Head east to Hilton Head. See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Donna Sapolin January 30, 2021 Take the scenic route from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina and soak up the majestic beauty of mountains dressed in winter white. If you are I would go north from Lexington on 75 and hit 74 in Cincinnati and not go over to Louisville. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. Our first adventure of the day was the hike at Laurel Waterfalls, one of the highly trafficked trails in the Smoky Mountains. The main route is red, while the alternative route is in blue. The 580-mile road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. The hotel is conveniently located in Whiskey Row close to the city's main attractions. The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains costs only $212, and the quickest way takes just 6 hours. Again, mostly a wilderness type area, which you could find in Great Smoky Mountains area. . Misty Morning at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountain National Park Photo: Jonathan Hill. The mountain town of Pigeon Forge in eastern Tennessee is a must for fans of Dolly Parton, as it's where her Appalachian-themed Park Dollywood is located. Amit is a financial engineer by profession, road trip addict, wannabe tennis player and has a gregarious personality. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. -, Copyright 2013-2023, Cabins USA Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, TN, Gatlinburg cabin rentals close to the Smokies, What to Pack When Going to the Smoky Mountains, 48 Hours: Short Vacation Ideas for Gatlinburg. This luxury resort offers incredible views of the Smoky Mountains making it the ideal place to stay during your time exploring this beautiful destination. Other than that, you can hit the open road whenever you feel like it. . The most popular road trip route from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park goes through Louisville. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip - Horizon Guides The views from our cottage did not disappoint. Elk on Route 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park A Stop For Elk On a Smoky Mountains road trip you can see many things right from your car. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops From here, take the I-95 S for the final stretch of the journey which will take you to Miami. If you're ready to explore beautiful destinations like Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and Mt. Since you have some time on your way down, you might consider taking I-65 through KY. It is currently 23:08 in Chicago and 22:08 in Smoky Mountains. Bald Mountain (9150 feet, 2789 m) is a mountain in south central Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Very safe. Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. We went to AMSE, and spent few hours there. Having said that, if the humidity is predicted to be really high, plan your boat trip for the morning before the sun gets too high in the sky. Walk along sloped decks, see the grand staircase, touch an iceberg and witness hundreds of original artifacts. Situated almost halfway into this fabulous road trip, 719 miles from Chicago, the place to stay is undoubtedly the Westin Peachtree Plaza. Your email address will not be published. We had rafting reservation at Lower Pigeon River which was in jeopardy thanks to a chock-a-block jam in Gatlinburg. On third day of our trip, we started driving back towards Chicago, and this time we stayed in Indiana for the night and drove back straight to the house next morning. Fans of all ages can take a nostalgic journey through musical history with the hits of Stevie Wonder to the Temptations, and many more. From here, head south and join Interstate 75 where you will arrive at Lexington, where our main route continues. Heres the Google Timeline chronicling our ride back home. Making the trip in May will also appeal to sports fans, with both the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500 usually taking place at this time. Take as many days as you can allow to cover this impressive journey and look forward to a truly memorable road trip of a lifetime. If youve ever seen a Tiffanys bean necklace, this sculpture bears a striking resemblance. Started in the 1960s, this parkway is still a work in progress with only sections of the 72 miles stretch completed. We had one wish still left unfulfilled, which was to see a live bear in action and based on reviews, Cades Cove had the highest probability to see it happen. By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties. On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, . Fun Fact: Interstate 65, which takes you down to Nashville on this road trip, connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. We have two 13 year olds that will be traveling . . If you are into historical hotels, the Boone Tavern Inn and Restaurant would be worth a stop. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Head south 4 hours and 45 minutes to Louisville, Ky. Long known for its legendary Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and the longest continually running sporting event in the country. The Sherman Minton on I-64 is toll free but the bridge is currently under construction. In the bourbon capital of the world, enjoy a VIP experience and take the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Road trip loop from Chicago to the Carolinas - Fodor's A showcase of whos who in architecture, this interactive park is an adult playground. I've got some great ideas from all of the replies. Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. A road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach covers four distinct types of landscape: bustling cities, peaceful countryside, dramatic mountains, and sandy beaches. