Second, you might be able to find a direct flight from Chicago to Tyson McGee Airport near Knoxville. In this car lover's heaven, be sure to visit the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Simply click the "+" sign on the lower left side of the property you are interested in. We have two 13 year olds that will be traveling . Here are five reasons why you should. Leaving Atlanta, take the I-85s for 161 miles to the delightful city of Montgomery. We recommend scheduling at least two overnight stops or more depending on your desire to explore further. Thursday evening before the long weekend is always very heavy on traffic and we experienced thatpain. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. :). If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy unwind after a truly memorable road trip, the RiverStone Resort & Spa will definitely deliver, located in Pigeon Forge at the base of the Smoky Mountains. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. 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. On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, . Fans of all ages can take a nostalgic journey through musical history with the hits of Stevie Wonder to the Temptations, and many more. Here is the other water drop, this needed a short climb downwards from the main fall. A road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach covers four distinct types of landscape: bustling cities, peaceful countryside, dramatic mountains, and sandy beaches. I made this trip about six years ago. From Nashvillehead toward Chattanooga then Atlanta. Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park, none beats the elegance and beauty of Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection. From Chicago, you will drive along the shores of Lake Michigan on Interstate 90 E until you reach Exit 17 and merge onto Interstate 65 S to Indianapolis. We have stayed in downtown Lexington and found it a safe city with some charm. pinsent masons chambers student . Cabins USA Gatlinburg does not endorse any of For an incredible scenic drive, take the two-lane Foothills Parkway located off Hwy. There are many places to stop between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains and you'll pass many cities and be spoilt for choice with accommodation options. . Fun Fact: Interstate 65, which takes you down to Nashville on this road trip, connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. And the glass bridge was totally worth the hype! Rome2rio has everything you need to know about travelling with Amtrak, Rome2rios guide on the bus operator has all the information you need. There are several bridges in the Louisville area. Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. View all posts by Amit Sharma, Your email address will not be published. Situated almost halfway into this fabulous road trip, 719 miles from Chicago, the place to stay is undoubtedly the Westin Peachtree Plaza. The best way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains is to fly which takes 6h 26m and costs $180-$650. The rafting trip itself was impeccable gentle 1.5 hour ride with Class 1/2 rapids. long term rentals in vilcabamba, ecuador; celebrity fight night; chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops The sprawling landscape encompases lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Think Pink Dollar Mountain (6638ft., 2023 m) is a ski hill in south central Idaho, part of the Sun Valley ski resort. Given the distance between Chicago and Miami, the route is filled with amazing tourist destinations, and you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to stay on your overnight stops. Initial stop was Mammoth Cave, did the short 1-2 hour tour and got on the road to Chattanooga. Since it looks like you're a baseball fan, you might enjoy the Louisville Slugger museum and factory. From here, take the I-95 S for the final stretch of the journey which will take you to Miami. The route rewards drivers with mountain views that can be photographed from a number of scenic pullouts. For help planning your getaway to Gatlinburg, feel free to contact our helpful reservations office at (865) 436-5031 today! The most visited National Park in the country needs no commentary from my side to extoll its virtues. :). Luckily, we found this hidden pearl called Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks. We dont mind passing by mountains in the view on interstate but correct we want to avoid smaller roads through mountains. During the summer months, it can be hot, averaging around 90 degrees in the Deep South and Florida, so air-conditioning is a must. I-65S from Indy: Columbus, IN is known for their architecture. There are a few things to see in the Louisville/S. The Little River Scenic Drive was at a few minutes drive from Laurel Falls and it is best to visit them together. Leaving Pigeon Forge, take the US-321 south and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains as you make the short 8-mile journey to Gatlinburg. They have a very, very small air museum that I've only driven by. Gatlinburg, Tenn, is the busiest, most touristy gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The social distance requirement in Smoky Mountains is 2 metres. The I-40 corridor between Asheville to TN is steep and in Knoxville, you get on I-75 which will also have a steep incline until you get to KY . An important thing to know is the citys name is actually pronounced Luhlville by the locals and everyone else in Kentucky. