The Best Road Trip Stops from Asheville, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio

Are you planning a road trip from Asheville, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio? The drive is approximately 340 miles and takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic. If you want to make the most of your journey, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. From hiking trails and national parks to charming towns and historic sites, we’ve rounded up the top places to see on this scenic route.

The Top Places to See When Driving from Asheville, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As you leave Asheville and head northwest, you’ll hit the northern section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This natural wonder is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. The park spans across Tennessee and North Carolina, so you’ll only get a small taste of it from the North Carolina side. However, it’s worth stopping by for a hike or a scenic drive. You can drive along Newfound Gap Road, which offers spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. If you have time, hop on one of the park’s hiking trails, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Alum Cave Trail.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Once you cross the border into Tennessee, make a quick detour to Knoxville. This charming city is full of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. If you’re a sports fan, you can tour Neyland Stadium, the home of the University of Tennessee’s football team. History buffs will enjoy visiting the East Tennessee Historical Society Museum and the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, make sure to check out Ijams Nature Center, which has over 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

As you continue on your journey, you’ll hit the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which marks the spot where Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee meet. The park is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the eastern United States. Here, you can explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the Pinnacle Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Cumberland Plateau and the Tri-State Area.

Lexington, Kentucky

As you near Cincinnati, stop in Lexington, a city famous for its horse racing and bourbon. A visit to the Kentucky Horse Park is a must, where you can learn about the history and culture of horses in Kentucky. You can also take a tour of one of the many famous horse farms, such as Claiborne Farm or Darley America. If bourbon is more your style, head to the famous Bourbon Trail and visit one of the many distilleries along the way, such as Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace.

Cincinnati, Ohio

You’ve made it to your final destination! Cincinnati is a vibrant city full of history, art, and culture. One of the city’s most iconic attractions is the Cincinnati Zoo, which is home to over 500 animals and is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. For history buffs, visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which tells the story of the Underground Railroad and its role in the abolition of slavery. Art lovers will enjoy the Cincinnati Art Museum, which houses over 67,000 works of art from all over the world.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of places to see and things to do when driving from Asheville, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, there’s something for everyone on this scenic route. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy all that this journey has to offer!