The Scenic Drive To Sams Gap Is Almost As Beautiful As The Destination Itself
By Chris Dodge|Updated on August 17, 2023(Originally published April 04, 2023)
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
There is nothing better than getting in the car and hitting the road to see some of the most scenic places in our state. Often we can rush to get to our destination and take the fastest way possible, which is usually the interstate. But in the case with today’s featured road trip, the interstate is the scenic route and boasts some incredible mountain views. Make your way to the North Carolina border on I-26 to Sams Gap Scenic Overlook which is just as scenic as the drive getting there. Most of the time interstates are boarding and large expanses of land that seem to drag on forever, but this drive offers stunning mountain views and is a thrill to drive down no matter what season you find yourself in.
Interstate 26 starts in Kingsport in East Tennessee and runs all the way to Charleston, South Carolina.
The Tennessee portion is filled with beauty everywhere you look, featuring mountainous passages, mighty rivers, and massive rock slides. The drive getting to the scenic overlook can be just as thrilling as your final destination. I have driven this road many times and the first time I drove it was at night so I missed all of the surrounding natural beauty but just had that sense that something amazing was out there. Next time we drove down in the day and we were blown away by the views!
Not only are the surrounding mountains framing the interstate, but you can also witness mountain layers as far as the eye can see.
The mountain range speckling the landscape in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina are some of my favorites and this road showcases to drivers the great layers of depth these mountains offer. The sky can be just as beautiful as the peaks; watch as billowing clouds roll around the lush green landscape. You can enjoy the dramatic shadow play as you drive.
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Although the drive from Kingsport south on I-26 is in itself a journey, the final destination is right along the North Carolina border.
You will see a sign for a scenic overlook which is known as Sams Gap Overlook. This is a great place to get out stretch your legs and allow yourself to see the stunning views all around you. The trees perfectly frame the road and in the summer, the lush overgrowth will give visitors an incredible opportunity for photos.
This spot can be particularly wonderful throughout the year as the weather and seasons change can alter the appeal of the mountains. When it snows, the frosted trees make for an enchanting scene. The lush green of the dense forest makes this place pop with color and life in the spring. So it is well worth the trip to drive out here multiple times throughout the year.
One of the best times to visit is during the fall, however. Witness the fiery array of colors unfolding before you with fall foliage as far as the eye can see. There is something special about being in the mountains in autumn, sipping a pumpkin-spiced latte, and viewing the amazing colors all around you. There is nothing quite like it.
Sunset can also be a great time to visit this scenic overlook in Tennessee. As the sun sets behind the horizon, the mountains illuminate with an angelic glow. It is a fitting way to end the day and fully take in this beautiful spot. Stick around for a little bit longer and the spectacular display in the heavens opens up. The night sky is very dark in this part of the mountains affording you perfect conditions for stargazing.
Sometimes the journey is the destination and that is certainly the case while traveling on I26 to Sams Gap Scenic Overlook. No matter what time of the year you travel, you are sure to be filled with awe as you spectate this inspirational scenic drive in Tennessee. You can easily add this stop on your next road trip if you want to and here is a map of I26 that you can customize to fit wherever your journey is taking you.
If you just love to hop in your car and explore places with incredible views, then the Foothills Parkway is the perfect place to explore in Tennessee.
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Scenic Roads In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|August 17, 2023
What is one of the best lesser-known scenic roads in Tennessee?
Looking for some roads less traveled then check out Route 107. This is one beautiful lesser-known scenic road in Tennessee.
What are the best scenic roads in Tennessee?
Here are my top three favorite scenic roads in Tennessee:
