Leave Marietta, SC early and join US‑276 to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the town of Hendersonville. Enjoy the gentle climb and the first panoramic view at the Craggy Gardens Overlook, where wildflowers carpet the hills in spring. Continue along the parkway, stopping at the Linville Falls Visitor Center for a short hike to the cascading waterfalls.
After lunch at a local eatery near the parkway, drive northward to the highest point on the east coast, Mount Mitchell State Park, for a quick summit view and photo opportunity. Resume the drive, exiting the parkway at the I‑26 interchange, then follow I‑26 W and I‑40 W toward Knoxville before taking I‑75 S straight to Chattanooga. Along the way, enjoy the rolling Appalachian scenery and make a brief stop at the historic town of Asheville for coffee.
Arrive in Chattanooga in the early evening and head to the vibrant Tennessee Aquarium for a twilight walk through the River Journey exhibit (if open late) or simply stroll the Riverwalk. Conclude the day with dinner at a downtown restaurant overlooking the Chickamauga River, then enjoy a brief night view from Lookout Mountain before checking into your accommodation.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending the trip by spending a night in Asheville to explore the Biltmore Estate or adding a hike on the Appalachian Trail. To shorten the journey, skip the Mount Mitchell stop and take the faster route via I‑85 to I‑75 S, which reduces driving time by about an hour but sacrifices the scenic highlights.