11 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Tennessee

Tennessee’s scenic road trips follow real landscapes with distinct character, not vague scenery. Some routes cut through the Great Smoky Mountains, climbing past overlooks and trailheads inside the national park, while others trace the Mississippi River floodplain in the state’s western counties. Drives like the Natchez Trace Parkway offer a controlled, commercial-free corridor through hardwood forests, while routes such as the Cherohala Skyway cross high elevations along the North Carolina border. Along the way, travelers pass small towns, river access points, historic corridors, and protected public lands that shape how each drive feels.

These 11 scenic road trips highlight Tennessee’s range, from mountain ridgelines and forested valleys to river routes and rural backroads. Each drive offers a different way to see the state, whether through elevation changes, historical pathways, or long stretches of undeveloped land.

Great River Road

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River in western Tennessee, running from the Kentucky state line south to Memphis via a series of signed highways and local roads. The route passes near Reelfoot Lake, one of Tennessee’s only natural lakes, known for its cypress swamps, fishing, and seasonal bald eagle sightings. Much of the drive cuts through flat floodplain farmland with limited but meaningful river access points and overlooks. While towns along this stretch are small and spread out, the drive ends in Memphis.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic National Park Service route that runs through Tennessee’s southwestern and central counties before ending near Nashville. In Tennessee, the drive passes through hardwood forests and low rolling hills near towns such as Hohenwald and Leipers Fork. Several signed Old Trace Drive segments allow travelers to walk short portions of the original Natchez Trace, a footpath used for centuries by Native American tribes and later by traders traveling between the Mississippi River and Nashville. One of the most important stops is Meriwether Lewis National Monument near Hohenwald, where the explorer is buried along with a short hiking trail and interpretive exhibits. While there are no restored Native American villages along the Tennessee section, the parkway includes interpretive sites explaining Indigenous use of the route, along with trailheads, campgrounds, and birdwatching areas throughout the forested corridor.

Ocoee River Byway

The Ocoee River Byway in Tennessee, passing through the Cherokee National Forest, is a beautiful must-see route for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The Ocoee River, known for its fantastic whitewater rafting, follows this twisting route. Road trippers will encounter breathtaking views of the raging river, dense forests, and majestic mountains. Tourists can also take a relaxing stroll along the shoreline at the Ocoee Whitewater Centre. The byway also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and hiking, allowing one to fully appreciate the area's natural splendor.

Cherohala Skyway

Next, visitors can retreat to the serenity of the Cherohala Skyway, a picturesque byway that crosses the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests. The drive will take people from the Tellico Plains of Tennessee all the way to North Carolina's Robbinsville. Through this gorgeous route, travelers will ascend to elevations of more than 5,000 feet, where they can see the stunning scenery of the mountains and valleys in the area. Tourists will be mesmerized by the breathtaking sights, flowing waterfalls, and lush vegetation as they travel. Visitors can also discover the hiking trails leading to secluded attractions like Bald River Falls and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, home to eons-old, soaring trees. Every turn of the Cherohala Skyway brings tranquility and magnificent surroundings.

Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway

Travel along this stunning scenic byway through the beautiful Sequatchie Valley. Tourists will see wide farmlands, charming small towns, and towering cliffs as they navigate the winding roads. The route also goes through Prentice Cooper State Forest, offering great opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying spectacular views of the valley. Visitors can visit the Sequatchie Valley Lookout in the quaint village of Dunlap for breathtaking, miles-reaching vistas. The Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway in Tennessee provides a perfect, peaceful, and scenic driving experience.

Cades Cove Loop

The Cades Cove Loop, a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a must-see for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors pass through an idyllic valley encircled by impressive peaks on this 11-mile scenic trip. Travelers can see various species, such as black bears, deer, and wild turkeys, driving around the loop. People can spend time discovering the churches, log houses, and a functional gristmill, among the old structures that have been beautifully conserved. Tourists can also use the loop's picnic areas, hiking trails, and bicycle paths while taking in the breathtaking mountain views from the numerous overlooks. The Cades Cove Loop is a fascinating drive presenting an exceptional combination of scenic natural beauty and rich cultural legacy.

Smoky Mountain Byway

For a trip at the edge of Tennessee's borders, visitors can go through the center of the Great Smoky Mountain Range via the scenic Smoky Mountain Byway, covering the area between the County of Loudon to Carter County. Travelers will be embraced by thick forests, gushing waterfalls, and pouring mountain streams as they travel along this gorgeous byway with the option to travel into North Carolina. Numerous chances exist along the path for picnicking, hiking, and animal viewing. Visitors must check out the city of Pigeon Forge for exciting adventures, including the Dollywood theme park. One of the most famous mountain ranges in the US, the Smoky Mountains, comes to life for tourists traveling along the route.

Screaming Eagle Trail

The Screaming Eagle Trail, traveling across Tennessee's middle lands, is a thrilling and beautiful journey that bears the name of the illustrious 101st Airborne Division. Awe-inspiring sights and hints of the area's lengthy military history will be revealed as travelers maneuver the twists and turns. Tourists can visit Fort Campbell, a functioning military facility, to find out more about the region's significance and pay respect to the brave people who have served. The Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium allow one to take a glimpse of the bustling musical legacy of Nashville. The Screaming Eagle Trail is a drive that honors the country's military history while also showcasing the area's natural beauty.

Historic Walton Road

The Historic Walton Road, a former Native American track turned wagon road, will transport road trippers back in history as they drive along it. Tennessee's heritage is shown through scenic farms and quaint tiny villages along this historic path. Discover the road's importance in early American history by exploring the portions that have been preserved. Make pit stops at significant sites along the journey, like the Black Rock Scenic Lookout, offering expansive views of the vibrant surroundings. Tourists can become familiar with the state's history and learn about the people who traveled the Historic Walton Road years ago by taking a road trip.

East Tennessee Crossing

The East Tennessee Crossing route provides an enthralling tour of the region's captivating scenery. Every turn will reward visitors with breathtaking views as they travel across the Appalachian Mountains, lush valleys, and next to clear rivers. People can discover quaint local towns that provide a variety of outdoor pursuits, shopping, and dining, such as Morristown and Dandridge. Tourists can also take advantage of the chance to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the iconic Appalachian Trail, or fishing in the area's pristine streams. The East Tennessee Crossing gives visitors a fantastic experience by showcasing the area's scenic beauty and cultural attractions.

Woodlands Trace

On the Woodlands Trace, travelers can see Tennessee's western border's beauty. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is traversed by this picturesque byway, providing breathtaking vistas of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. As visitors travel this gorgeous route, they can take in the peace of the nearby woods. Discover the hiking routes to peaceful picnic areas and unknown waterfalls. An opportunity to experience nature firsthand, unwind by a lake, and take in the serenity of western Tennessee's scenery is the Woodlands Trace.

Tennessee's finest scenic drives provide various activities, from traveling alongside mighty streams to discovering old trails and hiking in majestic mountains. These road excursions offer plenty of chances to have unforgettable experiences, whether tourists are looking for excitement, peace, or an acquaintance with Tennessee's rich legacy.