A Road Trip from Chattanooga to Ironton: Top 5 Must-See Attractions
Ready to hit the road? Grab your keys, fill up your tank, and embark on a road trip that will take you from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Ironton, Ohio. Along the way, you will discover some of the hidden treasures of the region, including small towns, natural wonders, and unique attractions. Here are our top five recommendations for places you just can't miss.
Halfway Point: Corbin, KY
Before we get started on the top five attractions, let's talk about the halfway point of this road trip: Corbin, KY. Located right off I-75, Corbin is a quaint town with a rich history. During the early 20th century, it was a hub for the railway industry, and its train station is still a landmark today. There are several dining options in Corbin, including the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, which was founded here by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1930s. If you're interested in history, visit the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, where you can learn more about the man behind the Colonel persona.
Top Five Places to See
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Newport Aquarium
- National Museum of the United States Air Force
- King's Island Amusement Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
The first must-see attraction on our list is Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Known as the Niagara of the South, this stunning waterfall is over 60 feet tall and spans 125 feet across. What makes Cumberland Falls even more unique is that it is one of the only places in the world where you can witness a moonbow - a rainbow that occurs during a full moon. Visitors can hike to the falls or enjoy the view from the overlook. The park also offers camping, fishing, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.
Mammoth Cave National Park
The second attraction is a true natural wonder: Mammoth Cave National Park. With over 400 miles of explored caves, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system. Visitors can take guided tours of different parts of the cave, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. The park also offers hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and educational programs.
Newport Aquarium
If you're looking for marine life, the Newport Aquarium is just the place. Located across from Cincinnati, Ohio, this award-winning aquarium showcases over 70 exhibits and 14 galleries with thousands of animals from around the world. Highlights include a shark tunnel, penguin exhibit, touchpools, and a coral reef. There are also behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and special events throughout the year.
National Museum of the United States Air Force
The fourth attraction on our list is the National Museum of the United States Air Force, located in Dayton, Ohio. This impressive museum is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, featuring over 360 aircraft and missiles, as well as exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration. Visitors can take guided tours, attend a movie or simulator ride, and even see a replica of the Wright Brothers' plane.
King's Island Amusement Park
Last but not least, if you're looking for some thrills and excitement, King's Island Amusement Park is the place to be. This popular destination boasts over 80 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, live shows, and a children's area. Highlights include the Beast, one of the world's longest wooden roller coasters, and the Banshee, a record-breaking inverted coaster.
Best Route for this Trip
To make the most of your road trip from Chattanooga to Ironton, we recommend starting in Chattanooga and driving north on I-75. Take a detour towards Corbin, KY for a break and some history. Then, head towards Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, followed by Mammoth Cave National Park. Drive west to Cincinnati, where you can visit the Newport Aquarium and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Finish off the trip with a visit to King's Island Amusement Park, which is located just east of Cincinnati. From there, it's a quick drive up to Ironton, Ohio, where your journey ends.
We hope you enjoy your road trip and discover even more attractions along the way. After all, the journey is sometimes just as important as the destination. Happy travels!