Scenic route from Nashville to Pigeon Forge

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 14, 2022

How long is the drive from Nashville to Pigeon Forge?

The direct drive from Nashville to Pigeon Forge is 213 mi (342 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Nashville to Pigeon Forge, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Knoxville and $Townsend and top places to visit like Edgar Evins State Park and Cumberland Caverns, or the ever-popular Short Mountain Distillery.

32 stops

Cities / Attractions

I'll never travel to Nashville without this trip planner again

Don't take our word for it

Slide 1 of 6

Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.

Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!

Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!

This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!

Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.

This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.

Top cities between Nashville and Pigeon Forge

The top cities between Nashville and Pigeon Forge are Knoxville and Townsend. Knoxville is the most popular city on the route — it's 3 hours from Nashville and less than an hour from Pigeon Forge.

1

Knoxville

Knoxville is a city on the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee. Downtown, the Market Square district has 19th-century buildings with shops and restaurants. The Museum of East Tennessee History has interactive exhibits plus regional art, textiles and Civil War artifacts. James White’s Fort, built by the Revolutionary War captain, includes the reconstructed 1786 log cabin that was Knoxville’s first permanent building.

Most popular city on this route

1 minute off the main route, 79% of way to Pigeon Forge

2

Townsend

Townsend is a city in Blount County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The population was 244 at the 2000 census and 448 at the 2010 census. For thousands of years a site of Native American occupation by varying cultures, Townsend is one of three "gateways" to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

43% as popular as Knoxville

10 minutes off the main route, 86% of way to Pigeon Forge

The top stops along the way from Nashville to Pigeon Forge (with short detours) are Market Square, Tuckaleechee Caverns, and The Lost Sea Adventure. Other popular stops include Fall Creek Falls, Zoo Knoxville, and Cummins Falls State Park.

1

Short Mountain Distillery

American restaurant

Food & Drink

Distilleries

This distillery producing small-batch moonshine & bourbon offers guided tours & a tasting room.

Slide 1 of 3

A wonderful place to get brunch! The employees are very kind and polite and the food is absolutely fantastic! Sadly I didn’t do the distillery part or any tasting but the restaurant was fabulous. I recommend you get the belt breakfast sandwich with cheesy grits and also try their freshly squeezed orange juice! The inside is so well decorated and pretty with interesting paintings and quilts to look at. They even have a little gift shop where I got the best smelling candle ever! The view is astonishingly beautiful and very peaceful. I highly recommend coming and supporting this wonderful family owned restaurant!

The food was delicious....however, for a restaurant that only had 4 tables of patrons, it took 30 mins for all of our drinks to arrive (after placing initial order). And about 40 mins for our food to arrive. They weren't that busy and the bartender was busy doing other things not bar related, instead of preparing drinks. For it being my first time there, I wasn't impressed with overall service.

I ordered the Deep South sandwich and my husband had to sword fish tacos. AMAZING!! I thought the prices were high at first but the amount of food, and quality that you get are worth it. They have a darn chef back there cookin up amazing food to all who enter. We will definitely be back!!

4.6(810)

4.5(122)

8280 Short Mountain Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190, USA

2

Edgar Evins State Park

Mountainous park including Center Hill Lake also includes an onsite restaurant inside the marina.

Slide 1 of 3

The lakefront areas of this park are amazing. We did not camp here but wanted to go for a hike. There were less trails than we expected but it definitely made up our mind to get another boat!

This is a very nice park, well kept. With that said the recent weather was evident by many fallen trees and high water marks. We did the trail by the visitor's center. It said about 2 miles but felt very strenuous. Was there 3/4/22. Had to cross a bit of water and climb over and under some very large fallen trees. The trail was well marked, but at times you had to look around for which way to go, especially by the switchbacks. I really enjoyed it. Went back 4/3/22 The water level was down from last time and it is very green now. There were wildflowers and butterflies. Saw chipmunks, a cardinal and a bunch of turtles in a log.

It's so nice to be able to pull up to water and electrical hookups and clean bathrooms! Beautiful spots to sit and relax along the lake!

4.7(944)

4.5(75)

1630 Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Silver Point, TN 38582, USA

3

Cumberland Caverns

Nature & Parks

Hiking area

Sprawling landmark underground caverns offering walking tours, field trips & event spaces.

Slide 1 of 3

I first came here on a elementary school field trip almost 30 years ago. This place is truly amazing and should be experienced by everyone. We bring our kids every few years to see the beauty that this cave has to offer. Highly recommend and our guide Justin did a fantastic job.

This was a petty cool cave to see. They have different routes from the nice and clean to crawling around in the mud. Ha. We went on a scouting event so we stayed the night. That was cool. The only draw back was that they got back just before midnight. Yikes. We had a good time and the guides were perfect.

This is a great place to go as a trip or to go when you are bored. The caves are amazing, has many cool parts, and is fascinating with it's natural formation. The guides are super funny, knowledgeable, safe, and explain + answer everything. (Shout out to Nick for a interesting and amazing journey we had today) There is a nice shop with cool geodes and some other cool stuff (to which I do not know the name of) It was a weekday, so it was not too crowded There are specific times when the tour starts, so you might have to wait a bit for it. For us, it was around 15 minutes. Overall it is an fun place to visit to see how caves are made and learn some funny historical moments of it. I attached some images

4.8(1855)

4.5(366)

1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110, USA

4

Rock Island State Park

At the confluence of three rivers with dramatic waterfall, park offers fishing & year-round cabins.

Slide 1 of 3

Jan. 23, 2022 Made a quick stop while driving through. We’ll definitely be coming back to hike the trails, especially when there’s some greenery. The falls were beautiful. *Update Feb 25-27, 2002 Stayed at the cabins. Really nice place. Enough room for 10 couples. Would highly recommend. It had rained for a couple of days so the River had gotten really high. The hiking trails were well maintained.

I love this place. I went to the twin falls. It felt amazing to be standing next to the water. It was loud and fast. Fast enough to make you dizzy, so be careful. I wish I could stay there forever. When you go, bring a blanket that can get wet on one side so you can sit next to the water. If I ever make it here again, I am definitely going to bring a blanket. I wish I could just lay next to the water all day listening to the waterfall.

