Road Trip to Gatlinburg from Nashville!

Scenic Routes, Stops, and Tips

The drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg is an easy 222 miles along I-40, about 3.5 to 4 hours of road trip fun with some great detours along the way. A few quick side trips can add some unforgettable sights without adding much time.

Scenic Stops Along the Way

Route 56 – McMinnville, TN
From I-40, take Route 56 south to McMinnville. Snap a photo with a dinosaur sculpture made entirely from car parts (624 Sparta St.). Then explore underground wonders at Cumberland Caverns (1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd.).

Route 111 – Cookeville, TN
From Cookeville, Route 111 leads you to Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to epic waterfalls and hiking trails. Don’t miss the quirky pink elephant statue (680 S. Willow Ave.) on your way through town, sunglasses and all!

Route 56 – Gainesboro, TN
North of I-40, Route 56 takes you to Gainesboro. Outside the town hall, you’ll find a huge sculpture of Andrew Jackson’s head. Nearby, check out the Flynn Creek impact crater, a fascinating prehistoric site.

Travel Tips

• Time Zone Change: You'll switch from Central Time (Nashville) to Eastern Time (Gatlinburg) mid-trip.

• Plan to Linger: If you have time, explore Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge , both packed with attractions, restaurants, and nature spots.

• Specials: Locals know last-minute cabin deals are the way to go. Check our Specials page or call 855-917-6659 anytime.

A few miles off the main highway can turn your Gatlinburg road trip into a full adventure. Book a cabin with us and enjoy everything the Smokies have to offer!