Five Must-See Place on a Family Road Trip in Tennessee

East Tennessee is a beautiful area that is home to a number of attractions and stunning natural locales. It’s a popular spot for road trips thanks to the picturesque roadways and plenty of things to do. Here are five must-see places to visit when heading off on a road trip in East Tennessee.

Tennessee Aquarium

Situated on the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium highlights the beautiful Tennessee ecosystem as well as wildlife from around the world. Watch playful otters or be amazed by massive catfish. The aquarium has interactive exhibits and includes both fresh and saltwater exhibits plus more zoo-based areas like the newly opened Lemur Forest. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the aquarium and learning more about the animals and fish that call this incredible aquarium their home.

Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls is a stunning natural location with streaming water that thunders down an impressive rock formation. It’s a quick hike from exit 286 off I-40 to the viewpoint where you can see the falls off I-40. Unfortunately, the trails down to the falls are closed, but the overlook is still stunning. The falls are located in the Burgess Falls State Park, which also has fishing and picnic areas as well as three smaller falls to visit while you’re in the area.

Navitat

Located in Knoxville, Navitat is a super unique destination that has earned rave reviews from visitors. This ropes course is a self-guided adventure that travels through the Tennessee treetops. Get your blood pumping with the zip line or challenge yourself with the more rigorous rope course elements. It’s open during the day, but the real magic starts at night. While it is open at night, you aren’t completely in the dark: Navitat has created a wonderscape of lights to make your trip even more fantastical. Navitat is located at 2915 Island Home Ave.

Chimney Tops

Chimney Tops is a quick hike that showcases one of the most spectacular views in all of East Tennessee. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the trail to this natural wonder is only 4 miles in and out and the spire of Chimney Tops looks out over the beautiful picturesque mountain ranges. While the trail is short, it is strenuous, climbing 1,335 feet from the start of the trail with some near-vertical portions but the adventure is worth it.

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is located in Chattanooga and is a waterfall located deep beneath the earth in a dazzling cave formation. The trail to the waterfall is accessed via an elevator, and it is a mostly flat walk with access to stunning rock formations. Trips are guided, and it costs $19.95 per adult. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the area and the cave. Little ones will love the kid-friendly attractions on-site. For even more adventure, guests can choose to access the site via the incline railway instead of driving up.

These five locations are just a few of the many neat areas that make perfect road-trip stops while making your way through East Tennessee.

Image by 41330 from Pixabay 

Posted in Travel Destinations | No Comments »