Top Five Popular Attractions on a Trip from Brooktondale, NY to Maryville, TN
If you're planning a road trip from Brooktondale, New York to Maryville, Tennessee, you'll want to explore the many popular attractions that make this route a journey worth taking. From breathtaking natural beauty to historical landmarks, you'll find plenty of things to see and do along the way.
Explore the Halfway Point in Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg, Virginia is the perfect midpoint stop on your trip. Here, you'll discover a charming city with a thriving arts and culture scene, excellent shopping, and dining options. Explore the downtown area on foot, taking in the historic architecture and street art. Make sure to visit any of the numerous local restaurants, where you can indulge in authentic southern cuisine. You can also stop by any of the nearby breweries and wineries to experience the best of the Valley’s libations scene.
Top Five Places to See List
1. Shenandoah National Park
No trip to Harrisonburg is complete without a visit to Shenandoah National Park. The park boasts over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The Skyline Drive, which winds through the park, is a must-see scenic route, offering panoramic views of the park's beauty.
2. Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, located just outside of Harrisonburg, is a natural wonder that you won’t want to miss. The caverns are the largest and most popular underground caves in the eastern United States, featuring unique rock formations, crystal-clear pools, and an underground lake. Take a guided tour and explore several chambers and sights, including the Dream Lake, The Giant's Hall, the Organ, and Mammoth, their largest and most dramatic rooms.
3. Natural Bridge State Park
Located in Rockbridge County, the Natural Bridge State Park provides an escape into natural beauty. The park offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities with over 38 miles of trails in all difficulty levels. Don't miss a chance to take a walk in the Cedar Creek Trail, where you can witness the novelty of hundreds of butterflies fluttering over water pools to feed.
4. Dollywood
About an hour's drive from Maryville, Dollywood is a top-rated theme park that celebrates the music and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains. The park features thrilling rides, delicious food, excellent shops, and an impressive fireworks display. Enjoy Dolly Parton’s chart-toppers and her legacy throughout the theme park.
5. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Another one of America's great national parks, The Great Smoky Mountains, is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The park offers plenty of hiking trails, camping opportunities, and scenic drives, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with over 1,500 black bears calling the park their home. On top of that, the park houses precious artifacts from the settlers' time to tell the story of Appalachia's culture and traditions.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an exciting road trip between New York and Tennessee, stopping in Harrisonburg, VA, should be part of your plan. The Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, and the Natural Bridge State Park, are natural marvels that deserve a visit, prove its worth spending some time in Augusta County. From Harrisonburg, your trip's last leg should include a stop at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and a tour of The Great Smoky Mountains offers ample opportunities to create countless cherished memories. Happy travels!