Take A Drive On The Stunning Cumberland Historic Byway In The Hills Of Tennessee

Tennessee has made it both a point and a purpose to honor the history of the region, and you’ll find protected parks, museums, and experiences from one side of the state to the other. The scenic byways of the west are just as topographically stunning as the mountain-studded roadways of the east, and even the Natchez-Trace has a connection to the Lewis and Clark expedition that shocks and interests lifetime locals and visitors alike! The Cumberland Historic Byway is perhaps one of the most popular and fascinating of Tennessee’s historic roads, and we’ve done all the research for you below. It’s well-worth a drive, especially equipped with a bit of local history in your back pocket!

John Maynard/GoogleMaps

If you're looking to drive the Cumberland Historic Byway in a single day, you can prepare to be in the car for quite some time. The 200-mile road stretches straight across the heart of the state, and the curves and bends make it difficult to drive quickly.

Cumberland Historic Byway

The Byway itself connects eight counties and a whopping 17 different communities. Of course, it's not known for its length, but rather...

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Hamad Ali/GoogleMaps

...its grand and great beauty. It was recently designated as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation, though the route was officially formed in 2013.

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YangTS/Flickr

There are actually four routes in Tennessee that are recognized by the nation, and they include the Norris Freeway, Newfound Gap, Great River Road, and the Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway. To be a National Scenic Byway, a road must include six intrinsic qualities that possess regional or national significance.

Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr

The Byway is well-traveled and well-known and stretches long across the famed Upper Cumberland Plateau of eastern and middle Tennessee.

Al/Flickr

You'll find some of the most wondrous natural features in the state along the byway. Expect to see the rolling beauty of the Cumberland Gap and the clear expanse of Dale Hollow Lake in the west.

OZinOH/Flickr

Have you heard of the Cumberland Historic Byway? Will you be driving it on your own? Make sure to plan for plenty of time to stop the car and take pictures, because you're in for a treat!

The best way to travel the Cumberland Historic Byway is with a whole lot of history in your head and your heart, and you can find it right here.

You can continue to explore and enjoy the great state of Tennessee with a visit to one of these blooming springtime spots.