Beautiful Park, we were here during rainy season. It will be much nicer in the spring,summer and the fall Cabins to rent. Camping and camper spaces. Beach and play area. Hiking trails, kayaking, and other activities to do here.

4.8(3509)

4.5(259)

82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA

5

Burgess Falls State Park

Foot trails from moderate to strenuous difficulty lead to 4 waterfalls cascading into a large pool.

Slide 1 of 3

This place is Incredibly Beautiful ❤ our first trip..about 2 hours 30 minutes each way but it was definitely worth the travel!! I'm sharing some of my pictures for everyone to see what we seen so you can judge for yourself! There is at least 4 falls but you do have to walk half a mile or so to get to the big tall one. They also have a Butterfly Garden, hiking trails, a playground for the kids, & a store very close.I encourage everyone to go see this but the people who are waterfall fanatics...IT IS A MUST!!!

My pups and I really loved this park. The trails were easy to walk through. I have two small dogs and they did fine. It wasn’t busy at all and everything was beautiful. The falls were big and worth the walk. It’s so wooded, shaded and peaceful. It’s also close by to another state park that also has a pretty big waterfall. This was also dog friendly. I would suggest to anyone who wants to see some nature while visiting the city.

Super cool hike to above the falls! If you like living on the edge, this is the place for you! You can walk out to the edge of the falls where there is rock and see it from the tippy top! Don't fall in though it's 135 ft down the falls. Pretty cool the history of the falls powering a mill to power the town back in the day.

4.8(2360)

4.5(415)

4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA

6

Cummins Falls State Park

Historic site of 2 former mills is now a popular spot for swimming & hiking.

Slide 1 of 3

Must get the permit to hike the gorge. It took a total of 1.5 hours from the parking lot to the base of the Falls. We crossed the river at the little waterfall on the right first. The water was about upper thigh high (I'm 5'2") - the 2nd crossing was a little slippery, the water was just below knee high - we followed the rock bed through back to the left side. The walk down to the river gets steep the closer you get. The hardest part of the hike is the walk back up from the river to the parking lot. The level was a 3 the day we hiked 5/8/22. The day before 5/7/22 it was a 4 - gorge closed. Go as early as you can because this is an out-and-back hike, it gets busy and some of the trails are very skinny.

This place is really beautiful. Due to recent rains the water was high. That and the temperature stopped us from hiking the gorge, but there were people hiking it. You could tell the water was cold. We hiked some of the outer trails, but a recent prescribed burn left most of the scenery charred. It was a bit windy at times and we ended up covered in soot. It was decent exercise for the day. 3/5/22

Please take your water shoes to enjoy the hike. You will have to cross the river twice when headed towards the falls and twice again while returning. It can get strenuous if you are trying to avoid walking in the water and stick to the land. Pets had a great time. It's take about 3-4 hours for the entire trip. Most scenic and beautiful views at the falls.

4.7(3085)

4.5(557)

390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA

7

Standing Stone State Park

Park with woods, meadows, streams & a lake features hiking trails, cabins, lodges & campsites.

Slide 1 of 3

Stayed in SSSP for the weekend. We rented a cabin (#9). Cozy cabin. Clean. No problems. There was 4 of us and it was nice to have the trundle bed. The couch was not comfortable, the back is hard. But not there for that. Was only able to do 2 trails. It was in the teens and freezing. The trails had some trees in the way and they are along the hillsides and narrow. We plan to come back in warmer weather to complete the other trails. The staff that we talked to was all nice and pleasant. We’ll be back!

This has been a family favorite for my whole childhood.When I mean a family favorite I am talking about my family came in droves all at once ! This isn’t even our family reunion. I can remember getting together with all my cousins, aunts and uncles coming for a whole week every summer for over 40 years. Not to mention our church groups and basketball groups as well. We would gather in groups and explore caves, night natural trails hikes ( actually have real snakes crawling between your feet! For Real 😳) , roasting marshmallows around a campfire and telling ghost stories, Paddle Boats and fishing 🎣. They always had some Exciting programs about the nature going on around us. They have a National Rolley Hole Music & Marbles Festival with live music and many more things to see and do as well. So if you ever find yourself up around Hill Ham, Tennessee I highly recommend you to stop spend awhile.

Spent an hour there on Sunday 8 August 2021. Plenty of parking. We were at the location near the dam. They have plenty of pavilions throughout the park. If you are looking for a family gathering place, call ahead and reserve. There are places to fish as well as playground area for children. Plenty of places to walk your furry friends. Bring some water, a good pair of hiking shoes/boots and enjoy the trails. They also have meeting center for businesses. Pool area was closed as well as the concession stand. Volleyball, tennis, hiking, biking, cabins for rent, boats for rent, RV camping all in one beautiful landscape. Bring the family and be at one with God and nature.

4.7(877)

4.0(77)

1674 Standing Stone Park Hwy, Hilham, TN 38568, USA

8

Fall Creek Falls

This striking 256-ft waterfall in a forest has an overlook with a trail down to its plunge pool.

Slide 1 of 3

Hands down one of my favorite hikes in TN. The waterfall is STUNNING. The walk to get to the bottom is a lot of stairs, but you don't have to walk down to enjoy the waterfall. (I still recommend it.) The scenic overlook point is a spectacular view, and usually a very quiet spot. Highly recommend.

Frome the moment you enter the park it is a beautiful place to visit. The trails and the water falls are amazing. The trail heads are all drivable. Once there get out and take an amazing trip though the woods. There will be different points throughout the forest to be able to see different water falls and different views of the water falls. All of the trails are marked and are easy to navigate. Once your done you can go back to the snack shack and have an awesome lunch . Very nice place to go with family and friends.

FCF is one of the must visit falls in Tennessee! Amazing view and equally interesting hike to the base of the falls, and it's all worth it! There is ample parking at the falls overlook spot and clear signs and directions to descent to the base. There are a lot of hiking spots to and from the falls overlook area to Nature Center and / or FCF visitor center. Highly recommend!

