7 Destinations Way Out East In Tennessee That Are So Worth The Drive
By Meghan Kraft|Published September 05, 2018
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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.
East Tennessee is one of the most stunning parts of the country, but because it’s full of mountains, valleys, and national parks, it can be a little bit of a drive to get to anything. That said, it’s always worth the drive, and these seven spots that we’ve highlighted here are the best of the best. They show off the natural beauty of the region while providing the most bang for your buck. So if you’re looking for a good payoff when it comes to the miles and hours you’ll spend driving the state, look no further than these East Tennessee destinations.
The Cherohala Skyway winds from Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee through the Cherokee National Forest before ending in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the country, and it's so worth the extra effort to get there.
Cade's Cove is one of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but this secluded glen is absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to drive the whole loop and stop at the historical sites along the way.
Roan Mountain in Northeast Tennessee is home to one of the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the world. They bloom every year in June, and it's a stunning sight to see.
Watauga Lake is probably the most underrated lake in the state. Created by the TVA in the mid 20th century, the lake sits nestled between the hills of Tennessee, making it breathtakingly beautiful.
The Townsend Y refers to a fork in the road that makes a rough Y shape, but it's the creek right next to the Y that's the real attraction. It forms a perfect swimming hole right next to the road, and it's a local secret.
The Dragon Tail is another winding road that traverses the mountains from Tennessee to North Carolina. Folks from all over the world travel to tame the Dragon and its 318 curves in 11 miles.
Clingman's Dome is the highest point in Tennessee, and there's a 360-degree observation deck on top of it that allows you to see for miles and miles in every direction. This is definitely worth the drive to the top of the mountain.
While you’re out in East Tennessee, be sure to spend some time in this gorgeous small town that everyone should visit at least once.
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