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. While this may seem like quite a long distance, the scenic landscape and attractions along the way will make . We then strolled in Gatlinburg downtown and visited Ripleys Believe It or Not museum before the hunger pangs kicked in. It was outlandish, insane and incredible trip all together. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Once we reached the falls, there were couple of spots to soothe the sore legs in cold water, heres the main water drop . Your email address will not be published. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, and their signature heavenly bed will ensure the perfect restorative sleep, so you are fully refreshed and ready for the day of adventure ahead. If you choose to visit during spring, the crowds will be significantly smaller and hotel prices relatively low. Greyhound is a leading bus company based in Dallas, Texas, serving over 3800 destinations across North America, Mexico and Canada. Simply select the 2 3 properties you wish to compare, then click "compare" to see these rentals side-by-side. We started on Thursday evening before the long weekend, and we had threecars carrying the group of 12. You will cover a distance of 657 miles should you choose to drive without making a stop. It's only 1 hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. So, there we went. This luxury 5-star hotel has a fabulous outdoor swimming pool, an excellent restaurant, and an onsite fitness center, so there is plenty to help you relax and unwind after your drive before hitting the town. Walk along sloped decks, see the grand staircase, touch an iceberg and witness hundreds of original artifacts. The bridge over the Ohio is not as high and slightly shorter by Cincinnati. 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. I will be sure to stop at that abandoned brewery and also try our luck at watching the Jay's potato chip factory unload potatoes. It is perfectly placed to take in the nightlife and indulge in the delicious southern cuisine. . As far as bridges go, you will have to cross several on your route to and from Hilton Head. 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. After cruising through the few miles of the road which meanders along the Little River, we parked here and spent couple of hours on the river, enjoying the stream of cool flowing water. Please Note: Cabins USA Gatlinburg's area information, Continue reading to get all you need to make an exciting itinerary, exploring everything this route has to offer. Heading onwards, take the I-85 east to Albany then join the US-82 heading south towards Florida. The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains will be memorable whichever time of year you decide to go, which is all dependent on your preferences for the weather and the season. Nonstop chatter, loud music, late night dance and songs, and variety of food, at the rental home that we bookedin Smoky Mountains National Park. . Rise and shine - We left sharp at 6 AM in our Durango R/T to kick-start our first summer road trip of 2021. There is currently construction on I-65 N after you exit I-265. By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties. Amtrak is a rail service that connects the US and three Canadian provinces. There is also an abandoned Fallstaff Brewery on the east side of the City. Road trips don't come more iconic than Route 66, which makes its way from Santa Monica in California to Chicago, Illinois. The cavern is actually man-made and offers experiences for the whole family. It was almost 10:30 PM by the time we got off the Skylift and finding food was a huge pain at that time in Gatlinburg. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? For the detail oriented folks, here is the link to know all about it. The road climbs some 3,000 feet along the edge of the mountain, and passes through a stunning number of . Please share your thoughts on this post or your own Smoky Mountain Trip ideas in the comments section. Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. The docents are super entertaining and informative. Good part Gatlinburg has a ton of restaurants. We will be traveling with our dog near the end of March from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are many excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. As a result, flying can be a cheaper, time-efficient way to get from Chicago to the Smokies. The distance between Chicago and Smoky Mountains is 2206 km. You can also catch Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, a festival of Bavarian food, drink, and music accompanied by the fabulous Smoky Mountains Oompah band. Show only these on map. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. 