Knoxville, Tennessee, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the eastern part of the state, Knoxville is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. From scenic drives to historic sites, and from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, there’s no shortage of exciting places to visit near Knoxville, TN.
Why Visit Near Knoxville, TN?
The Knoxville area offers a unique blend of urban excitement and rural charm, with a wide range of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an action-packed adventure, or a dose of history and culture, there’s something for everyone near Knoxville, TN.
Best Places to Visit Near Knoxville, TN
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit near Knoxville, TN, including:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Chattanooga, TN
- Asheville, NC
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- Sevierville, TN
- Greenville, SC
From scenic drives to historic sites, and from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, we’ll cover it all in this comprehensive guide to the best places to visit near Knoxville, TN.
Best Places To Visit Near Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, Tennessee, is a beautiful city surrounded by natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to Knoxville, there are plenty of exciting places to visit within a short drive. Here are some of the best places to visit near Knoxville, TN:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Only an hour’s drive from Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and over 800 miles of hiking trails. Visit Cades Cove, a historic valley with preserved log cabins and churches, or hike to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.
Cherokee National Forest
Located just north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest offers stunning scenery, camping sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Take a scenic drive through the forest, go hiking, or try your hand at fishing or whitewater rafting.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
About an hour and a half from Knoxville, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is a great place to visit for skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. Even if you’re not a winter sports enthusiast, the resort offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a variety of shops and restaurants. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Ranikhet)
Asheville, North Carolina
About two hours from Knoxville, Asheville is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visit the Biltmore Estate, a grand chateau-style mansion with beautiful gardens, or explore the River Arts District, a former industrial area turned arts hub.
Clinton, Tennessee
About 20 minutes from Knoxville, Clinton is a charming town with a rich history and natural beauty. Visit the Clinton 12 Museum, which tells the story of the desegregation of Clinton’s schools in 1956, or explore the scenic trails and waterfalls of the Clinton City Park.
Sevierville, Tennessee
About 30 minutes from Knoxville, Sevierville is a popular tourist destination with a range of attractions. Visit the Dollywood theme park, owned by Dolly Parton, or explore the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which showcases the region’s history and culture.
Table of Distance from Knoxville, TN
| Destination | Distance from Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 1 hour |
| Cherokee National Forest | 1 hour |
| Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort | 1.5 hours |
| Asheville, North Carolina | 2 hours |
| Clinton, Tennessee | 20 minutes |
| Sevierville, Tennessee | 30 minutes |
Conclusion
Knoxville, TN, is surrounded by a range of exciting places to visit, from natural wonders to vibrant cities and charming towns. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, history, or culture, there’s something for everyone near Knoxville. Plan your trip today and discover the best of East Tennessee!
Knoxville, Tennessee, is a city surrounded by natural beauty and rich history, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. In this article, we’ve highlighted the best places to visit near Knoxville, TN, that offer a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and scenic views.
We began by exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park offers a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, and is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Mandarmani)
We also visited the scenic town of Gatlinburg, which is known for its stunning mountain vistas, charming shops, and delicious restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, as well as exploring the town’s many attractions, such as the Ole Red Gatlinburg and the Gatlinburg Strip.
In addition to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg, we also explored the charming town of Townsend, which is often referred to as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, as well as exploring the town’s many shops and restaurants.
Finally, we visited the historic city of Chattanooga, which is located just a few hours north of Knoxville. Chattanooga is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including exploring the city’s many museums and attractions, such as the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo, as well as taking a stroll along the Tennessee Riverwalk.
In conclusion, the best places to visit near Knoxville, TN, offer a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and scenic views. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visiting the charming towns of Gatlinburg and Townsend, or experiencing the rich history and culture of Chattanooga, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the best of East Tennessee!
Here are five FAQs related to ‘Best Places To Visit Near Knoxville Tn’:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular attractions near Knoxville, TN?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and the Tennessee Museum of Aviation are some of the most popular attractions near Knoxville, TN. These destinations offer a mix of natural beauty, entertainment, and educational experiences that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Are there any scenic drives near Knoxville, TN?
Yes, there are several scenic drives near Knoxville, TN that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Cades Cove Loop Road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and the Newfound Gap Road are just a few examples of the many scenic drives in the area. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Sydney By Train)
What are some good hiking trails near Knoxville, TN?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some popular trails include the Appalachian Trail, the Chimney Tops Trail, and the Laurel Falls Trail.
Are there any waterfalls near Knoxville, TN?
Yes, there are several waterfalls near Knoxville, TN that are worth visiting. Some popular options include the Grotto Falls, the Laurel Falls, and the Rainbow Falls. These waterfalls offer stunning views and are perfect for a day trip or a longer hike.
What are some good places to eat near Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, TN is known for its Southern cuisine, and there are many great places to eat in the area. Some popular options include the Old Mill Kitchen & Bar, the Tomato Head, and the J.C. Holdway. These restaurants offer a range of dishes, from traditional Southern comfort food to more modern twists on classic cuisine.