Four-Day Scenic Road Trip from Princeton, WV to Gatlinburg, TN with Must-See Stops

Day 1: Scenic Drive & Local Stops

Princeton, WV to Lewisburg, WV on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Blue Dog Coffee Bar & Bakery

Start your day with artisan coffee and fresh pastries at this cozy cafe in Princeton, WV, perfect for fueling your road trip.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive towards Lewisburg, WV via Beckley and Charleston

Enjoy the scenic Appalachian foothills and mountain views along I-77 and I-64 on your way to Lewisburg, a charming historic town known for its arts and culture.
USD0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at the Tavern at Greenbrier

Dine on upscale American cuisine in a beautiful historic setting in Lewisburg, known for its fresh local ingredients.
USD30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Greenbrier River Trail

Walk or bike part of this 78-mile trail along the scenic Greenbrier River. Open year-round for hiking and nature enjoyment.
USD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check into local lodge or B&B in Lewisburg

Relax and refresh at your accommodation before continuing your trip the next day.
USD100, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The French Goat

Enjoy French-inspired dishes in a cozy, elegant atmosphere in downtown Lewisburg; open until 9 pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Forest Drive & National Parks

Lewisburg, WV to Wytheville, VA on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Greenbrier Coffee Shop

Enjoy hearty breakfast classics with a local twist before hitting the road.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive through Monongahela National Forest & stop at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

Explore the unique wetland area with boardwalk trails, ideal for nature lovers; open 8am-6pm.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Continue drive towards Wytheville, VA

Travel through Appalachian scenic byways with picturesque mountain views.
USD0, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Casa Fiesta in Wytheville

Enjoy tasty Mexican cuisine in a friendly setting; open from 11am-9pm.
USD20, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

Learn about the life of the First Lady from Wytheville; open 12pm-4pm weekdays.
USD5, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Wytheville

Rest and prepare for final leg to Gatlinburg tomorrow.
USD80, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Log Inn Restaurant

Dine in a rustic mountain lodge atmosphere featuring local specialties, open until 8pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Final Drive to Gatlinburg

Wytheville, VA to Gatlinburg, TN on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hampton Inn Wytheville

Grab a quick continental breakfast before departure.
Included with stay, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Gatlinburg, TN

Enjoy the beautiful transition from Virginia into Tennessee through scenic mountain routes along I-81 S and US-321 S.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg

Try their famous pancakes and classic breakfast dishes; open 7am-2pm.
USD20, 1h

1:45pm

Check into Gatlinburg hotel or cabin

Settle in and refresh before exploring the town.
USD150, Overnight

3:00pm

Explore Gatlinburg downtown

Visit boutique shops, Mountain Mall, and local artisan crafts; most shops open 10am-6pm.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Enjoy high-quality steaks and riverfront dining experience.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg, TN on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Start with a hearty breakfast in a rustic camp-themed setting; open 7am-11am.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Choose from short hikes like Laurel Falls Trail or Alum Cave Trail; park open 24 hours with visitor centers open 8am-4:30pm.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area

Enjoy a peaceful outdoor lunch surrounded by nature; bring your own picnic or buy supplies in town.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center

Learn about the park’s nature and history; visitor center open 8am-4:30pm.
USD0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Gatlinburg Aquarium

See marine life exhibits perfect for family fun; open 10am-6pm.
USD35, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Enjoy homestyle southern cooking including apple fritters and country ham.
USD30, 1h30m
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