The average American tends to spend a TON of time in their car - whether they're headed to and from work, picking up kids from soccer practice or making another trip to the grocery store. Wouldn't it be nice to actually enjoy a car ride for once? We certainly think so. As we get closer and closer to Fall in our beautiful state, here are some roads to day dream about. Plan on seeing them this year before the leaves fall off! How many will you drive?
1. The Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace winds through the hills of Tennessee and Mississippi on its way from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. It's known for its beautiful scenery, including the iconic double arch bridge just outside of Leipers Fork.
2. Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is so named because it wasn't the first Gap road in the mountain range. It wasn't discovered as the lowest pass in the Smokies until the late 1800's. The road goes from Cherokee, NC to Gatlinburg, and it's known as one of the most ecologically diverse drives in the country.
3. Cherohala Skyway
The Cholohala Skyway is 43 miles long and winds from Tellico Plains to Robinsville, NC. The entire drive runs through the lush Cherokee National Forest, making this one of the most scenic byways in the country.
4. Suck Creek Road
Suck Creek Road outside of Chattanooga treks along the banks of the Tennessee River and through the Prentice Cooper State Forest. Make sure to stop at SueBob's Diner in Powells Crossroads at the end of Suck Creek Road.
5. Cades Cove Loop
The most driven road in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile one-way loop through the most lush and verdant valley in the park. The Cove is known for its breathtaking views of the mountains as well as its abundant wildlife.
6. Camp Nakanawa
Camp Nakanawa, located between Knoxville and Nasvhille on the Cumberland Plateau sits peacefully on the side of Lake Aloaloa. The roads leading to the camp are some of the most beautiful in the state -- definitely worth a side trip if you're travelling along I-40.
7. Antebellum Trail
Tennessee's Antebellum Trail is one of its lesser-known historic drives, but it features over 45 historic and scenic sites. The loop runs through Nashville, Spring Hill, and Columbia.
8. Does the entirety of the Great Smoky Mountains work?
Seriously - this place is so beautiful! There's nowhere in this park that isn't worth driving to. From Townsend to Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome, every view along the park's roads is breathtaking.
9. Also the Cherokee National Forest.
The Cherokee National Forest stretches nearly the entirety of the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, meaning any beautiful Appalachian Mountain roads that aren't in the Smokies are in the Forest. You just can't beat East Tennessee when it comes to beautiful drives!
Looking for somewhere to drive in the meantime? Try finding all of these local, country hidden gems.
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