4.8(353)

4.5(625)

9

Fall Creek Falls State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Parks

Largest recreation area in the state with a large inn, cabins, campsites & wilderness camping.

Slide 1 of 3

This park was BEAUTIFUL and well worth the multi-state drive it took to visit. From multiple, breathtaking waterfalls and rock formations to swinging suspension bridges and delicious takeout from their lakeside restaurant, this state park is now among our favorites in the Eastern United States. There were handicap accessible views of both main waterfalls, conveniently located (and clean) bathrooms, well posted and maintained hiking trails, and various picnic areas. There were several other available activities in the area as well, but we didn't have the time to experience those. (We chose to stay about an hour away in a historic cabin at Cumberland Mountain state park to save money). We can't wait to return and see the falls here again!

Fantastic state park with five beautiful waterfalls along very accessible trails or observation decks.... for all levels of fitness! We made the two and a half hour drive from Huntsville for the day and absolutely loved all the hiking, playground and very well kept state park areas. It was well worth the visit, and top of our parks list. We hope to return in the summer for more water activities and camping.

Beautiful area for hiking and suitable for all fitness levels. Dog friendly, and you can customize your day easily around each waterfall you want to see. We did around 5 different short 1 mile hikes around the park and took us around 1/2 a day exploring. Winter is the best time to go as you can really see the falls open up!

4.8(5934)

4.5(149)

2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA

10

Cumberland County Playhouse

Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

Dance school

Non-profit organization

Stage

Theaters

Slide 1 of 3

This little gem is tucked in the beautiful landscape of East-Mid Tennessee. It’s between Knoxville and Nashville. The charming & rustic playhouse doesn’t do justice to the quality of the actors and stellar performances. We just saw “Murder on the Orient Express” and it exceeded expectations. Not only was the acting superb, the set designs and changes of scenery were impressive. All of the volunteers and staff there were so nice, welcoming and kind. The prices are very reasonable, with an average ticket price at $35. (And while the bathrooms are a bit dated, they are very clean and have a second ladies room inside the theater.) While waiting for the show to begin, walk around the side and relax in the darling gazebo. We grabbed the schedule for year and plan to return. Plus there are free outdoor concerts in the summer!

It's been years since I've been here but it is one of the best childhood memories that I have. Most may not remember Marion Sullivan's niece who used to follow her wherever she went but my favorite memories of hanging out with her was during rehearsals. I miss everyone one I met during rehearsals and that one acting camp I did that one summer!!! Everyone was always so happy and full of joy even when multiple runs had to be done of the same set. Hopefully soon I'll return until then I hope that you all have an amazing year!!!

Saw an amazing show in Scrooge! The playhouse is set in the hills of Middle Tennessee and you might think that they couldn't get good talent in there but they are fantastic. Jason Ross played Scrooge and was a joy to watch! Seating is a little tight as it is an older style theater. However, if you've never been, you need to check out the Cumberland County Playhouse!

4.8(202)

5.0(419)

221 Tennessee Ave, Crossville, TN 38555, USA

11

Cumberland Mountain State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Campsites, hiking trails & picnic pavilions around a lake with a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Slide 1 of 3

We stayed in one of their standard cabins in May and were surprised how quiet the park was even on a Sunday. The cabin is rustic just a few steps up from camping but has nice little details like a fireplace, bathroom and kitchen but I would recommend you bring a thicker blanket cause theirs are rather thin. The park itself is well kept and beautiful. Nice trails and on-site restaurant with fantastic southern food and hospitality. We will definitely be coming back in the future.

We have been here a few times now and we love it. It is a nice peaceful place with lots of activities even though we were there in what would be considered the off season. We stayed in the Mill House for a couple of days. It is a nice rustic place with lots of space. It would be a good place for families. It is a bit challenging for people who have a hard time with stairs, however. There is really no way into the Mill Hose without descending stairs and there are stairs inside as well. It is a great place to be away from others, though, since you have a whole little section of the park to yourselves and a great patio view ( and out the windows) of the waterfall. We will definitely be back to stay.

We enjoyed the hiking trails and area. The Year End party at the restaurant was delicious and beautifully decorated, with the tree and a view of the bridge lighted up through the window. This all makes it one of our top favorite places that we keep coming back to.

4.7(2890)

4.5(327)

24 Office Dr, Crossville, TN 38555, USA

12

Rhea County Court House Historic landmark

Restored courthouse with exhibits, photos & news clippings related to 1925 Scopes Monkey trial.

Slide 1 of 3

Strawberry festival cruise in was great. What a variety of what must be the owner's babies. Food offerings should please any appetite. Various crafters. Prices up which is no surprise. A flat of strawberries $40. They were excellent and huge

We enjoyed rural Tennessee for a Christmas family vacation. We stayed at a beautiful home that we found on vrbo. We were near Dayton and just north of Chattanooga. Dayton is a pretty little town with all of the amenities that we needed. We visited Copper Hill and the Ocoee River. We took a holiday train ride in Chattanooga and visited Lookout Mountain at night. We had a very nice time there and will return. Loved the area between Cleveland and Dayton. Nice people.

Well preserved building, Great architecture and history that most people don't know about...

4.4(67)

4.0(57)

1475 Market St, Dayton, TN 37321, USA

13

Historic Rugby

Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Historical place

History museum

Historic Sites

Slide 1 of 3

Glorious Fall day to walk around this quaint historic area. We enjoyed the trail behind the Visitors Center, just a little over a mile loop. It's a lovely forest area. We used a map from the Visitors Center and did our own self guided tour of the houses/buildings.

A beautiful community orginally created in 1880 by Author Thomas Hughes. Peacefully sitting in the Big South Fork National Park. A church, Library and school house still remains open. A gift/information center is open seasonally . Special events are held especially during the fall.

Who knew such a cool place in the middle of nowhere with such deep history well worth the diversion and side trip to take it all in.

4.7(236)

4.0(98)

1331 Rugby Pkwy, Rugby, TN 37733, USA

14

Mayfield Dairy Farms

Food processing company

Sights & Landmarks

Farms

Slide 1 of 3

Always enjoy going there. It was nice and relaxing just spending some time with my son and eating ice cream. I hope the tours start back soon.

