Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chatham, Illinois and Knoxville, Tennessee

The 7-hour road trip from Chatham, Illinois, to Knoxville, Tennessee, is an adventure that promises a combination of natural scenic beauty and indoor entertainment. The halfway point of Princeton, KY, is well worth a stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite. Here are the top five things to do on this journey.

Mammoth Cave National Park - Cave City, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest known cave system, located in the heart of Cave City, Kentucky. Visitors can choose from various tours that cater to different levels of interest and activity, ranging from a simple guided walk to a more strenuous underground hike. Apart from exploring the cave, visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding in the park.

Interesting fact: Mammoth Cave National Park has over 400 miles of underground passageways and was established as a national park in 1941.

Corvette Museum - Bowling Green, Kentucky

Car enthusiasts will love the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which showcases the history of the iconic American sports car. Visitors can see actual Corvettes on display, some dating back to the 1950s. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and a driving simulator.

Interesting fact: The 1992 Corvette ZR-1 dubbed King of the Hill set a speed record of 175. 9 mph at the Texas Motor Speedway, which still stands as a world record for a production car.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a showcase of nature's beauty. With over 500,000 acres of protected land, the park offers visitors endless opportunities to enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and scenic drives. In addition to its natural wonders, the park offers historic sites and cultural programs.

Interesting fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 1,600 species of plants, including some of the oldest trees in the eastern United States.

Dollywood Theme Park - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood is a popular theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and named after country music legend Dolly Parton. Visitors can enjoy a range of exciting rides, shows, and attractions, in addition to shopping and dining options. The park offers something for all age groups, making it an ideal destination for families.

Interesting fact: Dollywood has been recognized as one of the best theme parks in the world by Tripadvisor, earning the Travelers' Choice award in 2020.

Gatlinburg SkyBridge - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge, located in the heart of the city, is an attraction that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can walk the 680-foot bridge, which is suspended 140 feet above the ground. The attraction also includes a SkyDeck observation area and a SkyBridge shop.

Interesting fact: Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

Overall, the road trip from Chatham, Illinois, to Knoxville, Tennessee, is a diverse and exciting adventure that offers a combination of outdoor and indoor activities. The trip covers a distance of approximately 460 miles, taking about seven hours.

Travelers who embark on this road trip will be rewarded with natural wonders, cultural experiences, and engaging entertainment. Whether it's exploring the world's longest cave system, enjoying the beauty of a national park, traveling back in time to see historic cars, thrilling rides at Dollywood, or walking across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, this trip has something for everybody.