Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chapel Hill, NC and Fort Smith, AR

Chapel Hill, NC, and Fort Smith, AR, might be considerably far apart, but there’s plenty of fun things to do during the journey. The distance between these two cities is approximately 1,030 miles, and it will take you approximately 15 hours to drive straight through. Thankfully, there's much to do along the way to break up the monotony of a long road trip. The halfway point is Nashville, TN, a fantastic city where you can explore the country music scene before hitting back on the road.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Taking a drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to start for nature and photography lovers on this road trip. This park stretches over Tennessee and North Carolina, so it's convenient to access from Chapel Hill. The park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, and it is home to a handful of waterfalls, including Grotto Falls, which is only accessible via trail. Hiking or driving through Cades Cove is one of the most scenic activities in the park. It's one of the few areas in the park where you can see historical buildings, wildlife and is a great spot for sunrise or sunset photography.

Fun fact: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also the most visited national park in the United States.

Take a Memphis BBQ Tour

As you continue your journey, you'll find yourself in Memphis, TN, where you can sink your teeth into some of the best BBQ in the South. There are tons of BBQ restaurants to choose from in Memphis, but for the best experience, sign up for a BBQ tour. One of the famous tours is the BBQ Bike Tour offered by "Sprock 'n' Roll" where you can pedal your way through the city, take in the sights and the city's local BBQ spots.

Fun fact: Memphis BBQ is well regarded in the world of culinary competition as the city has won over 300 awards for its BBQ.

Visit Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is nearly 14 miles away from the halfway point of Nashville, but it's a perfect spot to stretch your legs on your road trip. The park is known for its natural thermal springs and hot water cascades, which you can take a dip in at the Bathhouse Row where eight historic bathhouses are located. To learn more about the history and culture of the park, there's also an exhibit at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center that tells the story of healing waters.

Fun fact: Hot Springs National Park is the oldest federal reserve in the country, and it's situated on the largest thermal-water plateau globally, providing the park with its primary source of thermal water.

Explore Graceland, Elvis Presley's Mansion

Located in Memphis, Elvis Presley's Graceland is one of the major tourist sites in the Southeast. It's where "The King of Rock 'n' Roll" once lived, and you can tour his mansion, see his car collection, personal belongings, and learn more about his life and influence on American culture. You can also stop by the Entertainment Exhibits Museum, featuring Elvis's jumpsuits, sunglasses, and other unique items.

Fun fact: The jungle room at Graceland is one of the more famous rooms at the mansion where Elvis recorded much of his music.

Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

When hitting the homestretch of this road trip, make a stop in Bentonville, AR, where you can visit the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This museum is home to an extensive collection of artwork by American artists, including Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and more. The museum is famous, mainly for its location, with stunning views of the Ozarks and the surrounding woods.

Fun fact: Many people know Bentonville as the headquarters of Walmart, and the Walton family founded it. The founder of Walmart, Sam Walton’s daughter, Alice Walton, is the founder of the Crystal Bridges Museum.

After non-stop adventure and a lot of driving, you need a relaxing break from your journey, and the Perfect road trip is the perfect choice to do so. In conclusion, if you're embarking on a road trip from Chapel Hill, NC, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, there's plenty to see and explore along the way, including delicious BBQ, exquisite art pieces, and natural wonders. This trip will take approximately 15 hours if you're driving straight through, but with all these fun stops, you are likely to add several hours to your trip.