We stopped for a quick dairy tour and dessert pit stop. Tours include ice cream with paid admission of $4.50 Adults and $3.50 children... tours are on the hour and lasting 45 minutes. The staff we encountered hardly smiled and was not overly friendly... not sure if they were having an off day. (minus the 1 star) otherwise it was worth the stop. Unfortunately no photography is allowed while on tour. On the way out we did encounter a fairly young staff member that went out of her way to say thank you for coming today and come back and see them! Also inquired if we enjoyed the tour and desserts...

Temporarily Closed as of 02/13/2021 but unfortunately they do not have any information posted on any of their public contact site. We took the drive out just to verify since we had previously taken the tour and wanted to share the cool experience with friends who had not. Definitely worth it if they ever resume the tours. Otherwise it's still a scenic area of Tennessee to visit.

4.6(779)

4.5(234)

806 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303, USA

15

Frozen Head State Park

24,000-acre park with a scenic observation deck, dense forest areas, hiking & tent campsites.

Slide 1 of 3

This is such a beautiful and well-maintained park. We stayed at Big Cove site 12 which has a nice large wooded area behind it. There are a wide variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult. It offers pretty much everything that GSMNP does without the large crowds. On most hikes, we only saw 10 to 15 people.

Did a hike up the Chimney Top trail starting at the ranger station. Spent one night at the beautiful Mart Fields Campsite. The trail is labeled difficult, which is very accurate, but a beautiful hike nonetheless. There was a rattlesnake on the trail between the chimneys, keep a sharp eye. Campsite was clean and quiet. There is a spring nearby, but it is seasonal and didn't yield much water this trip. Day 2 hiked down the Spicewood Trail, very shaded in the morning. I checked in with the rangers prior to heading out, got some good information about the trails and the status of water sources. Frozen Head is a hidden East Tennessee gem.

Beautiful park with gorgeous trails! Went on a guided backpacking trip with Park Ranger Lydia and it was the best experience! There are many trails to chose from with varying distances and many water crossings this time of year. There is not a lot of parking, but there are bathrooms at the visitor's center and trailheads. If you want a good experience or just to get answers to your questions about trails, backpacking, or the great outdoors, ask Lydia!

4.8(1362)

4.5(85)

3208, 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887, USA

16

The Lost Sea Adventure

Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours

Family attraction taking visitors through a cave network & for boat trips on an underground lake.

Slide 1 of 3

Great tour to take if you are looking for a cave tour. Casey and Ashley were excellent tour guides that knew a lot about the formations and answered all of your questions. The walk up had a decent grade at parts but not too bad. They do stop for a couple of breathers on the way up to give you a spot to catch your breath. Overall not too bad of a walk and highly recommend. The boat ride was really cool and not something you commonly get to do. Will definitely have to come back some time for their spelunking tour.

A very unique place to visit with a colorful history. The boat ride onto the lake is definitely the highlight of the tour and what anyone really goes there to do. Cave system over all was a lot smaller than expected and shorter than others I've been to unless you pay more to do the wild tour. Still an enjoyable way to spend an hour and worth a visit.

Just happened to see a sign and decided to detour and check it out. What a unique and fun experience! It’s quite a hike once you get started but if you’re able to walk inclines, you’ll be fine. Our guide Devin was fun and very well informed on the cave history etc. and the lake was amazing. If you’re passing through and have a couple hours to kill, go for it.

4.7(4792)

4.0(994)

140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA

17

Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

Children's museum offers classes & hand-on exhibits, including a train garden & waterworks display.

Slide 1 of 3

We went to my boyfriend's grandsons birthday party. I had been there only once many years ago. The kids had the best time. I enjoyed walking around looking and watching the kids interact with the different rooms. They have done a wonderful job putting this place together. I loved it.

I found this place to be kind of goofy. It is part Children's Museum part National Park Service. Your park pass is no good here and I wasn't interested in paying for a Children's Museum. I really wanted to see the prefab house they have that housed Oak Ridge workers during World War II, but was not open for visitation. So I walked next door to Highland Park went to the back and took a picture from there.

Great historical theme for the kids to play at and adults to see

4.6(543)

4.5(126)

461 W Outer Dr, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

18

American Museum of Science and Energy

Science museum

Museums

History museum

Museum offering educational & interactive displays exploring energy, with a focus on nuclear power.

Slide 1 of 3

Enjoyed this place. And a 3D printed Jeep. Come on. Informative. Manhattan project. I believe the bomb saved 1000s of lives.

I never had the chance to visit the museum in its previous location, however I can reinforce previous reviews that say this museum is very small. It's also hard to tell what age group this museum is catering to. The front half of the museum is very wordy, mature, and packed with information. The back half features many interactive displays obviously geared towards children. It seems like it would make more sense to have more interactive, kid-friendly displays throughout, rather than packed in the back of the museum. The staff at the museum seemed very friendly and knowledgeable, with some members being long-term residents and/or employees in Oak Ridge with firsthand experience related to the exhibits in the museum. One staff member approached us multiple times to share anecdotes relating to Oak Ridge, which was nice and unexpected! Overall, I liked the musuem. However, it was small and didn't have as many artifacts and relics as I had hoped. Unfortunately there were a lot of exhibits that only had paragraphs on the wall to read and didn't include the physical objects that really catch your eye and hold your interest. If you're looking for a museum exclusively relating to Oak Ridge or the Manhattan Project, I think the K-25 History Center down the road is slightly better, as it's roughly the same size and manages to pack more information and more artifacts into the museum. But if you're in the area and looking for things to do, it can't hurt to visit both as they both have their strengths and weaknesses!

Super nice and clean little place. The activity areas were nice (although some things were broken). The portions about the history of Oak Ridge and the atom bomb were interesting, but honestly, nowhere near as good as the old museum. My kids missed seeing all of the bombs that used to be there. They would love to go back however.

