10 Most Scenic Drives Near Nashville
What to See on the Open Road near Nashville?
The most scenic drives near Nashville showcase the allure of Tennessee’s more remote landscapes. You could head through the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, explore the peaceful Natchez Trace Parkway or wind past majestic mountains, lakes and rivers. Along the way, you’ll also discover charming small towns, historic sites and spectacular overlooks.
The routes you explore will give you opportunities to relax and enjoy the countryside while admiring your surroundings. Whether you’re seeking excitement on motor trails or tranquillity in nature, set out on one of these scenic drives near Nashville to encounter stunning scenery and breathtaking views.
1. Natchez Trace Parkway from Paquo to Gordonsburg
Relaxing woodland drive
Ideal para: Aventura, Casais, Famílias
The journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway from Pasquo to Gordonsburg provides a serene getaway into the heart of Tennessee’s picturesque hills and woods. Stretching just over 80 km, this length of meandering road starts just east of Nashville. The landscape on the way to Gordonsburg unfolds in layers of lush forests and views over distant valleys.
Along the way, you’ll pass through historic sites, rural villages and nature preserves with inviting trails, like the Garrison Creek stop. The air here feels fresh with the scent of pine and wildflowers, and you might witness white-tailed deer grazing quietly near the road’s edge. Complete your drive in Gordonsburg, near the fishing haven of Big Swan Creek, a tributary of Duck River.
Natchez Trace Parkway from Paquo to Gordonsburg
2. Roan Road from Roan Mountain to Bakersville
Beautiful mountain with striking views
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Casais
The scenic drive along Roan Road from Roan Mountain to Bakersville is a winding journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. You’ll meander past towering peaks and dense forests, with amazing views at every turn.
As you descend from Roan Mountain, the landscape shifts from rugged highlands to peaceful valleys, with occasional glimpses of streams rushing alongside the road. This tranquil route ends in the small town of Bakersville, where you can stop for coffee or a meal. Make sure you take warm layers if you travel in colder months, as the temperature drops considerably on the mountain.
Roan Road from Roan Mountain to Bakersville
3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail from Gatlinburg
Circular route with striking scenery
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
When you drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail from Gatlinburg and back again, you’re immersed in the quiet beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. This one-way loop runs through dense forests, passing bubbling streams and historic log cabins.
As you travel, the soothing sounds of nature surround you, and the road’s twists and turns reveal views of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures of the landscape. Watch and listen out for bears in the brush; they’re often spotted here.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail from Gatlinburg
4. Valley View Highway from Whitwell to Jasper
Views of the picturesque Sequatchie Valley
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
A drive along Valley View Highway from Whitwell to Jasper on Tennessee State Route 28 offers a scenic journey across the Sequatchie Valley. As you leave Whitwell, you’ll be presented with sweeping views of the hills and the dramatic backdrop of the Cumberland Plateau.
The drive will take you along a winding road that follows the Sequatchie River, and you’ll pass little towns, farmhouses and cattle grazing in nearby fields. When you get closer to Jasper, you’ll start to see woodlands, as well as the peaks of the Tennessee River Gorge in the distance. Absorb the rural charm of the scenes you admire on this serene route.
Valley View Highway from Whitwell to Jasper
5. Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee to Wears Valley
Winding road near the Great Smoky Mountains
Ideal para: Casais, Econômico, Foto
The drive along the Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee to Wears Valley offers some of the most stunning views in East Tennessee. A national parkway, the Foothills Parkway runs through the foothills of the northern Great Smoky Mountains.
As you ascend at the start of your drive, panoramic vistas of the mountains unfold, and you’ll see peaks blanketed in dense forest. Continue your drive along the mountain roads until you make your descent into Wears Valley, where you can take in the beauty of rural Tennessee. Make some stops at the scenic overlooks on the way to pause and admire the landscape.
Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee to Wears Valley
6. Along Village Camp Drive to Lakeside Road
Meandering roads and Tennessee’s tallest waterfall
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
The drive along Village Camp Drive to Lakeside Road takes you to Cane Creek and Scenic Loop Road, and through the Fall Creek Falls State Park. The route showcases the calm beauty of the 30,000-acre state park, home to the tallest waterfall in Tennessee.
You’ll start your drive near Cane Creek, where the road meanders through forests and past moss-covered boulders. As you motor along Village Camp Drive and approach Lakeside Road, you’ll see calm waters reflecting the surrounding trees. The final part of your drive takes you along the Scenic Loop Road, from which you can access the park’s waterfalls. Find a parking space and follow the hiking trails to view the spectacular sights.
Along Village Camp Drive to Lakeside Road
7. Little River Gorge Road from Townsend to Gatlinburg
Beautiful scenery by the Little River
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
The route along Little River Gorge Road from Townsend to Gatlinburg is a relaxing drive that snakes alongside the Little River. You’ll have fabulous river and woodland views throughout your journey. Depending on the amount of foliage when you visit, you might also spot a waterfall or 2 from the road.
As you make your way along the roadway’s gentle curves, you’ll see several signposted points of interest. You could stop to explore paved trail hikes leading to pretty picnic sites and striking waterfalls like Laurel Falls, Meigs Falls and the Sinks Waterfall. A hidden gem on this route is the unmarked overlook before Maloney Point. Pause there for amazing mountain views from a truly meditative spot.
Little River Gorge Road from Townsend to Gatlinburg
8. Woodlands Trace from Dover to Grand Rivers
Forests, wildlife and lakeside attractions
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
The drive along Woodlands Trace from Dover to Grand Rivers takes you through the heart of Land Between the Lakes. It’s a national recreation area in Tennessee and Kentucky that’s located on a peninsula between 2 lakes. The road is a designated National Scenic Byway, and it provides access to some beautiful attractions and exciting outdoor activities. You could stop for a scenic hike, a canoeing adventure at one of the many creeks or a biking trip by Kentucky Lake.
Wildlife sightings are common on this route, and you might catch glimpses of deer or wild turkeys. For an extra fee, enter the gated Elk and Bison Prairie and drive carefully to watch these majestic animals from your car.
Explore Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Hotels
Woodlands Trace from Dover to Grand Rivers
9. Cherohala Skyway from Telico Plains to Lake Santeelah
Serene mountain drive with lake views
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
On the Cherohala Skyway from Telico Plains to Lake Santeelah, you’ll take in 68 km of mountain views, lush foliage and waterfalls. The route is named after the 2 national forests of Cherokee and Nantahala, and it offers several great photo spots and some wonderful places to explore.
You could discover one of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls at Bald River Falls or enjoy the beach at the Indian Boundary Recreation Area. At the end of your scenic drive, delight in the serenity of the calm waters at Lake Santeetlah, meaning “blue water” in the Cherokee language.
Cherohala Skyway from Telico Plains to Lake Santeelah
10. Old Kentucky Road from Burgess Falls to Rock Island
Gentle route between 2 state parks
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
The Old Kentucky Road from Burgess Falls to Rock Island provides a relaxing 30 km drive through the Tennessee countryside. The road is a link between 2 popular destinations for hiking and outdoor activities, and at either end of your trip, you’ll also find gorgeous waterfalls.
After you leave Burgess Falls, you’ll pass rustic barns, open fields, creeks and small ponds as the road loops through farmland and patches of woodland. Travel at a leisurely pace on this quiet route and take in the rural beauty.
Old Kentucky Road from Burgess Falls to Rock Island
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