Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charlottesville, Virginia to Little Rock, Arkansas

Charlottesville, Virginia and Little Rock, Arkansas are two beautiful cities in the United States with plenty of places to go to on road trips. This road trip from Charlottesville, Virginia to Little Rock, Arkansas offers a unique blend of nature, history, and excitement. The trip is approximately 14 hours and has several highlights throughout. One of the notable highlights is Monterey, TN, which is the halfway point. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip.

Hiking and Bird Watching at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most stunning national parks in the United States is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, which is just a few hours away from Charlottesville, Virginia. It has over 800 miles of hiking trails and is perfect for nature lovers.

Interesting Fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 200 species of birds.

Rock Climbing and Bouldering at Chattanooga

For adventure lovers, Chattanooga is the perfect place to visit. Located just a few hours away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Chattanooga is considered one of the best rock climbing and bouldering destinations in the United States.

Interesting Fact: Chattanooga is known as the "Dynamo of Dixie" because of its rapid economic growth in the 19th century.

Exploring the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a definite must-see on this trip. This site played a critical role in the civil rights movement and is an excellent place to learn more about this significant moment in American history. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the school and listen to firsthand accounts from those involved in the events of 1957.

Interesting Fact: Little Rock Central High School was the first high school in the South to integrate after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954.

Discovering the Ozark National Forest

Located in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, the Ozark National Forest offers visitors a chance to explore remote landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest covers over 1.2 million acres and is home to several natural wonders such as Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Buffalo National River.

Interesting Fact: The Ozark National Forest is the oldest national forest in the southern United States.

Riverboat Dinner Cruise on Arkansas River

A riverboat dinner cruise is a perfect way to end the road trip. After traveling 13 hours, take a cruise on Arkansas River and enjoy the scenery while relishing a fantastic dinner. The cruise includes entertainment and a stunning view of downtown Little Rock.

Interesting Fact: Arkansas River is over 1,400 miles long, making it the sixth-longest river in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this road trip from Charlottesville, Virginia to Little Rock, Arkansas is an adventure worth taking. It offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, exploring historical sites, discovering natural wonders, and indulging in a scenic riverboat dinner cruise. The trip is approximately 14 hours long, and the halfway point is in Monterey, TN. The route is filled with numerous stops that offer something unique for everyone, making it the perfect getaway.