4.5(1152)

4.5(460)

115 E Main St, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

19

Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center

Visitor center

Sights & Landmarks

Information bureau

Tourist information center

Scenic Drives

Slide 1 of 3

Start at the Cherohala Skyway Visitors Centerin Tellico Plains, TN. Absolutely beautiful fall colors!!!! Stay on the TN side for the most color at this time. When crossing over to NC, the trees had lost their leaves or color had passed due to higher elevation as of this writing. Several places to pull over for pictures or picnics at the picnic areas. Be respectful of others as you park or gaze at the beauty so others can also have their turn!!

Nice welcoming center, the girl in the front desk was friendly, gave us map of the area and the 25th anniversary coin, restrooms were very clean, the interactive area for the kids was fun.If you are in the area don't miss this stop.

Super place! The attendant was very knowledgeable and gracious...made us feel right at home. We got a map of the area (Cherohala Skyway) and a brief overview of it. The gift shop had some great looking shirts to buy, but best of all, there were some locally made items to purchase. We selected an item made by a local potter (Mudslingers) that will make a quality, unique gift for a friend. They also have a nice little area for a picnic lunch or snack out front.

4.7(620)

4.5(118)

TN-165 Mile Marker 18, Tellico Plains, TN, USA

20

Fort Loudoun State Historic Park

Lakeside site of a reconstructed 18th-century British fort, with trails, kayaking & reenactments.

Slide 1 of 3

I have been to Fort Loudoun twice in my life. Once as a young boy I went and had the displeasure of getting caught in the rain and getting quite ill. The second time, is my recent visit with my daughter. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed playing in the sunshine. We explored the Fort and museum soaking in the history of this area. My daughter most enjoyed the museum tent display and all of the different types of cannons that are in the park. The walking is gentle and easy and most areas are stroller accessible which means that with someone pushing them wheelchair bound individuals could visit the Fort and grounds. The historical film is educational but also a little sad just to warn potential viewers. Overall a great place to spend time. Plan to visit again soon.

Very well maintained replica of a fort! Located on a quiet and beautiful riverbank. Museum is full of history and artefacts, short video is awesome, don't skip it! Great staff.

Was a fun little outing for the family. We showed our daughter the old buildings people used to sleep and work in. Would love to see it in spring or fall.

4.8(1009)

4.5(129)

338 Fort Loudoun Rd, Vonore, TN 37885, USA

21

Norris Dam State Park

Rental cabins & campsites offer housing for visitors who fish, boat & ski in the reservoir.

Slide 1 of 3

Norris Dam State Park is a great place to spend the day enjoying historic buildings and nature. The dam is surrounded by woodlands in the valley and up on top of the cliffs. The Dam was built by CCC personnel and the remaining pieces of their camps are in the woods. My wife and daughter both seem to enjoy the views and taking picnics and walks inside the park. We have visited the grist mill and museum. I enjoy how the museums celebrate the lives of people who farmed and lived in the East Tennessee Valley. Overall a fantastic place to hang out. Hopefully I will get to return many times for more exploration and adventure.

Loved our stay in the east campground. Plenty of playgrounds for kids to play on, clean bathrooms, nice bath houses, and reasonable prices for primative, improved, or cabins. The Dam was neat to look at, and the trails were nice with fall colors and great views since the trees are thinning out.

This is my most favorite place in East Tennessee!! You must stop by !! Just beautiful any time of day or night

4.8(1980)

4.5(159)

125 Village Green Cir, Rocky Top, TN 37769, USA

22

Museum of Appalachia

Smithsonian-affiliated museum featuring pioneer buildings & exhibits of regional history & culture.

Slide 1 of 3

The Appalachia Museum is a very beautiful place with many interesting features. I was invited to good to the restaurant without me knowing anything about this gorgeous 64 acre treasure. I was so impressed I went back the next day to try a shampooing of of their lunch. I met the brother of the owner and his wife as well as several people that worked work there. You will love this Museum but plan on spending some time there as it is a large place with many things to do and many things to see. Call ahead to check for price of admission or you can go to the restaurant and shop in the store if you prefer. There were a lot of children there from a local school having a great time. The grounds includes many vintage buildings that are a part of Appalachian Historicity set beautifully in this Tennessee valley. There are Ducks, Geese and Peacocks on these grounds that you can walk right up to (but some food for them in the store if you like. Enjoy! cmilton111 Google Guide 11.27.2021

Great place to learn some history of the people of Appalachia. People and the way they lived through visuals displays and descriptions of what you are looking at. And Peacocks!

One of the best kept secrets of TN. To tour this venue is to literally step back into a period of time when lanterns provided light and fireplaces were the single source of heat. The innovations of the pioneers are on display as cabins are trimmed with authentic pieces from the days of the settlers and carry an almost palettable sense for the history conveyed inside those walls. The gift shop is full of beautiful crafts and serves good food as well.

4.7(655)

4.5(374)

2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716, USA

23

World's Fair Park

Park

Nature & Parks

Event venue

Site of 1982 World's Fair, with an amphitheater, events & a sunsphere tower with observation deck.

Slide 1 of 4

Before dinner, we made our way to World’s Fair Park to check into the Tennessean Hotel, which just opened in April next door to the Holiday Inn. The rooms are airy and gorgeous with some stunning works of art, and we had a view of the park below us. We were also just a five-minute walk from Market Square, so we left our car valeted at the hotel for much of the week and explored Knoxville by foot.

We arrived when the grounds were closed. Which was the best, because no one was around, except workers. The Globe thing and mural under the bridge is what I came for and I wasn't disappointed.

My brother just moved to Knoxville and I helped him drive out from Arizona. With four small children in tow, we explored this fun park on New Year's Day. There are plenty of fun things to enjoy - including the Sunsphere platform, a reflecting pool, bird mural, various county flags on display, an Ampitheater (where my nieces and nephews, my brother, my dad and I did a little performing - singing and dancing to a song we enjoyed listening to on our drive cross country - the five or so people also enjoying the Ampitheater were kind enough to clap at the end ;) For the kids, the best part was the playground. We enjoyed playing until it started raining again and we headed back to the car.

