Ready for a family-fun road trip through one of the most scenic routes in the nation? Nashville, TN, is about 220 miles (just over a three-hour drive) from our luxury cabin rentals in Gatlinburg. If you’re looking to explore enchanting towns and breathtaking landscapes on your way from Nashville to Gatlinburg, get your itinerary ready.
In this travel guide, we’ll take you from the vibrant music haven of Nashville to the tranquil beauty of Gatlinburg, highlighting must-see attractions and hidden gems along the I-40 route. Here’s our interactive map for you to follow along and plan your trip with ease.
If the Nashville International Airport is the closest airport to Gatlinburg for you to fly into, you’ll definitely want to take some time exploring the city before hitting the road. Affectionately known as Music City, Nashville has a reputation for great country music, entertainment, and Southern cuisine.
While you’re there, be sure to visit some of its most iconic attractions, like the interactive music museums and photo-worthy murals. Nashville also has a popular culinary scene and is home to the infamous hot chicken for you to sample.
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Just a half-hour drive from Nashville, Lebanon, TN, is a beautiful suburb filled with antique shops, art galleries, and state parks. Nicknamed Cedar City, the town has a 900-acre park of cedar trees that’s great for hiking and camping. Lebanon is also the birthplace and headquarters of the infamous breakfast chain Cracker Barrel.
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The next stop on your route is Cookeville, a small town with big Southern charm. This picturesque city is nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, making it the perfect spot to soak up the natural beauty of Tennessee. While in Cookeville, be sure to explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with plenty of shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
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A bit off the beaten path, Sparta, TN, offers a relaxing escape from the city hustle and bustle. It’s a slight detour from the main route, but you’ll discover it’s well worth it. Sparta is a haven for nature lovers, boasting more caves and waterfalls per square mile than any other city in the country.
Need a rest from hiking? Sparta also has over 100 miles of paddleable water, great for fishing, kayaking, and boating. For a change of pace, the downtown area has plenty of restaurants, shops, and historic buildings to explore.
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Crossville, dubbed the “Golf Capital of Tennessee,” offers a unique blend of small-town history and outdoor adventure. Located in the Cumberland Plateau, this city is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and forests. Crossville also boasts nine championship golf courses, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and golf enthusiasts alike.
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About a half-hour drive from Crossville, Harriman, TN, is a charming town with a rich history and plenty of natural beauty. The city also serves as a gateway to the national park, one of many great pit stops while backpacking in the Smoky Mountains. From tranquil riverfronts to a vibrant arts and culture scene, Harriman offers something for everyone.
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Your next stop is Knoxville, TN, another city nestled in the foothills of the Smokies. This historic town boasts a thriving arts scene, hosting many cultural events and festivals. You’ll love its vibrant downtown area, with plenty of eclectic art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Earning its nickname, Marble City, Knoxville used to be a major hub of marble distribution. It still has many buildings made of marble, including the Knoxville Museum of Art. With plenty to enjoy in the city, Knoxville also has stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering the best of both worlds.
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Sevierville, TN, is another gateway to the national park — the perfect place to start your Smoky Mountain adventure. It offers plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, including hidden taverns and ziplining locations. The city is also a popular shopping destination, with several art galleries, outlet centers, and malls. Just a 22-minute drive to Gatlinburg, many visitors also choose to stay in a cabin near Sevierville.
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Less than a 15-minute drive from Sevierville, the next pit stop is Pigeon Forge, TN. Often referred to as the “Entertainment Capital of the Smokies,” this bustling city has attractions for all ages. It’s known for its world-famous theme park, Dollywood, seasonal events, and live shows.
In addition to in-town attractions, Pigeon Forge offers plenty of outdoor adventures, including white water rafting and hiking. People often compare Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, but each town has its own charm.
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Your last and final stop, Gatlinburg is one of the best Smoky Mountain towns to visit. With three entrances to the national park, this city is a popular vacation destination for endless outdoor adventures. You can enjoy scenic hiking trails, ziplining and aerial views, fishing, mountain biking, and more.
There’s more to explore back in the city, with the downtown area’s unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. And there’s no need to keep driving after a long road trip, as there are many ways to get around Gatlinburg. Hop on the free Gatlinburg Trolley for a stress-free downtown excursion, or take the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway up the mountain for amazing panoramic views.
If you’re visiting during the winter, don’t miss the chance to visit Ober Gatlinburg, the city’s only mountain resort. There, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports with family or friends, including skiing, snowboarding, ice bumper cars, and snow tubing.
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The distance from Gatlinburg to Nashville is 220.8 miles, which is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive without detours. The quickest route is via I-40 East, leading you toward TN-66 South and into Gatlinburg.
Yes, the scenic drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg is absolutely stunning. As you journey through the countryside of Tennessee, you’ll pass beautiful rolling hills, lush forests, and charming small towns. The farther you travel, the more mountainous your views, eventually taking you through the Smoky Mountains. It’s the perfect route for a road trip.
With three entrances to the national park, as well as plenty of festive celebrations and attractions for entertainment, Gatlinburg is one of the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains. The city is the gateway to the most visited national park in the nation, offering natural beauty for a relaxing retreat.
The best time to visit the Smoky Mountains is during the summer months — June, July, and August — since almost every attraction is still open for business. When it’s warm, visitors can participate in nearly every activity the national park has to offer, including the water excursions.
Fall months are also a popular time for traveling between Nashville and Gatlinburg, as travelers can enjoy fewer crowds and affordable prices during the off-season.
And there you have it — a road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg for the perfect scenic drive through Tennessee. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences or just need a relaxing getaway, this route has it all. Gatlinburg alone has enough excitement for a multiday Smoky Mountain group itinerary, so be sure to save this trip for your next visit.
Before planning your trip to Gatlinburg, explore our spacious group cabin rentals for a cozy, memorable experience.
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