Epic Southern US Road Trip: National Parks and High Adventure from McAllen, TX and Back

Day 1: Texas to Louisiana

McAllen, TX to Kisatchie National Forest, LA on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Los Cucos Mexican Cafe

Enjoy a hearty Tex-Mex breakfast to fuel your long drive ahead with authentic local flavors.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana

Begin your northeast drive to Kisatchie National Forest for your first dose of nature and adventure.
USD0, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Depot in Alexandria, LA

Take a break and enjoy southern comfort food at The Depot, known for its BBQ and local dishes.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Kisatchie National Forest

Enjoy hiking and scenic views in Louisiana's only national forest, known for its unique sandy hills and cypress swamps. The forest is great for high adventure like kayaking and mountain biking. Open daylight hours.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The French Press, Alexandria, LA

Dine on elevated Southern cuisine in a stylish setting to wind down your first day.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Louisiana to Mississippi High Adventure

To Natchez Trace Parkway, MS on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Community Coffee Bar, Alexandria, LA

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast with excellent coffee to kickstart today.
USD10, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Natchez Trace Parkway, MS

Head east towards the Natchez Trace Parkway for scenic driving and outdoor activities.
USD0, 3h0m

11:15am

Hiking and biking on Natchez Trace Parkway

Experience the historic and natural beauty of this 444-mile parkway famous for its wildlife viewing and hiking trails. Ideal for mountain biking and exploring historical sites. Open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 3h0m

2:15pm

Lunch at Loveless Cafe, Nashville

Though slightly off the direct route, if time allows, try Loveless Cafe’s iconic Southern fried chicken and biscuits for an authentic meal.
USD25, 1h0m

3:15pm

Drive to Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi

Head south towards coastal adventure at Gulf Islands National Seashore for water sports and nature trails.
USD25 parking fee, 4h0m

7:15pm

Dinner at The Chimneys, Gulfport, MS

Enjoy fresh seafood and southern cuisine close to the national seashore.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mississippi to Alabama Exploration

Gulf Islands National Seashore, MS to Little River Canyon, AL on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Coast Roast Coffee Bar, Gulfport, MS

Start with artisanal coffee and light breakfast before your next stretch of the drive.
USD10, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama

Travel east across Alabama to reach Little River Canyon, a hidden gem for hiking and waterfalls.
USD0, 4h0m

11:45am

Hiking at Little River Canyon National Preserve

Explore the scenic canyon rim trail and waterfalls. The park offers moderate to challenging hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities. Open dawn to dusk.
USD0, 3h0m

2:45pm

Lunch at The Rainsville Diner, Rainsville, AL

Relax with classic American diner fare close to the preserve.
USD15, 1h0m

3:45pm

Drive towards Talladega National Forest

Catch some evening hiking or scenic views in Talladega National Forest located near the canyon preserve.
USD0, 1h30m

5:15pm

Short hike and sunset viewing at Talladega National Forest

Enjoy the forest’s rugged terrain and scenic overlooks. Great for a quick adventure with peaceful sunset vistas. Open daylight hours.
USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Back Forty Beer Company, Gadsden, AL

Savor local craft beer and loaded pub food in a friendly atmosphere.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Alabama to Georgia Adventures

Talladega, AL to Chattahoochee National Forest, GA on May 11, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at Sunflower Cafe, Talladega, AL

Start early with fresh breakfast options and coffee for your drive to Georgia.
USD15, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

Head northeast to reach Georgia’s extensive national forest offering excellent hiking, waterfalls, and rock climbing.
USD0, 3h30m

11:00am

Hike Anna Ruby Falls Trail

Explore this easy to moderate 1.5-mile trail to picturesque twin waterfalls within the national forest. Open 9am-6pm.
USD0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Willow Green Restaurant, Helen, GA

Dine on fresh, farm-to-table cuisine in this Bavarian-style town near the forest.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive and Explore Vogel State Park

Discover hiking, mountain biking, and a beautiful lake at Vogel State Park, known for its outdoor adventure. Park open 6am to 10pm.
USD5 parking, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Bodensee Restaurant, Helen, GA

Enjoy authentic German cuisine in a unique alpine village atmosphere.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Georgia to Florida Coastal Adventure

Helen, GA to Big Talbot Island State Park, FL on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hofer's Bakery & Cafe, Helen, GA

Grab artisanal pastries and coffee to start your day.
USD12, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive south to Big Talbot Island State Park, Florida

Make your way to this coastal park near Jacksonville for beach hiking and nature photography with unique driftwood formations.
USD6 entrance fee, 4h0m

11:45am

Explore Big Talbot Island State Park

Hike scenic coastal trails and photograph the Boneyard Beach driftwood. Ideal for kayaking and bird watching. Park open 8am-8pm.
USD6, 3h0m

2:45pm

Lunch at The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Jacksonville, FL

Enjoy fresh seafood with southern flair in Jacksonville's historic district.
USD30, 1h0m

3:45pm

Drive to Everglades National Park entrance area (optional long drive south)

Due to distance, consider stopping in between or planning for a future extended trip. Otherwise, explore local marshlands and prepare for next days.
USD30 park fee, Optional

6:30pm

Dinner at Metro Diner, Jacksonville, FL

Relax with modern comfort food favorites before continuing your journey.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 6: Florida to South Carolina

Jacksonville, FL to Congaree National Park, SC on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Southern Grounds & Co., Jacksonville, FL

Wake up with quality coffee and southern-style breakfast in a cozy café.
USD12, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Congaree National Park, SC

Travel north toward Congaree National Park, known for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and excellent hiking and canoeing opportunities.
USD0, 5h30m