I was excited to visit this historic place, but it turns out everything closed at five. There wasn’t any signage outside to gain historic insight. It would be a sweet concert space. A sweet memorial was worth the visit.

4.7(2455)

4.0(616)

525 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

24

Market Square

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

4.5(2657)

25

Zoo Knoxville

Zookeepers give educational presentations about animals & families can go on camel & carousel rides.

Slide 1 of 14

For a look at some of the most beautiful wildlife in Knoxville, head over to the Knoxville Zoo where you can find over 900 animals in one place. Species here come from all over the world and are grouped according to their habitats, and you can experience exotic animals like Komodo dragons and Khaleesi. There are also animals encounter sessions where you can get up close to the wildlife, and there are also other attractions like splash pad, a theater, and a carousel.

Not only are they educational experiences, but being on your feet all day is the perfect way to get some exercise and build up an appetite for those dinner reservations you made in advance. The zoo in Knoxville is beautifully curated and offers plenty of hands-on experiences amid the regular exhibits spread throughout the park. At 53 acres and housing over 800 animals, Zoo Knoxville will have plenty of things to see, do, and even eat for you and your children.

Zoo Knoxville is home to more than 900 different animals from across the globe, with so many things to see that make it an ideal spot to take your kids to this weekend. The zoo has received awards for its work in the conservation of red pandas and is also home to a number of unique and exotic animals, including Komodo dragons. Each animal at the zoo is grouped according to its habitat and they live happy lives.

A home for over 900 different animals from all corners of the globe, Zoo Knoxville makes for a great family day out. Over 100 red pandas have been born in the zoo, more than any other facility in the world. This zoo has since received awards for its conservation work in relation to the pandas and other exotic species, including the resident Komodo dragons.

A popular family-friendly attraction in Knoxville is Zoo Knoxville, which is home to nearly 1,000 animals and 30 different species. Zoo Knoxville isn’t just home to wildlife from all over the world; this zoo has other attractions too, like the largest splash pad in Knoxville. View endangered animals, feed a giraffe, or enjoy a show at the Forest Theater.

I should start with a disclaimer that I did not actually visit the Knoxville Zoo on my trip to Knoxville because zoos really aren’t my thing. I do realize, however, that zoos are a big draw for many families, so it would be unfair if I left it out. That being said, the most popular residents at the Knoxville Zoo are the endangered red pandas.

Accredited by the National Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoo Knoxville opened in 1971. It was the first zoo in the world to hatch endangered northern spider tortoises and has birthed more red pandas than any other zoo. Along with lions, elephants and giant tortoises, you can also see giraffes, tigers, red wolves and black bears.

If you’re looking for a great spot to take the family, the Knoxville Zoo is located just east of downtown Knoxville. The zoo houses over 800 animals from all over the world that are kept in unique habitats to accommodate each species. Zoo Knoxville is one hundred percent committed to conserving both local and exotic life.

Animal lovers rejoice because Knoxville has one of the best zoos in the South. Over 800 animals call it home, including everything from African elephants to King cobras. They’re especially well-known for their Red Pandas – more have been born here than any other zoo in the western hemisphere.

The Zoo Knoxville has many animals on exhibit that you will fall in love with and so many fun activities for the whole family. One of the favorite animals at the zoo is the red panda. Did you know that Knoxville, TN is the Red Panda Capitol of the World?

Going to this zoo is one of the most interesting and romantic things to do in Knoxville. There are close to 1,000 animals at the zoo and it is wonderful to go for a walk at the zoo while you see these animals.

I have been coming here since 2000 with my family. We are proud members! One of our favorite zoos. Not as big as the Nashville zoo, but they just seem to have better Layout /Exhibits / Lot of places to stop and rest with benches, Picnic tables. Not to meet you boo with the zoo but Halloween is our favorite thing every year. I don’t like the fact to expose you have to go through the gift shop to exit the zoo. Now that usually causes a little problem with the kids. That really the only thing I hate about this zoo. Should be an option to exit without going through the gift shop.

We love Zoo Knoxville! My daughter adores all her animal friends who live at the zoo. She is a big fan of monkeys, red pandas, ghiraffes, otters, and tigers. The zoo is well arranged for ease of visiting. This zoo's trails run in loops and the animals have reasonably large well appropriated paddocks. There is plenty of shade for the animals and humans that are at the zoo. The zoo has sunscreen and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout their facilities for sanitizing and preventing children from getting sun burnt. There is also a splash pad for children and parents to cool down during the hot of the Summer. This zoo is definitely a world class Zoological Park.

We love this zoo so much!!! Great reptile exhibit indoors for inclement weather. Love the new otter habitat too! Plenty of good food options and places for kids to play between visiting the animals. Kids got to feed a sloth one time too!

4.5(9012)

4.0(1205)

3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914, USA

26

Ijams Nature Center

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Wetlands & rock formations fill urban nature park with 10 miles of trails plus bike & canoe rental.

Slide 1 of 28

Now that you’ve got some fuel in the tank, let’s head out for a morning trail run (or walk) at Urban Wilderness. Spanning 1,000 wooded acres along the waterfront just three miles from downtown, this outdoor wonderland is a critical first stop for anyone visiting Knoxville and wanting to make the most of its natural amenities. The South Loop Trail system alone offers 42 miles of natural trails and a 12.5-mile main loop that threads together five separate parks, natural areas, neighborhoods and schools. For a fully customized experience, download theUrban Wilderness app to your iOS device or Android and plot out your run to get just the right distance and elevation gain.

Ijams Nature Center makes up 315-acres of protected land where you and your children can attend educational programs, hike, bike, paddles, climb or just take a stroll through the tranquil forest. It touts itself as friendly to “all ages and abilities”, which makes it easy for your whole family to find something to enjoy. What might be most breathtaking is the center’s “canopy experience”, which takes you up into the trees on a zip-lining adventure that may be slightly challenging to those with limited mobility but otherwise easy enough for even the smallest member of your family to have fun.

