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Tennessee Nature Adventure Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 271 travelers

Day 1: Explore Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with some of Nashville's famous pancakes at the iconic Pancake Pantry.
Walk or drive to Pancake Pantry.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Dive into the heart of country music with a tour that showcases the genre's rich history.
Drive to the Country Music Hall of Fame - 10 minutes.
USD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Savor the spicy, iconic Nashville hot chicken with all the fixings.
Drive to Hattie B's - 15 minutes.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Parthenon in Centennial Park

Explore this full-scale replica of the Parthenon which houses a stunning statue of Athena.
Drive to Centennial Park - 10 minutes.
USD6, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Music Row

Take a drive through the heart of Nashville's music industry, full of recording studios and famous landmarks.
Drive through Music Row - 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Merchants

Enjoy fine Southern cuisine in a historic building on Broadway.
Return to Merchants - 5 minutes.
USD35, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Live Music at the Grand Ole Opry

End the day with a live show at this world-famous venue showcasing country music's best.
Drive to the Grand Ole Opry - 20 minutes.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Fuel up with a hearty Southern breakfast before hitting the road.
Drive to Cracker Barrel - 30 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Enjoy the scenic drive while heading east - keep an eye out for wildlife.
Drive to the park - 3.5 hours.
Free, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Cades Cove

Stop for lunch and enjoy stunning views of the mountains in this beautiful area.
Find a spot in Cades Cove - 15 minutes.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Explore the 11-mile loop road, perfect for spotting wildlife and seeing historic buildings.
Continue driving the loop - 2 hours.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Clingmans Dome hike

Embark on a short hike to the highest point in the Smokies for breathtaking views.
Drive to Clingmans Dome parking - 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner in Pigeon Forge at The Old Mill

Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at this historic restaurant with a beautiful view.
Drive to The Old Mill - 30 minutes.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Rest after a fulfilling day, choosing a cozy cabin or hotel in Pigeon Forge.
Check in to the hotel - 10 minutes.
USD120, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 3: Gatlinburg Adventures

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry (Gatlinburg)

Start your day with local pancakes at Gatlinburg's own Pancake Pantry.
Walk to nearby Pancake Pantry - 5 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic chairlift ride for stunning views of the Smokies and cross the famous SkyBridge.
Walk to the SkyLift - 10 minutes.
USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Discover local artisans and craftspeople at the largest group of independent artisans in North America.
Drive to the Arts & Crafts Community - 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Cherokee Grill

Indulge in a delicious lunch with mountain-inspired dishes in a rustic setting.
Drive to The Cherokee Grill - 15 minutes.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Excite your senses with fascinating marine exhibits at one of the top-rated aquariums in the U.S.
Walk to the aquarium - 10 minutes.
USD35, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Asheville

Hit the road to Asheville, enjoying beautiful mountain views en route.
Drive to Asheville - 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Curate

Savor exquisite Spanish tapas in a vibrant atmosphere, a must-try in Asheville.
Walk to Curate from hotel - 15 minutes.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the Asheville night vibe.
Return to hotel - 10 minutes.
USD150, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Gatlinburg

Day 4: Asheville Day

Asheville, North Carolina

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sunny Point Café

Enjoy this local favorite that serves a scrumptious breakfast with fresh ingredients.
Walk to Sunny Point Café - 10 minutes.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour the Biltmore Estate

Explore America's largest home and its stunning gardens.
Drive to the Biltmore - 15 minutes.
USD60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Stable Café

Dine in a unique atmosphere at the Biltmore's Stable Café offering beautifully crafted dishes.
Lunch on-site at the Biltmore.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking in Pisgah National Forest

Experience the beauty of nature with lush trees and amazing waterfall views during a scenic hike.
Drive to Pisgah National Forest - 30 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Drive into Downtown Asheville

Enjoy the charming historic district filled with local shops and art galleries.
Drive Downtown - 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Tupelo Honey

Indulge in Southern comfort food with a twist at this beloved eatery.
Walk to Tupelo Honey - 15 minutes.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Enjoy Live Music

Experience Asheville's vibrant nightlife at a local music venue.
Walk to local venue - 10 minutes.
USD10, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Asheville

Day 5: Chattanooga Explorations

Chattanooga, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bluegrass Grill

Start your day with hearty breakfast plates at this local favorite in Chattanooga.
Drive to Bluegrass Grill - 15 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lookout Mountain

Climb to great heights for stunning views, caves, and the iconic Incline Railway.
Drive to Lookout Mountain - 20 minutes.
USD15, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Ruby Falls

Visit the famous underground waterfall, a must-see in Chattanooga.
Drive to Ruby Falls - 15 minutes.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Crackers Bar & Grill

Relax and recharge with American cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Drive to The Crackers Bar - 15 minutes.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tennessee Aquarium

Explore incredible freshwater and saltwater exhibits at one of Chattanooga's top attractions.
Drive to Tennessee Aquarium - 10 minutes.
USD35, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Champy's Famous Fried Chicken

Savor some mouthwatering southern fried chicken in a laid-back atmosphere.
Drive to Champy's - 15 minutes.
USD20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll Along the Tennessee Riverwalk

Wind down your day with a serene riverside walk, enjoying the scenery.
Walk along the river - 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Knoxville Farewell

Knoxville, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Last Stop

Relax with a homey breakfast at this local favorite before heading out.
Drive to The Last Stop - 20 minutes.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ijams Nature Center

Explore the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of this outdoor urban oasis.
Drive to Ijams Nature Center - 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Urban Wilderness Gateways

Walk or bike the trails as part of the extensive urban wilderness.
Continue to Urban Wilderness - 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Stock & Barrel

Enjoy a gourmet burger and house-made fries in a casual setting.
Drive to Stock & Barrel - 15 minutes.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit World's Fair Park

Discover the park's fountains, iconic Sunsphere, and beautiful gardens.
Drive to World's Fair Park - 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Final Dinner at The Melting Pot

Have a memorable end to your Tennessee journey with a fondue experience.
Drive to The Melting Pot - 10 minutes.
USD40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Departure

Conclude your Tennessee adventure as you prepare for your journey home or next destination.
Prepare for departure.
Free, 1 hour
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More About Tennessee

Packing List: Nashville, Tennessee (January 16)
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7 Days in Gatlinburg, TN (including 1 day at Dollywood) — Hotel with Lazy River
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