The Stunning Tennessee Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on April 22, 2024(Originally published April 27, 2022)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Scenic byways in Tennessee offer some of the best views of the state very much like many of our great road trips all over the United States. Like The all-American road trip, it is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and most folks in the United States carry an edge of nostalgia for the long drives of their youth. Whether you’ve driven from coast to coast or spent time meandering New England byways or California’s coastline, the magic of a road trip is not only in the experience but the memory. Here in Tennessee, the Great River Road offers the perfect opportunity for time in nature, and it’s easily accessible on the state’s western side.
The Great River Road may be grand, but it doesn’t just belong to Tennessee. No, as you can see here, this famed road trip stretches from the full north to south of the United States, traveling roughly 3,000 miles through 10 separate states. This stunning trek has been designated as one of America’s best National Scenic Byways. If you find yourself in West Tennessee and have been searching for "Scenic byways near me?" Then this is your chance to get outside and enjoy the beauty.
The road travels in tandem with the Mississippi River, and it shares about 185 miles with Tennessee. If you decide to take this particular road trip through the Volunteer State, you will be treated to the rural beauty of the Lower Mississippi Valley. With so many stops along the way, this is one of the best western TN scenic drives.
The Great River Road will take you by the famed Chickasaw Bluffs, as well as Fort Pillow State Park. In fact, the scenic byway runs through four separate state parks, as well as a myriad of small, darling Tennessee towns.
Reelfoot Lake is one of the most popular stops for tourists, mainly for its historic significance. The lake is the only natural lake in Tennessee proper, and it boasts a stunning cypress forest as well as bald eagles. It’s the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs!
Since Memphis sits along the Mississippi River you will also be treated to a taste of the big city. Make sure you snag some BBQ while you’re in town, and if you find yourself walking Beale Street you’re bound to be carried away by the talented musicians on the street. Dyersburg is another larger town that sits along the Great River Road if you’re looking for something a little more intimate.
The Great River Road has been honored as an All-American Road as of 2021, and the 3,000-mile route has been cemented in state and national history. If you travel from the very mouth of it in Minnesota to where it empties in Louisiana, you will experience an incredible amount of topographical and cultural history. Tennessee, of course, sits right in the middle of your trip.
There are less than 200 miles of the Great River Road in Tennessee, which means it’s the perfect amount for a day trip or quick weekend away. If you’re looking to be enthralled by the beauty of the Volunteer State, then you’ve found the perfect excuse for a vacation.
Have you heard of the Great River Road before? It is one of the best scenic byways in Tennessee. You can learn more about it either on its Great River Road website or the Great River Road Facebook page. When you go on an epic road trip you will need a few things to munch on as you ride along. Make sure you check out our list of the best road trip snacks to help you feed your hungry so you can keep adventuring. Enjoy this scenic and wonderful Tennessee road!
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