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3 Scenic Drives to Take Near Kingsport, TN

Waterfall pouring into a pond in Cades Cove
East Tennessee is a beautiful area to call home. Thanks to our prime location between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Kingsport boasts several nearby scenic drives that are best experienced in the cooler months when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. If you're looking for a great drive to take this weekend, here are a few you may consider:

1. Cades Cove

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park less than three hours from Kingsport, Cades Cove is an isolated valley that was once home to numerous settlers. The loop through the cove is 11 miles long and circles back to the beginning, so drivers have the opportunity to experience Cades Cove at their own pace. Scattered along the loop are a variety of historical buildings as well – a testament to the area's early settler days. Expect to see barns, log cabins, a working grist mill, churches, and other restored 18- and 19th-century structures. The loop is open daily except for Christmas, and year-round campgrounds serve as the perfect place to pitch a tent and enjoy an entire weekend here. Simply take I-81 South and go through Townsend via TN-1 East. Continue straight on TN-73 into Cades Cove.

2. Clingmans Dome

This mountain is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it's no wonder visitors flock to its observation tower every year. On clear days, you can see over 100 miles, although pollution usually limits viewing distances more to 20 miles. While Clingmans Dome itself is a great destination, the drive there is quite scenic. Although it will take about two hours and 30 minutes to arrive at the park, driving through Gatlinburg into the mountains is a spectacular sight. Once you're in Newfound Gap, turn off Newfound Gap Road and follow the seven-mile-long Clingmans Dome Road to the parking lot. Bring your camera.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

Just an hour and a half south of Kingsport is Asheville, North Carolina, and the drive there on I-26 is a speculator one in and of itself. The Blue Ridge Parkway, however, is an iconic scenic route with numerous trails and overlooks the parkway. There are several places that allow you to enter and exit the parkway, but the ones in Asheville are among the most convenient. Once on the parkway, drive north to Little Switzerland and Spruce Pine, then get off and drive back past Burnsville straight to I-26, which will bring you back into Tennessee. The best thing to do is download a map from the National Park Service site and plan your route according to where you want to enter and exit the parkway. Along the way, be sure to visit the Folk Art Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Mount Mitchell State Park, and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals Visitor Center. These gorgeous mountains offer countless hidden gems and awe-inspiring views you won't want to miss. If you're feeling cooped up, set aside a day and head out on a scenic drive. You never know where you'll wind up. Image via Pixabay
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You'll never be short of scenic drives when traveling through Tennessee. Whether you live in Kingsport, TN or elsewhere in the state, you can find plenty of unique visual experiences behind the wheel. 1. Roan Mountain (Nearest Kingsport, TN) It's an hour's journey from Kingsport to Roan Mountain, but the real beauty is found once you arrive in this small village. The views of the mountain itself will delight you, and you can enjoy the day by perusing the delights of Roan Mountain State Park. more 2. U.S. Highway 129 (The Tail Of The Dragon) This route is nicknamed The Trail Of The Dragon because it features hundreds of curves along its 11-mile distance. For this reason, it's a popular road for motorcycle races. Yet, if you take the road at an orderly pace, you'll notice it's a picturesque journey. The best views come courtesy of the Great Smoky National Park, which the highway borders. Despite being a mid-size SUV, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers the pristine handling to take on this road without fear. You and up to four passengers will be able to appreciate the ride in great comfort thanks to the modern, spacious interior of this vehicle. 3. Cades Cave Loop Road This is another enjoyable journey within the vicinity of Great Smoky National Park. You'll enjoy plenty of memorable views of the surrounding mountains along this 12-mile route. If you're lucky, you'll spot plenty of the wildlife who call this area their home. This route is reserved for cyclists and hikers on Wednesdays during the summer months, but it's OK for motorists every other day of the year. 4. Cherohala Skyway This 42-mile route connects Tellico Plains in south-east Tennessee with the town of Robinsville in North Carolina. It's named after Cherokee and Nantahala forests since it passes through both of them. It was labeled as a National Scenic Byway back in 1996. You'll experience great views of both forests on this state-maintained highway. The gradients become as steep as 9% at some points. There are plenty of suitable spots for those who enjoy hiking or picnicking in nature with family and friends. 5. Ocoee Scenic Byway Ocoee Scenic Byway was the first route to be labelled a National Forest Scenic Byway. It comprises U.S. Highway 64 and Forest Road 77. Along this route, you can enjoy the sights of the Ocoee River Gorge, Chilhowee Mountain, Cumberland Mountains, Tennessee Valley, and the mountains of Georgia. If you're considering buying a new or used Toyota vehicle, pay us a visit at Toyota of Kingsport. Our team of experts will be delighted to assist you in ensuring you choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.

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