Morning: Depart Marietta, SC and merge onto US‑74 West, enjoying the early‑morning light as you approach the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make a brief stop at the Mount Mitchell State Park to snap photos of the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Continue driving north, soaking in the sweeping vistas and crisp mountain air.
Afternoon: Pull over at the iconic Craggy Gardens overlook for a short hike among rhododendron blooms, then head to Linville Falls for a quick walk to the waterfall’s base. After lunch in nearby Asheville, resume the journey, traveling through the lush forests of the parkway.
Evening: Arrive at the town of Boone, NC, where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner before settling in for the night. This gives you a restful stop before the final stretch toward Chattanooga.
Find HotelsMorning: Leave Boone and continue south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, pausing at the beautiful Pisgah National Forest for a brief hike to Waterfall Falls. The drive offers continuous panoramic views, perfect for photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Transition onto I‑40 West and then I‑75 South, crossing into Tennessee. Stop at the historic town of Knoxville for a quick lunch and a stroll through the downtown riverfront.
Evening: Arrive in Chattanooga, TN, and check into your accommodation. Unwind with an evening walk along the Riverfront and enjoy the city lights reflecting off the Tennessee River.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin with a visit to Lookout Mountain, taking the Incline Railway to the top for spectacular views of the city and the surrounding valleys. Explore the historic Battleship USS Yorktown museum nearby.
Afternoon: Head to the Tennessee Aquarium, where you can spend a few hours marveling at freshwater and marine exhibits. Afterwards, walk across the Walnut Street Bridge to the vibrant North Shore district for lunch.
Evening: Conclude the day with a tour of Ruby Falls, descending into the cavern to see the illuminated underground waterfall. Return to downtown Chattanooga for dinner and perhaps a sunset view from the Walnut Street Bridge.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending your trip to explore Asheville’s vibrant arts scene or venture further south into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for additional hiking and wildlife spotting. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Boone overnight stop and drive straight from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Chattanooga, limiting scenic detours to the most iconic overlooks only.