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $220-$330 and takes 46h 9m. Initial stop was Mammoth Cave, did the short 1-2 hour tour and got on the road to Chattanooga. Thrill-seekers can take a ride on the rocky top alpine mountain coaster. It's only 1 hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you are in that area, do visit this museum. The ride was smooth and once at the top, plenty of panoramic views were on offer. Places to Visit on a Smoky Mountains Road Trip | Marriott TRAVELER There is ongoing construction on I-65 N in several areas. To aid you in your planning, we have compiled our own list of some of the main places to go and the best things to see along the journey. You could detour to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park if weather permitting. There are lots of things to do in Gary IN if you take 90. Tip: Would highly recommend carrying picnic chairs and some water floats for kids to enjoy the stream. Road Trip from Chicago to Miami - LazyTrips The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has so much to offer and we advise taking at least three days to make the trip, but even then, it will still be impossible to explore everything on this route. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Taking you from Lake Michigan to Biscayne Bay, a trip of such proportions will be one you will never forget. The joy of a road trip is having the freedom to take your time and explore, so plan accordingly to take in as many of the wonderful attractions en route as your schedule will allow for. Indianapolis: Some museums in the downtown area might be of interest. Cabins USA Gatlinburg respects our guest's privacy and never shares this information with third-party sites. Leaving Lexington, take the I-75 S heading through the rugged landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the biggest rock-climbing destinations in the world, before continuing on to Knoxville. After spending few hours in Oakridge, we continued our driving and entered into Smoky Mountain park from the Gatlinburg side and drove around Gatlinburg city for some time before going to our rental home that we had booked up in the mountains. Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the national park due to its plentiful wildlife and many historic buildings you can explore. Nonetheless, It offers a panoramic view of the park and is less visited than other roads in the area. If you plan to check out the city, the Hyatt Centric Downtown is a fabulous place to stay. Louisville is an ideal place to stay, located around the halfway point between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains on the Direct Route. Trip Length: It's a 20-hour drive, but this is without making stops along the way. The fastest route between Chicago and Miami covers a distance of around 1,385 miles, but we recommend extending the journey to include trips to Pigeon Forge and Montgomery which will add a further 450 miles to the trip. . To find out about fuel costs, use the form for calculating the cost of the Chicago IL-Smoky Mountain Ranch TX trip. Churchill Downs officially opened in 1875, but the sport of horse racing can be traced back to 1789 in Kentucky. businesses, or services on the Cabins USA Gatlinburg web site is for informational purposes only. The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr and Coca-Cola, (be sure to check out the museums dedicated to both), this lively city also features the fantastic Georgia Aquarium, some fabulous restaurants, and terrific nightlife. Enjoy a unique dining experience in the stunning Sun Dial Restaurant, on the upper floors, offering unparalleled 360-degree views over the city. Be sure to take refreshment breaks and schedule more stops accordingly. He knows his home well -, Planning adventures in the great outdoors? Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Smoky Mountains right here. 10 hours and several stops later, we were back where we started. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Turn right off hwy 441 in park on to Fighting Gap Creek Road/Little River Road. Take the Scenic Route on America's Prettiest Road Trips - MSN You can view your selected properties by click the "favorites" tab at the top of the search bar. Required fields are marked *. Simply click the "+" sign on the lower left side of the property you are interested in. May consider driving around. Additionally, it contains an archive of documents and Historical photographs. A ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will appeal to thrill-seekers, dropping through lush forest landscape, and taking in the awesome mountain views as you hurtle down the track. Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Founded in 1995, it has collections in skiing, mining Sun Valley, sheep, and Hemingway. Columbus, IN is known for their architecture. Once you get to Indy you really have two options: I-65S through Louisville or I-74E through/around Cinci and then south. Then on Day 2, you could easily include side trips to and stops at both Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area before finishing up in the Great Smoky Mountain are for a couple of days. 600 miles, took around 11hours with multiple breaks and a huge traffic jam at I-75. There is tourist info but also a huge shop with local arts and crafts. