The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Sevierville, Tennessee
A road trip from Chattanooga to Sevierville will take you through winding roads of Appalachian Mountains and picturesque views of Tennessee's countryside. On the way, you'll find hidden gems and exciting detours. If you're looking for some adventure and thrills on your trip, here are the top five things you should not miss.
Visit Lookout Mountain
One of the most significant landmarks in Tennessee, Lookout Mountain, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. You can opt for a self-guided tour, which includes the famed Rock City Gardens or the Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall. Rock City Gardens is home to a quarter of a million of blooming flowers, spectacular waterfalls, and rock formations, while the Ruby Falls boasts incredible limestone caves, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Interesting fact: Lookout Mountain is the site of the largest civil war battle in the south.
Hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit if you want to get up close with nature and adventure. The park offers over eight hundred miles of hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy to moderate to challenging. You'll witness stunning valleys, streams, waterfalls, and some of the unique flora and fauna in the country. A popular trail is the Alum Cave trail, which covers 5.5 miles, and you'll get to see stunning views of the mountain range along the way.
Interesting fact: The park is home to thousands of black bears, making it the largest protected bear habitat in the eastern US.
Explore Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a town located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and offers something for everyone. It is known for its numerous family-friendly activities, including Dollywood, which is Dolly Parton's amusement park. The park has over 40 rides, 15 shows, and holds annual festivals and events. Other places to explore include the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Island, an entertainment complex with unique dining options, shopping, and rides.
Interesting fact: Pigeon Forge is home to the largest Christmas store in the south, the Incredible Christmas Store.
Go rafting on the Ocoee River
The Ocoee River offers some of the best whitewater rapids in the country and is a perfect location for adrenaline junkies. You can choose from different levels of difficulties of rafting tours, ranging from beginner to expert. You'll get to experience the thrills and chills while enjoying the scenery of the river and mountains. The rapids will take you through fast swells and heart-pumping drops.
Interesting Fact: The Ocoee River was constructed specifically for the 1996 Olympics whitewater rafting competition.
Visit the Rocky Top Wine Trail
The Rocky Top Wine Trail is a unique experience for wine lovers as it is the only wine trail in the state of Tennessee. The trail covers five wineries and vineyards, each with their specialty wines. The tour is self-guided and allows you to sample some of the best red and white wines while enjoying the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. You'll also get a souvenir glass to take back home.
Interesting fact: Most of the wines produced along the trail are made from cold-climate grapes that grow well in the mountain region.
Conclusion
The road trip from Chattanooga to Sevierville spans around 145 miles and can take up to four hours, depending on the time of the day. Along the way, you'll find hidden gems and exciting detours to explore. Make sure to stop halfway at Sweetwater, Tennessee, for some authentic southern food. Whether you're planning for an adventure-filled vacation or a laid back getaway, these activities are sure to make your trip memorable. Don't forget to take plenty of photos!