Tennessee is full of breathtaking scenery, and one of the best ways to experience it is by hitting the road. From the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee to the misty peaks of the Smokies, the state offers plenty of drives with incredible views.
Whether you’re looking for mountain vistas, winding rivers, or historic roads, these seven scenic drives showcase the best of Tennessee’s natural beauty.
1. Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is one of Tennessee’s most spectacular drives, offering panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near Townsend, this scenic highway stretches along the foothills, providing a peaceful alternative to the busy roads of the national park.
The drive offers multiple overlooks where you can take in stunning views of the Smokies, especially in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The section from Wears Valley to Chilhowee Lake is particularly breathtaking.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway
Following an ancient Native American trail, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic and scenic drive that runs from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. The Tennessee portion of the parkway covers rolling farmland, hardwood forests, and sites of historical importance.
Along the way, you’ll find stops like Jackson Falls, Fall Hollow Falls, and the Meriwether Lewis Memorial. With no commercial traffic and a steady speed limit, this road is perfect for a peaceful, relaxing drive through the heart of Tennessee’s countryside.
3. Cherohala Skyway
For a true mountain adventure, drive the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile scenic highway connecting Tennessee and North Carolina. Beginning in Tellico Plains, this drive climbs high into the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering long-range views of rugged mountain landscapes.
With elevations reaching over 5,000 feet, you’ll experience cooler temperatures and dramatic scenery, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. This drive is ideal for those looking for an escape into the wilderness without heavy traffic.
4. Newfound Gap Road
Running through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Newfound Gap Road connects Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. This high-elevation road offers spectacular views, with multiple pull-offs where you can stop and take photos.
Highlights along the way include the Rockefeller Memorial, Clingmans Dome Road, and numerous hiking trails. In the winter, snow often blankets the higher elevations, creating a winter wonderland. No matter the season, this scenic route offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state.
5. The Great River Road
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River along Tennessee’s western border, providing stunning views of the river and its surrounding wetlands. This drive takes you through charming river towns like Tiptonville and historic sites such as Fort Pillow State Park.
One of the best stops is Reelfoot Lake, a unique natural lake formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of the early 1800s. The sunsets over the Mississippi are particularly breathtaking, making this route a must for nature lovers.
6. Roan Mountain Scenic Highway
The Roan Mountain Scenic Highway offers some of the most stunning mountain views in East Tennessee. Starting in Elizabethton, this route climbs through dense forests and past rolling meadows before reaching Carvers Gap near the North Carolina border.
In the summer, the famous rhododendron blooms paint the landscape in shades of pink and purple. The high elevation means cooler temperatures, making this a refreshing drive even in the heat of summer. Hikers will also find plenty of trails leading to panoramic overlooks.
7. Cumberland Plateau Scenic Byway
The Cumberland Plateau Scenic Byway takes you through one of Tennessee’s most diverse landscapes, stretching from Crossville to Monterey.
This drive winds through rolling hills, lush forests, and rock formations unique to the plateau region. You’ll pass through state parks like Cumberland Mountain and Fall Creek Falls, where waterfalls and hiking trails offer perfect spots to stretch your legs. The byway is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers bloom along the roadside.
Final Note
Tennessee’s scenic drives showcase the best of the state’s landscapes, from misty mountains to winding rivers. Whether you prefer the peaceful stretches of the Natchez Trace or the dramatic views of the Foothills Parkway, these roads offer unforgettable experiences. So grab your keys, hit the road, and explore the beauty of Tennessee one mile at a time.