Best Road Trips Destinations in Tennessee for 2025

• great‑smoky‑mountains‑national‑park‑road‑trip
• nashville‑to‑lynchburg‑whiskey‑trail
• the‑memphis‑music‑drive
• hidden‑scenic‑route‑tellico‑plains‑to‑cherokee
• cumberland‑plateau‑nature‑and‑historic‑tour
• real‑road‑tripper‑story
• explore‑more‑with‑travel‑clans

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Road Trip

No Tennessee road trip guide would be complete without mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains. As America’s most visited national park, this route offers jaw-dropping views, lush forests, and wildlife encounters. Begin in Gatlinburg, then cruise through the Newfound Gap Road, which climbs up to nearly 5,000 feet with scenic overlooks and hiking trailheads at every turn.

For 2025, the National Park Service plans to enhance visitor centers and improve trail signage—great news for first-time road trippers. Early spring and fall are the best times for vibrant foliage and cooler driving weather.

2. Nashville to Lynchburg Whiskey Trail

A blend of Tennessee tradition and taste, this route takes you from the energetic streets of Nashville down to the heart of American whiskey heritage—Lynchburg. The drive itself weaves through rolling hills and rural gems, with recommended stops in Franklin and Shelbyville.

Don't miss the legendary Jack Daniel’s Distillery. While the town is dry (yes, you read that right), the history and craftsmanship make it worth the visit. For music lovers, the Nashville to Lynchburg journey offers the perfect mix of country rhythm and Southern spirit.

3. The Memphis Music Drive

Start this road trip with breakfast at a historic diner in downtown Memphis. As you drive through iconic landmarks like Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, you’ll witness the birthplace of blues and rock’n’roll unfold before your eyes.

Route 51 toward Tiptonville offers lesser-known juke joints, scenic farmland, and Delta roots. In 2025, local communities are reviving roadside music festivals—perfect for immersive cultural stops along the way.

4. Hidden Scenic Route: Tellico Plains to Cherokee

This lesser-known treasure is a dream for nature enthusiasts. Take the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway linking Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Though it stretches into a neighboring state, most of its magic begins in Tennessee's mountain basin.

Expect dramatic elevation changes, foggy valleys, and very little traffic. Many 2025 travelers rate this road as Tennessee's “best-kept secret,” with ample opportunities for photography and roadside picnics.

5. Cumberland Plateau Nature and Historic Tour

This inland loop route features waterfalls, rock formations, and ancient history all packed into a few hours' drive. Start in Crossville and follow signs through Fall Creek Falls State Park and the historic town of Rugby, built in the 1880s by British settlers.

Stop at Ozone Falls, one of the filming locations for Disney’s “Jungle Book,” and enjoy cliffside views with surprisingly easy access. By 2025, new rest areas and eco-lodging options make this route more accessible than ever before.

6. Real Road Tripper Story

Jessica and Mark, an adventurous couple from Ohio, planned their 2024 honeymoon driving through Tennessee. Their favorite stretch? “The road from Chattanooga to the Smokies had it all—waterfalls, quirky towns, and unforgettable roadside pie stands,” Jessica laughs. “We’re coming back next summer with friends.”

Their trip went viral on Instagram, showcasing just how photogenic and memorable a Tennessee road trip can be when mapped with curiosity and a bit of local insight.

7. Explore More with Travel Clans

For curated Tennessee road trip guides, packing essentials, and hidden stay recommendations, Travel Clans is your go-to companion. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a solo drive, or a romantic detour, our tools and suggestions make the journey smoother and more exciting.

From customized maps to community-shared detour tips, explore Tennessee with local insight—before the rest of the country catches on.