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the countys towns of Townsend, Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville, Louisville and Rockford offer travelers a ton of things to do from regional dance and theater performances at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville to in-depth history of the Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. From here you are just 18 miles from Maryville in Blount County, one of the gateway counties to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking is popular in this park. Gatlinburg, Tenn, is the busiest, most touristy gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Gatlinburg, take the US-441 south to Cherokee and then join the US-23 passing through Franklin and Tallulah Falls, continuing for 197 miles as you make your way into the Deep South and the city of Atlanta. Typically 84 flights run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Ordinarily, flying is a more expensive way to make it to the Smoky Mountains, but if you're coming from Chicago, you might want to consider it for several reasons. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Smoky Mountains? The resort is adjacent to the city of Ketchum and within the greater Wood River valley. At 160 miles, this extension to the trip should take a little under 4 hours and 30 minutes, but there will be countless opportunities to stop and admire the stunning mountain vistas and the many fantastic places you will pass along the way. Lexington is a great town. We dont mind passing by mountains in the view on interstate but correct we want to avoid smaller roads through mountains. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations to visit on a road trip from Chicago to Miami. Once you arrive at Tyson McGee, we recommend that you rent a car to drive the remaining 1 hour to the Smoky Mountains. These medium and long distance intercity services operate at speeds of up to 240km/h, to more than 500 destinations. At some point, you will be driving through mountains on the interstate. Lots of lodging and restaurants. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47930643', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cars Rust Lollapalooza. Catch a tour from Pigeon Forge. Take in the great outdoors and stretch your legs with a trail walk, or visit the Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Shells08, what route are you taking to get to P.F.? Finally, before heading to Miami, take a trip to Tampa and witness the wonderful museums, historic Ybor City neighborhood, and the fabulous Busch Gardens. To make it easier for your plan, we have compiled this list of our favorite attractions along the way: The beauty of a road trip from Chicago to Miami is that you can do it at any time of the year. On your return, head up 1-26 to I-40. Click here to skip back to the top. Required fields are marked *, Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains National Park |Road trip |Ghoomnaphirna, on Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains National Park |Road trip |Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Yellowstone National Park | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Key West, Florida |Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna. Entertaining guides bring you deep into the cave for an up to 2.5-hour tour, explaining the geology and history of the cavern. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. It is moments away from the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Centennial Olympic Park. The direct drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Chicago is 600 mi (966 km), and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic. Am I allowed to travel from Chicago to Smoky Mountains? Take an architectural boat tour to get a strong sense of the citys past and present. Road trip loop from Chicago to the Carolinas. However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. Theres also six underground zip lines that make up the worlds only fully underground zip line course. Stops and things to do on Chicago to Gatlinburg drive or road trip The elevation of Sun Valley (at the Lodge) is 5920ft above sea level. Gretto Falls 2.5 mile round-trip trek to the waterfalls. The Skylift ride, the glass bridge glimmering with the kaleidoscopic views of the city, everything seemed magical in the nocturnal obscurity. The 1,385-mile journey from Chicago to Miami takes 21 hours and 10 minutes of pure driving, passing Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Montgomery, Orlando, Tampa, and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Making the trip in the winter months will make for stunning viewing with the mountain peaks covered in snow. LeConte in the Smokies, then start planning your trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN today! Conversely, over the winter months, you might find that snow makes some of the areas around the national parks very difficult, and possibly cause road closures in the mountainous areas. Here youll find plenty of hotels, grocery stores, and gear shops. www.outdoorsy.com. When using our "search" feature, you can make a list of favorites. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Smoky Mountains right here. It is important to allow time to enjoy the many amazing attractions and places along the way. Show only these on map. Do this road trip in an RV to stay close to nature. There are a few things to see in the Louisville/S. Really. If you're going on a road trip from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Chicago, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pigeon Forge . A third of the way into the journey, 472 miles from Chicago, Nashville is a fabulous place to visit. The road climbs some 3,000 feet along the edge of the mountain, and passes through a stunning number of . The Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip - National Geographic With so many firsts in this trip, its always going to be special in our memories, and believe me Smoky mountains National Park islike that.