For anyone who is a nature lover, the Ijams Nature Center is not to be missed on a trip to Knoxville. The center is the brainchild of Harry Ijams who opened it originally as a sanctuary for birds, although the area has now grown to include 300 acres of land and is now a wildlife preserve as well as an educational center. Amazingly, the center is only 3 miles outside of Knoxville, and yet it can feel like another world as you explore creeks, groves, and hiking trails.

The day was sunny and hot so after lunch, we went to the shadiest area I know and drove out to Ijams Nature Center, which has gotten a complete makeover in the decade and change since I lived in Knoxville. Though it’s been around a century, Ijams was not quite the hopping spot in the early 2000s that it is now, thanks in part to the transformation of a pair of quarries and the addition of more family-friendly draws like the treetop adventures at Navitat.

The Ijams Nature Center was known as the Bird Sanctuary until the 1960s, developed by Knoxville bird expert Harry Ijams and the First Lady of Knoxville Garden Clubs, Alice Yoe Ijams. The center’s new name came about when the Knoxville Garden Club, Knox County Council of Garden Clubs and the City of Knoxville partnered up to protect the sanctuary. It has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking and paddling.

Ijams Knoxville Nature Park is a well-known 315-acre nature center where visitors of all ages and abilities can walk, cycle, kayak, climb, and have a good time. Ijams’ mission is to promote environmental stewardship by providing an urban green area where people may learn about and appreciate the outdoors via fun activities. Quarry, a magnificent walk with natural playgrounds of rocks and trees, runs alongside a peaceful trail.

Described as “a place where living with the earth and caring for the earth become one and the same”, Ijams Nature Center was one of my favorite stops in Knoxville. It is part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, a recreational, cultural, and historic preservation initiative, where visitors are encouraged to hike, bike, climb, discover, and simply relax. Ijams spans 300 acres and features over 12 miles of natural surface trails.

A photo posted by knoxify (@knoxify) on Oct 16, 2016 at 3:30pm PDT. For a truly mesmerizing experience while in Knoxville, spending a few hours at Ijams Nature Center is critical. What makes it great : Across its 300-acre sprawl, you’ll find the Will Skelton Greenway, the Urban Wilderness Corridor, Mead’s Quarry, and, of course, the nature center itself.

Another one of the more popular things to do in Knoxville is exploring natural areas. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect spot in Knoxville where you can connect with nature. It is a 315-acre nature center where visitors can enjoy environmental education programs, hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, or just a simple stroll through the outdoors.

Ijams is a 150-acre nature sanctuary on the banks of the Tennessee River with mulched and paved trails, a waterfront boardwalk and wildlife viewing areas. Seasonal events include music concerts, owl prowls, canoe trips, plant sales and guided nature walks. In 2014, USA Today named Ijams Nature Center one of Knoxville’s top three attractions.

Ijams Nature Center is one of the best things to do in Knoxville for nature-lovers, and it’s also completely free to explore. It was originally developed as a bird sanctuary by Harry Ijams. Since then, it has grown significantly, now encompassing 300 acres and dedicated to wildlife preservation and education.

The Ijams Nature Center is located in Knox county and offers free space activities for the families to enjoy. When planning outdoor activities and fun things to do in Knoxville with kids, Ijams Nature Center checks all of the boxes. You will discover over 10 miles of hiking trails and bike and canoe rentals.

Ijams Nature Center is a nature preserve with fun educational activities like learning about local wildlife, hiking, and kayaking. They offer many child-friendly programs, including camps, nature preschool, and field trips. Ijams is a great way for both kids and adults to get reconnected to nature.

After your caffeine fix, visit the Ijams Nature Center where you will be amongst exquisite views of Knoxville’s great outdoors. After a hike along the Tennessee River, you will eventually make your way past a quarry full of Tennessee Marble, which was used to build the United States Capitol.

Ijams Nature Center has launched a new Ijams E-Learning Station on its website with a variety of scavenger hunts for kids, tips on composting or creating pollinator gardens and more. You can also find interactive posts about fungi, frogs, flowers and more on Ijams' Facebook and Instagram.

For over a hundred years, residents of Knoxville have been exploring the sprawling wildlife sanctuary. The center was created by Harry Ijams, who had a vision for a bird refuge. Over time, it has developed and grown into a well-rounded reserve featuring an environmental learning center.

If you’re a local, you already know about Ijams…but we would be crazy not to include it on this list. Ijams has hiking and biking trails, as well as SUP and canoe rentals. If you’re a nature lover, the visitors center has plenty of information about the area.

We love getting outdoors, and in Knoxville there’s no better place than the Ijams Nature Center. With 10-miles of trails, rock formations, lakes and stunning overlooks it is a much-loved sanctuary by the locals and only a 10-minute drive from downtown.

If you’re looking to spend a day adventuring in the great outdoors, make sure to check out Ijams. Start out your day here spending some time hiking throughout the park. There are plenty of trails to keep you occupied and many beautiful picture spots.

If you need an escape from the city, explore Ijams Nature Center. This 300-acre park is a learning center and wildlife sanctuary. There is plenty to do at this nature center, from hiking and picnicking to even rock climbing and canoeing.

Believe it or not, there is a massive urban nature park in the city of Knoxville. Ijams Nature Center and Park is a little outside of the downtown area. When you get there, you’ll discover beautiful wetlands and unique rock formations.

Ijams is hands-down one of my most beloved spaces in Knoxville. That’s not just for photography, but for life in general!. If you don’t know about Ijams, it’s a 315-acre nature center that’s actually located in the City of Knoxville.

It’s the 10th anniversary of Ijams’ partnership with Central Cinema and Knoxville Horror Film Fest!. Grab your favorite blanket or lawn chair and join the film festivities!. Doors open at 7 pm and movies begin at dark (~9 pm).

Photo Credit @amandastrav. For active families, fall in love with Ijams Nature Center, minutes from downtown. Even those who aren’t active will be under its spell.

Considered an urban natural playground, Ijams Nature Center is a 315-acre space that’s owned by a nonprofit environmental education center.

First time here today and had a great visit with the front desk, she directed me around the trails. An owl was on the arm of a volunteer out front, and I took the Tower Trail to the River trail. Such a beautiful spot, looking forward to returning, especially for events!

