Roaming from Brook Park to Gatlinburg: A Tourist's Guide to the Undiscovered Trails!
If you're in the mood for a road trip filled with scenic views, breathtaking landscapes, and an escape from the mundane, then Gatlinburg, Tennessee is your place to be! The city is a tourist haven, offering everything from luxurious staycations to adrenaline-pumping activities, impressive wildlife, and amazing food. And, Brook Park, Ohio, is only 588 miles away from Gatlinburg, meaning that you just might be closer than you think! Let's explore the travel routes between these two must-visit destinations.
Option 1: The Quickest Route
The quickest route is to take I-71 S and I-75 S. The distance covered by this route is approximately 457 miles, and it takes around 7 hours and 15 minutes to get to your destination. The trip is straightforward, with only a few turns between start and finish. You'll find many rest and meal stops along the way, offering fast food options and some larger roadside motels.
Pro Tip: While on this route, make sure you visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail - the perfect pit stop for whiskey enthusiasts!
Option 2: The Adventure Route
If you love exploring back roads and hidden trails, this route is ideal for you. Follow I-77 S from Brook Park for about 260 miles, then take US-58 to I-81 S. The total travel distance is around 550 miles, and it will take you approximately 9 hours of driving time, but the experience is worth every second! Here, you'll see fantastic natural wonders that you won't see from the highways including the famous Bristol Caverns.
Pro Tip: For those who love some outdoor adventure, take an extra day stop in Roanoke, and try out the hiking trails up to the famous McAfee Knob Overlook.
Option 3: The Scenic Route
The Appalachian Mountains are known for nostalgic memories, and this route captures the essence of the area perfectly. You can begin by following the I-71 S from Brook Park. From there, take I-275 W and I-74 W to US-25 S to get to Gatlinburg. On this route, you'll discover beautiful vistas, thick forests inviting for nature walks, and colorful sunrises and sunsets over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The total driving time is around 10 hours, and the distance covered is about 620 miles.
Pro Tip: Stopover at Asheville and experience the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina. A magnificent mansion built by the Vanderbilt family that now welcomes guests as a museum and hotel fit for royalty.
Option 4: The Foodie Route
Travelling is not just about exploring new places but also tasting different flavors and cuisines. This route is for food lovers who want to experience delicious cuisine while driving through the natural beauty of Tennessee. Starting from Brook Park, take I-71 S to I-75 S to reach Gatlinburg. The journey is around 480 miles long and takes around 8 hours, but along the way, you'll get to try some of the best BBQ in America. You'll find your way past Lexington, Kentucky, and into Tennessee with a stomach full of rich flavors.
Pro Tip: For an unmissable culinary experience, stop over at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville. The best place to try Nashville-style fried chicken with zesty hot spices!
No matter which route you choose, the adventure begins the moment you set on the road. Along with discovering new places, make sure you take enough breaks to rest and refuel. Enjoy the scenic drives without worrying about the driving time and follow your heart's desire to explore all this part of the United States has to offer. You'll find plenty of worthwhile sites to explore on your journey, creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. So, get your vehicle ready, plan those stops, pack your bags and hit the roads!