3 Amazing Day Trips You Can Take From Kingsport, TN

The city of Kingsport, TN, has a population of about 300,000 in its metropolitan area and is located in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, just across the Virginia state line. While Kingsport features numerous local attractions, beautiful parks, and a popular aquatic center, it is also a good place from where you can go on memorable day trips to beautiful towns and nature reserves in the area. Grab your camera, invite some friends, and check out these nearby destinations.

Knoxville

The core of a metropolitan area that boasts a population of almost 900,000, Knoxville is the third-largest city in the state of Tennessee and a major cultural hub in the region. After experiencing an economic boom during the mid-19th Century, Knoxville became a manufacturing powerhouse, attracting new residents from all over the country. Nowadays, the city is home to a growing cultural and music scene, numerous parks, recreational spots, landmark buildings, museums, and other tourist attractions.

Driving from Kingsport to the Knoxville downtown area takes about an hour and a half, following routes I-40 and I-81. Once you are there, a good place to start exploring is S Gay Street, which crosses right through the city center and passes by some major attractions including Charles Krutch Park, the Blount Manson, the Howard H. Baker, Jr. United States Courthouse, and the Emporium Center of Arts & Culture Alliance.

Cherokee National Forest

If you are looking for a destination where you can check out some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the entire country, Cherokee National Forest is the place to be. Located a little over 70 miles southwest of downtown Kingsport, it can be reached in about an hour and 40 minutes by car, driving along route TN-93. This nature reserve encompasses a total area of more than 650,000 acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service.

Some of the most popular activities and sports at Cherokee National Forest include fishing, boating, windsurfing, water skiing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. This national forest has been a prime weekend destination among outdoor adventure enthusiasts from all over the United States since its establishment in the 1920s, with beautiful viewpoints and landscapes that make it a photographer’s paradise and a place worth visiting with friends, family, or solo.

Asheville

Located in the western corner of North Carolina, the city of Asheville has a population of about 400,000 and is known for its charming downtown district, its vibrant arts scene, and its well-preserved historic architecture. Getting here from downtown Kingsport takes less than an hour and a half, driving south along route I-26. Some of the attractions you should not miss while in town include the Asheville City Hall and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr.

Going on a day trip with your friends or family is more enjoyable in a new, comfortable car. Before you check out these fantastic destinations, make sure to stop by Toyota of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN! We have an extensive inventory of new and used cars for sale, as well as flexible financing plans for your individual needs and budget.

Image by Cija Tuttle from Pixabay

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