1:15pm

Picnic Lunch in Congaree National Park

Enjoy lunch in the park’s designated picnic areas surrounded by nature after purchasing supplies beforehand.
USD-required., 1h0m

2:15pm

Hiking and Canoeing at Congaree National Park

Explore boardwalk trails and rent a canoe to paddle in the park's flooded forest. Great for wildlife spotting and immersion in a unique ecosystem. Park hours 8am to sunset.
USD25 canoe rental approx., 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Motor Supply Co. Bistro, Columbia, SC

Sample farm-to-table cuisine in this innovative, upscale bistro near the park.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: South Carolina to North Carolina Mountain Fun

Columbia, SC to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC on May 14, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Drip Coffee, Columbia, SC

Enjoy artisan coffee and light breakfast before a long drive north.
USD10, 0h45m

7:15am

Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Venture northwards to the famed national park straddling NC and TN, known for its diverse plant life and historic buildings.
USD0, 6h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Cherokee Grill, Gatlinburg, TN

Enjoy upscale mountain lodge cuisine near the park entrance.
USD25, 1h0m

2:15pm

Hiking Clingmans Dome Trail

Climb the short paved trail to the highest point in the park with panoramic mountain views. Open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Optional Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River

Book with local outfitters for a thrilling rafting adventure suited to a solo adventurer. Afternoon sessions typically start around 4pm and last 2-3 hours.
USD70, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse, Gatlinburg, TN

End the day with a satisfying steak dinner in a rustic mountain setting.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Great Smoky Mountains to Virginia Exploration

Gatlinburg, TN to Shenandoah National Park, VA on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry, Gatlinburg, TN

Enjoy local favorite pancakes and breakfast classics to fuel a long drive to Virginia.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Shenandoah National Park, VA

Travel northeast to Virginia’s park famed for Skyline Drive and extensive hiking trails.
USD30 entrance fee, 6h30m

2:30pm

Scenic drive and short hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Explore Skyline Drive overlooks and short hikes like Dark Hollow Falls Trail during late afternoon. Park open 7am-sunset.
USD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Skyland Resort Dining Room, Shenandoah National Park

Dine with spectacular mountain views and hearty comfort food inside the park.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Virginia to West Virginia Hiking

Shenandoah National Park, VA to New River Gorge, WV on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Wayside Dining Room, Shenandoah

Get a warm breakfast before heading to West Virginia’s outdoor hotspot.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to New River Gorge National Park, WV

Drive northwest to West Virginia’s newest national park famed for rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
USD0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pies & Pints, Fayetteville, WV

Enjoy pizza and craft brews in the gateway town to New River Gorge.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Climbing or Hiking in New River Gorge

Take on rock climbing routes or hike trails like Long Point for stunning gorge views; open daylight hours.
USD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Historic Summersville Cafe

Dine on hearty American cuisine nearby before overnight stay.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 10: West Virginia to Kentucky Bluegrass

Fayetteville, WV to Mammoth Cave National Park, KY on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Autumn’s Harvest Coffee and Tea

Enjoy breakfast and coffee before traveling to Kentucky’s famous cave park.
USD15, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Head west to visit the world’s longest known cave system, offering tours and hiking.
USD0, 4h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Green River Grill, Mammoth Cave, KY

Refuel with Southern cuisine close to the park visitor center.
USD20, 1h0m

1:45pm

Mammoth Cave Guided Tour

Choose from various guided cave tours that showcase stunning underground formations and history. Tours run 10am-4pm depending on type.
USD25, 2h0m

4:00pm

Hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park

Explore surface trails such as the Cedar Sink Trail or Mammoth Dome Loop; open daylight hours.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bluegrass Grill, Cave City, KY

Dine locally on classic Kentucky dishes after your adventure.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 11: Kentucky to Tennessee Wilderness

Mammoth Cave, KY to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Cave City, KY

Enjoy traditional Southern breakfast buffet to prepare for the drive and hiking.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

Return to the park in Tennessee for additional trails and possibly wildlife viewing.
USD0, 3h0m

11:00am

Hike Alum Cave Trail

Tackle this moderately challenging trail for cave views and mountain vistas. Park open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 3h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery, Gatlinburg

Enjoy casual pub dining with local beers and pizza to refuel.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

End your afternoon with a visit to the highest peak in the Smokies offering spectacular panoramic views. Open dawn to dusk.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Park Grill, Gatlinburg, TN

Finish your day with upscale mountain bistro fare featuring local ingredients.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 12: Tennessee to Arkansas Scenic Route

Gatlinburg, TN to Hot Springs National Park, AR on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ole Red, Gatlinburg, TN

Start with hearty Southern breakfast and some live country music atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hot Springs National Park, AR

Proceed westward toward Hot Springs National Park, famed for its thermal waters and hiking trails.
USD0, 7h30m

3:30pm

Tour Hot Springs National Park

Walk the historic Bathhouse Row and try the hot springs or hike the Peekaboo and Sunset Trails. Open 8am-5pm.
USD0-15, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Fountain Cafe, Hot Springs

Dine in a restored 1940s soda fountain serving comfort foods and local favorites.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 13: Arkansas back to Texas

Hot Springs, AR to McAllen, TX on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue Bayou Restaurant, Hot Springs

Grab a quick breakfast before the final long drive home.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to McAllen, TX

Complete your epic southern U.S. national park adventure loop with a long drive southwest back to McAllen.
USD0, 9h0m

5:00pm

Arrive in McAllen, TX

Return home safely with wonderful memories of exploration, adventure, and natural beauty.
USD0, N/A
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