venues open late and offer live music and Memphis cuisine.
USD30, 2h00m
Find Hotels in Pigeon Forge

Day 12: Westbound begins

Memphis, TN → Little Rock, AR on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Memphis café

Hearty breakfast before the first shorter stretch of the return route to Little Rock; consider trying local BBQ breakfast options if available.
USD12, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive to Little Rock (2.5–3 hours)

Shorter driving day; arrive in Little Rock by early afternoon and revisit favorite spots or explore new ones like the River Market if missed earlier.
USD0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch & relax — River Market area

Casual lunch and time to rest from long stretches of highway driving; River Market has varied options and a pleasant atmosphere.
USD15, 1h00m

3:30pm

Optional: Hot Springs National Park detour (if you prefer scenic/thermal experiences)

Hot Springs is about an hour from Little Rock and offers historic bathhouses and scenic walks; check visitor center hours (often 9:00am–5:00pm).
USD0, 2h00m

7:30pm

Dinner — Little Rock local restaurant

Finish the day with Southern-style dinner and rest for a longer drive tomorrow.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Memphis

Day 13: Long drive day

Little Rock, AR → Oklahoma City, OK on September 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — local café

Early start for a longer driving day westbound across Arkansas and into Oklahoma.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Oklahoma City (approx 5–6 hours)

Long block on I-40; plan a fuel/refresh stop mid-drive in Fort Smith or another highway town.
USD0, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch en route

Lunch at a highway town or Oklahoma City upon arrival — keep it simple to maintain schedule.
USD15, 1h00m

4:30pm

Arrive OKC — relax in Bricktown or at your hotel

Evening to rest and prepare for the next long stretches; consider a short canal boat ride or local brewery stop.
USD0, 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — OKC local restaurant

Choose from a range of options in Bricktown or nearby neighborhoods.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Little Rock

Day 14: Panhandle return

Oklahoma City, OK → Amarillo, TX on September 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — OKC café

Light breakfast before heading back across the Texas Panhandle.
USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Amarillo (approx 4–4.5 hours)

Comfortable driving day with time to revisit landmarks or try a new roadside attraction along Route 66.
USD0, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Amarillo (local diner or midtown)

Relaxed lunch with time to visit any missed attractions, like the U-Drop Inn museum in Shamrock if detouring slightly south.
USD15, 1h00m

3:30pm

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (if not visited earlier)

If you missed it eastbound, spend the late afternoon at this dramatic canyon; daylight hours typically provide great photography conditions.
USD8, 2h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — Amarillo (Casual Tex-Mex or steakhouse)

One last Panhandle dinner before heading further west the next day.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Oklahoma City

Day 15: Western home stretch

Amarillo, TX → Albuquerque, NM → Flagstaff, AZ (overnight) on September 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Amarillo

Early start for a long but manageable day of driving with an Albuquerque stop for lunch and short sightseeing.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Albuquerque (approx 4–4.5 hours)

Head west to New Mexico with a planned midday stop in Albuquerque for fuel, lunch and a quick stretch (Old Town revisit or break).
USD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Albuquerque (quick sit-down)

Refuel and use this stop to rest before the next block to Flagstaff.
USD15, 1h00m

2:00pm

Drive to Flagstaff (approx 5–6 hours)

Long afternoon drive across northern Arizona; aim to arrive in the evening and rest for the final home leg.
USD0, 5h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Flagstaff (casual)

Late dinner and overnight in Flagstaff; prepare for final day driving back to Buckeye tomorrow.
USD25, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Amarillo

Day 16: Return home

Flagstaff, AZ → Buckeye, AZ on September 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Flagstaff café

Light breakfast and a final check of your vehicle for the last leg home; traffic into Phoenix can start building later in the morning.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Buckeye

Final drive down I-17/I-10 back to Buckeye — expect ~3–4 hours depending on stops and traffic into the Valley.
USD0, 3h30m

11:45am

Arrive Buckeye — unwind and trip wrap-up

Arrive home with time to unpack and rest after an extensive cross-country loop; consider journaling or sorting photos while memories are fresh.
USD0, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — back in Buckeye (home or local)

Celebrate arrival home with a favorite local meal or a quiet lunch at home.
USD0, 1h00m
Find Hotels in Flagstaff
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Road trip from Buckeye, AZ, to Dollywood and back, staying in Dollywood for Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go