French looking for FURS
The FRENCH
Davison COUNTY
A lot of Animals
The French came to Trap Animals
El Eden Stone
The Eden from West
This was the Western of the USA
Was the Capital of the WIGS
Anti Jackson Party
Creation of Nashville
Two Rivers Cross
Cruise east to west across the Volunteer State to experience some of Tennessee’s top tastes, sights, sounds, and state parks. The roughly 420-mile route follows I-40 from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the mighty Mississippi River in the west. If you’re planning a fly-and-drive vacation, arrive in Knoxville and depart from Memphis.
The FRENCH
Davison COUNTY
A lot of Animals
The French came to Trap Animals
El Eden Stone
The Eden from West
This was the Western of the USA
Was the Capital of the WIGS
Anti Jackson Party
Creation of Nashville
Two Rivers Cross
Cruise east to west across the Volunteer State to experience some of Tennessee’s top tastes, sights, sounds, and state parks. The roughly 420-mile route follows I-40 from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the mighty Mississippi River in the west. If you’re planning a fly-and-drive vacation, arrive in Knoxville and depart from Memphis.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Whether you start the trip on I-40 or at the Knoxville airport, it’s a short drive (about 30 miles) to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the interstate (exit 407, Sevierville), head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg for a free park map, trail recommendations, and a schedule of ranger-led programs.
From the airport, the closest park entrance is in Townsend, gateway to historic Cades Cove and its 11-mile, one-way scenic driving loop. For 360-degree views of the park, hike the paved half-mile trail to the summit observation tower atop 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park—and in the state.
KNOXVILLE From Sevierville, hop on I-40 for the 30-minute ride west to downtown Knoxville (exit 388, Henley Street). The state’s third-largest city draws outdoor enthusiasts to its Urban Wilderness and live music acts to intimate venues such as the Mill & Mine and the historic Tennessee Theatre. Visit the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at Volunteer Landing for trail maps and seasonal bike, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Nearby, tour the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, topped by the world’s largest (30 feet tall) basketball.
At noon daily (except Sunday), catch the free WDVX Blue Plate Speciallive performance radio show inside the Knoxville Visitor Center. On Wednesdays and Saturdays (May to November) visit the Market Square Farmers Market.
Eat and Stay: Sweet P’s Downtown Dive and The TennesseanOAK RIDGE AND CROSSVILLE
Detour off I-40 at exit 376A (Pellissippi Parkway) to discover the “Secret City” of Oak Ridge. Constructed in 1943 to house facilities and workers helping build the world’s first atomic bomb, Oak Ridge (along with Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Hanford, Washington) hosts a section of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Park tours begin at the American Museum of Science & Energy.
From Oak Ridge, follow TN-95 South back to I-40 (exit 364). Continue west onto the Cumberland Plateau, crossing into the Central Time Zone at mile marker 340. Stop at the family-owned Stonehaus Winery (exit 320, Crossville) for a complimentary wine tasting.
