How Far is Cincinnati to Gatlinburg By Car?

Driving from Cincinnati to Gatlinburg to enjoy the Smoky Mountains? This guide will outline the best ways to get there, whether you’re looking for the fastest trip or the most picturesque route.

Gatlinburg is about 5-6 hour drive from Cincinnati depending on your traffic route and when you travel. Gatlinburg is located on the northern side of the Smokies; however, traffic congestion is common in Sevier County, TN, especially driving through Pigeon Forge.

There are several stops you might also consider taking to break up the driving day and add some interest to your journey. We’ll denote these under each route to give you some options.

Route A: I-75 South to I-40 East

Travel Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Travel Distance: 292 miles

I-75 South to I-40 East is the most common route travelers take from Cincinnati. From I-71 S, you’ll cross the Ohio River, then merge onto I-75 S. Stay I-75, through Lexington, then merge onto I-40 E once you hit Knoxville. Stay on I-40, then take Exit 407 and continue on TN-66 S until you hit Gatlinburg.

Common Attractions Along This Route

  • Lexington: Hamburg Pavilion is conveniently located off the Man O' War exit. Enjoy shopping in this large outdoor mall, including the Liquor Barnm, where you can stock up on libations for your tip.
  • Fort Boonesborough: Located just 15 minutes off I-75 south of Lexington, this historical state park marks where Daniel Boone settled after his journey through the historic Cumberland Gap.
  • Sanders Cafe: Located in Corbin, Ky, the birthplace of KFC is now a museum of the famous fried-chicken chain.
  • Rocky Top, TN: Though not the namesake of the Tennessee Volunteers' unofficial fight song, this small town north of Knoxville is a great photo op for your trip through East Tennessee.

Route B: 1-75 South to Chapman Highway

Travel Time: 4 hours 52 minutes

Travel Distance: 280 miles

While Route A is the most common route taken, Route B takes approximately the same amount of time and offers a much more picturesque journey, especially near the end in the rural areas of Tennessee.

From I-71 S, you’ll cross the Ohio River, then merge onto I-75 S. Stay I-75, through Lexington, but once you come to Knoxville, don’t take I-40 E.

Instead, follow I-275 and take US-441 / Henley St. Continue following US-441 / Chapman Highway through Seymour. On Pleasant Hill Rd in Sevierville, you’ll turn slightly right and then left onto River Divide Rd and left onto Henderson Rd. Hitting US-441 S / Parkway again, you’ll follow this to Gatlinburg.

Common Attractions Along This Route

Route C: Highway 25 East, Through Morristown

Travel Time: 5 hours 35 minutes

Travel Distance: 317 miles

Finally, this route is a bit longer than Routes A & B (only by about an hour), but the views and scenery are fantastic through southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee.

To take this route, follow I-71 S and I-75 S, but from I-75, take Exit 29 in Corbin, KY to get on Highway 25 E. You’ll go through the stunning Cherokee Reservoir, Morristown (great for shopping or having a bite to eat), and over Douglas Lake.

In Newport, TN, you’ll hit the end of Highway 25 E, so you should take a right onto Highway 25 W and a left on Highway 441. From here, go to Sevierville, and take a left on Veterans Blvd. Pass through Pigeon Forge and onto Gatlinburg.

Common Attractions Along this Route

  • Cherokee Reservoir: Visit this man-made lake created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a late-afternoon picnic or a short hike.
  • Morristown: Known locally for being the National Weather Service headquarters for East Tennesse, this town offers several attractions worth visiting.
  • Pigeon Forge: The final leg of this route takes you right the heart of downtown Pigeon Force.

Check-In Time is 4pm. Why Not Make a Day of It?

As you plan your stay at Gatlinburg Falls Resort, keep in mind that check-in time is at 4 p.m., which means the first half of the day is yours for a great trip from Cincinnati to our Smoky Mountain getaway.

Whether your idea of a fun road trip is to stop at Daniel Boone Forest for a few hours and explore nature or to get off in Lexington or Morristown and do some shopping, you’ll have all day to play around with.

In the afternoon, your cabin will be waiting and so will your in-room amenities, whether you’ve chosen from our Gatlinburg cabins or a Pigeon Forge cabin rental. Either way, you’ll have the gorgeous Smoky Mountains surrounding you – it’s the perfect end to a day on the road. Plus, you’ll have a whole vacation ahead of you to enjoy this beautiful gem of Tennessee wilderness.

   

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving to Gatlinburg from Cincinnati

What is the best place to stop along I-75?

The best places to stop are south of Lexington, which puts you halfway to Gatlinburg. Berea, KY, is a popular place to stop because of the Kentucky Artisan Center, which sells local art and meals, and the historic Boone Tavern.

Another popular stop along I-75 is the Tennessee's visitor's center near Jellico mountain. This rest area offers a great view of the Cumberland Mountains in Southern Kentucky and a natural stopping point before the interstate goes up the mountain.

Can I get to Gatlinburg from Cincinnati on a full tank of gas?

It's possible to get to Gatlinburg from Cincinnati on a full tank of gas, depending on your car, but you will likely need to get a second tank, regardless of the route you take. While there are gas stations all along the route, the last 10-20 miles before the Tennessee border offer the least amount of stopping points.

If you choose to drive through downtown Knoxville via I-275 and the Henley Street bridge, there will not be a place to refill until you cross the Tennessee River.

Is there a Buck-ee's in Gatlinburg?

No, but there is a Buc-ee's at Exit 407 on I-40 East in Kodak, TN. This is the main interstate exit to go to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Area. Both the gas station and the exit are busy at all times of day, but there are plenty of places to visit as you drive into town.

What time of day is best to leave from Cincinnati or Gatlinburg?

It's best to leave Cincannati prior to 9 a.m. to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to settle into your Gatlinburg vacation rental.

Is it possible to do a day trip to Gatlinburg from Cincinnati?

No, a day trip to Gatlinburg from Cincinnati is not possible from a practical standpoint. Total drive time would take at least 10 hours, plus any time for refueling and stops. Your best bet is to stay at a Gatlinburg rental. 

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Getting to Gatlinburg