Ijams nature center has something for everyone. For this review I am discussing Meades Quarry. The park roped off a section for privacy during the wedding I was performing. The only sad thing was the trash floating in the water. Go visit and please respect the space.

A Knoxville gem! Ijams is a part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness and a true gem within city limits. It resides on something like 300 acres off of a narrow, winding road in south Knoxville. There are a handful of trails and outdoor events for families and individuals and a variety of playgrounds for kids. The gift shop offers snacks, outdoor necessities, and local products. While you’re here, check out the indoor exhibit with the turtles, then hit the trail for some fresh air and the secret pond.

4.8(2119)

4.5(749)

2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA

27

Great Smoky Mountains Association - Cades Cove Visitor Center

Non-profit organization

Tourist information center

Visitor center

Visitor center on a loop trail, with displays on local animals, mills & Native American tribes.

Slide 1 of 5

Physical Address686 Cades Cove Loop RoadTownsend TN 37882865.436.7318 Ext 321 - Satellite Phone Connection may experience delay. Located halfway around the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road at the Cable Mill historic area. The historic area features a working gristmill (closed in winter) blacksmith shop, cantilever barn, and other historic structures.

Cades Cove Visitor Center is located inside Cades Cove about half way around the loop road. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public.

We love coming here! We come approximately 4-5 times a year. It is gorgeous and peaceful there. On this last visit we saw 5 black bear. The mother and her 2 young cubs walked right beside our truck. We saw a bobcat, several turkeys and had 5 buck walk right beside us well we walked. Such a great time here everytime! I wish I could post the video of the momma bear and her cubs

Beautiful place! Was quite congested but it was ok, this is a place you do not want to hurry through. Just a tip: there is a restroom at the beginning, go before you do the tour. There is a bathroom 1/2 way through, which we stopped at. The scenery is magnificent, pictures do not do it justice. Take your time and enjoy. We didn't see bears but we did see turkeys and a baby brown snake. We'll be back in the Spring!! ❤

Beautiful stop in Cades Cove. Toured all the old buildings. Man sat on porch & played music. The mill doesn't work anymore but the water still flows. It was a working mill when my kids were young. They used to have all kinds of demonstrations & music there. They may still have some in summer but don't know. Still worth the stop just to walk around.

4.8(4265)

4.5(600)

5686 Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

28

Lake Santeetlah

Nature & Parks

Bodies of Water

Lake Santeetlah is a town in Graham County, North Carolina, United States, 6 miles northwest of Robbinsville on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Santeetlah—which in turn is largely surrounded by Nantahala National Forest.

5.0(168)

North Carolina 28771, USA

29

Tuckaleechee Caverns

These chilly caverns have stalactites, stalagmites & an underground stream & waterfall.

Slide 1 of 5

The stalactites and stalagmites of the Tuckaleechee Caverns are located in Townsend, Tennessee. They are more than 20 million years old, with a cold, clear underground stream that runs through the vast chambers and the Big Room, which is more than 400 feet across, with stalagmites that are up to 24 feet tall. There are more than 8,000 caves in Tennessee, but the Tuckaleechee Caverns are the highest rated of their kind in the eastern US.

Tuckaleechee Cove is a unique and pristine community where the Little River descends from Great Smoky Mountains National Park into a quiet mountainside community, a natural setting that has been home to humans for thousands of years. Recent archaeological digs have found evidence of Native American societies that date back 10,000 years. In the 1700s, settlers moved into the areas now known as Townsend and nearby Cades Cove.

The caves are enormous and beautiful. The buildings look a little dated from the outside but everything is very well kept. Staff are friendly, courteous, and helpful. The tour lasted over an hour and it was so good we didn't realize how much time had passed until we got in our car to leave!

Such a cool place to visit! Word of caution for cave goers. 409 stairs total, not for people who have vertigo or height issues. There's a few tight places where you have to bend over. 4ft clearance. My 6' 5" husband made it just fine though. I had my 9 month old baby on my back in a hiking carrier the whole time and did fine.

These caverns were absolutely amazing and our tour guide did a great job at explaining everything and telling us the history of the Taverns. This is one of those places that I highly recommend, however once you visit one time, that will suffice. If you were claustrophobic or have a problem with Steps, this is not the place to go to. Luckily we had an amazing time it was fun and we got a great workout in. However there were some taller people that were struggling and people that are not good with steps had a little bit of a difficult time because there are over 400 steps that you have to take throughout the whole tour. However this place was awesome!

4.8(2404)

4.5(1870)

825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

30

Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost

Raft trip outfitter

Water & Amusement Parks

Theme Parks

Business offering tubing gear & family-friendly trips on the Little River.

Slide 1 of 4

Smoky Mountain River Rat – our newest favorite activity in the Smokies!. Just $15 for adults to tube two separate river courses, and you can tube each one as many times as you like. It’s perfect for kids (they have tubes for ages 2 and up and can tether them to a parent’s tube) and they are also dog-friendly!. Save $2 off ticket price for booking online!

This is such a great time!! My family really enjoyed the chill side. Our daughter loves jumping off the cliff. Actually got my mom out there who has never done anything like this. This was our second time and many more to go!! Thanks for the great service and awesome time. The only thing I would do is have someone out there selling food.

We had a great time, water was cold but felt good to me with the heat, very clean facility. Easy and quick pick up at the end of ride so you can go again. Price was awesome, would suggest getting one of the paddles to help you control your tube, can't take anything as far as ice chest is just you on a tube that has 2 handles and the life jacket they require you have, you don't have to wear it but have to keep it with you.

Even with a long line and humidity, wait time moved along quickly and we were greeted with a cold water hose and friendly staff. Perfect place to experience Tennessee with family visiting from out of state. Found our new favorite place in the warmer months. We will for sure be coming back.

4.6(1719)

4.5(817)

205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

What is there to see between Nashville and Pigeon Forge?

What is halfway between Pigeon Forge and Nashville?

Where do you stop on the way to Pigeon Forge?

What is there to see between Gatlinburg and Nashville?

How far apart is Nashville and Pigeon Forge?