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. I imagine traffic in Cincinnati will be about the same as Louisvilleit all depends on when you travel. Bald Mountain (9150 feet, 2789 m) is a mountain in south central Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Stop 1: Sevierville Distance from Knoxville: 29 miles Pay homage to the great Dolly Parton at her Dollywood theme 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. Our neighing neighbors, as seen from our countryside cottage. If you're ready to explore beautiful destinations like Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and Mt. This post has already been read 2799 times! Louisville has a tourist website you can check out for other ideas. web site are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information. We treat any information that you share as confidential. . questions regarding any content should be directed to the appropriate organization and not necessarily to Cabins If you are I would go north from Lexington on 75 and hit 74 in Cincinnati and not go over to Louisville. We are stopping in Nashville, TN on the way there and sleeping overnight and then stopping in Lexington Kentucky to stay overnight on the way back. Other than that, you can hit the open road whenever you feel like it. Sun Valley is a resort city in Blaine County in central Idaho, in the western United States. At Louisville Mega Cavern, youll have an adventure like none other, exploring some of the 17 miles of corridors beneath the city. businesses, or services on the Cabins USA Gatlinburg web site is for informational purposes only. So, it took us couple of hours to have lunch. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Road trip loop from Chicago to the Carolinas. Chicago is 587.3 miles away from the Smoky Mountains by car. First, 10 hours of driving takes a lot of energy and time you might rather want to use for enjoying your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dom highest point at Smoky with stunning views. Leaving Chicago, take the I-90 along the shores of Lake Michigan for just over 30 Miles. You can choose to stay in one or more of the many fascinating cities along the route or take a more secluded getaway in one of the national parks. Indiana area. Making the trip in the winter months will make for stunning viewing with the mountain peaks covered in snow. Luckily, United Airline's largest hub is based in O'Hare and this airline also services Knoxville's airport. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Again, mostly a wilderness type area, which you could find in Great Smoky Mountains area. Once you arrive at Tyson McGee, we recommend that you rent a car to drive the remaining 1 hour to the Smoky Mountains. However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum is the official museum of Ketchum Sun Valley located in Ketchum, Idaho. Walking the numerous trails, however, even for a short distance, provides a much richer experience. 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. A total of 2,448 miles (3,940km) weave, wind, rise and dip through . Doing this will add the rental to your favorites list. 1. The quickest flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum Airport is the direct flight which takes 4h 3m. There are a few log cabins and churches too which were constructed in the 1800s. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. After a quick pit-stop at Louisville, KY to feed our V8 engine hauling us; we had lunch at Taco Bell in Lexington city. Be sure to enjoy the magnificent 23 miles of Daytona Beach and experience the thrill of the many theme parks of Orlando. Chicago is 587.3 miles away from the Smoky Mountains by car. Just two and a half hours southwest of Louisville lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Smoky Mountains right here. The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are world-famous for their beautiful views, impressive forests, lovely waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and historic sights. Mileage: It's 1,379 miles between the two cities. The resort is adjacent to the city of Ketchum and within the greater Wood River valley. It is about 20-30 minutes from Lexington. Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request. customize this trip Day 1 11:00 am start in Chicago drive for about 2.5 hours 1:41 pm Crawfordsville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:41 pm drive for about 2.5 hours 5:00 pm Sellersburg (Indiana) After coming up for air, hit the road and point your wheels toward Nashville. Tip: Would highly recommend carrying picnic chairs and some water floats for kids to enjoy the stream. Rising 73 floors above downtown Atlanta, the hotel offers world-class service and impressive amenities. Start in Chicago and head down along the historic Route 66 to reach St. Louis, the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways, and the Ozarks Mountains. The one time i took 65, i left VERY early (5.30 AM) and beat the morning rush if you get out early on a saturday morn, you SHOULD be OK, but you'll still encounter a lot of trucks. IMO, the few advantages of 65 over 57 is it's about 30 or 40 miles shorter (big whip if you get stuck in traffic), it's more scenic (57 doesn't start getting interesting till southern ILL), and it allows you to circumvent downtown nashville more easily as traffic there can be just as bad as chicago at times. but since you're stopping there one of the ways, it's a moot point. second the chattanooga traffic comment we just passed thru there over t-giving and it was HORRIBLE, and there's no viable way to get around the city because it's surrounded by mountains. also, about a half hour north of chattanooga along I-24 is the monteagle pass.. it's one of the steepest stretches of interstate i've ever experienced and best done during the day.. people fly up and down that stretch, so be aware of that since there are some pretty decent turns on it as well. if it's been raining, there are some pretty cool waterfalls (albeit man-made as they tumble down the road cut) along the way, but watch your speed! Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the national park due to its plentiful wildlife and many historic buildings you can explore. We have family in northern TN so travel that way about every month or so. After an excursion in the Smoky Mountains, you can return to the heated indoor pool or hot tub, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, and sample the delights on offer in the resort's sophisticated restaurant. A road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will take you to one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit, through some of the most majestic mountain scenery, taking in many interesting attractions along the way. LeConte in the Smokies, then start planning your trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN today! 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. It is currently 23:08 in Chicago and 22:08 in Smoky Mountains. . My main concerns are construction/traffic as well as we have a major concern of wanting to avoid windy, bridges/single roads in the Smoky Mountains as we both are anxious of heights/bridges. The Lincoln Bridge handles northbound traffic. During my years living in Illinois, I took numerous road trips from Chicago. Key stops are Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg as well as Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 10 hours and several stops later, we were back where we started. 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. Gretto Falls 2.5 mile round-trip trek to the waterfalls. We went to AMSE, and spent few hours there. The trip passes through nine states . Finally, before heading to Miami, take a trip to Tampa and witness the wonderful museums, historic Ybor City neighborhood, and the fabulous Busch Gardens. The direct Interstate-65 route will introduce you to some truly memorable scenery. You could allot two weeks for the trip. Any mention of vendors, products, (Photo: Alamy) Your next stop on your Smoky Mountains family vacation is Sevierville, which lays claim to Dolly Parton and her eponymous family amusement park. You can easily avoid the smaller roads that go through the Smoky Mountains. Music fans must check out the famous Grand Ole Opry House. I've never really stopped anywhere along the way, though I've done some research on the areas and might visit them in the future. Just when we were returning back from the Cades Cove, all disappointed, we saw a ton of cars stopped on the side and people flocking near the woods. Lexington is a great town. We are stopping in Nashville, TN on the way there and sleeping overnight and then. 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. Very safe. Another Tip: The Little River Scenic Drive is full of tiny little splash pods. Then, stretch your legs, head to the Music City Walk of Fame on Nashvilles Music Mile to see the names of accomplished artists with a Nashville connection of all musical genres. One of many Smokey overlooks with panoramic views. Falls of the Ohio State Park is in Indiana, just across from Louisville, offers great photos of the downtown Louisville skyline across the river. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Pass through the Woods Ferry conservation area before heading east onto the I-10 towards Jacksonville. Jays Potato Chip factory. South of Lexington is Berea, KY. Our trip to zip line was also special, as many of us did that for the first time in life. Your email address will not be published. Continue onwards, passing Mingo Falls to Cherokee, with its famous Indian Museum. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Smoky Mountains? 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. Hiking is popular in this park. The 2 bridges on I -65 are toll bridges. The population was 1,406 at the 2010 census, down from 1,427 in 2000. Road Trip From Chicago To Mackinac Island, Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park, If you plan to check out the city, the Hyatt Centric Downtown is a fabulous place to stay, the place to stay is undoubtedly the Westin Peachtree Plaza. Experience the vibrant local arts scene, visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, or plan your trip to coincide with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47723701', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago to Pigeon Forge. The last stop of the day was the Cades Cove. 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. It's a popular time for winter sports lovers and skiing enthusiasts and the local Christmas markets make it extra special at this magical time of year. I use AllTrails.com as my trail guide and have found their trail inventories well-equipped, here is the link to other hiking options at Smoky Rich in cultural and natural history, it is well worth stopping off to explore. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Am I allowed to travel from Chicago to Smoky Mountains? Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Additionally, you clear your favorites list by clicking "remove all" on the favorites bar. Both known for German heritage. Only a couple are toll free. The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains costs only $133, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. The road here takes some dramatic twists and turns and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop and savor the views. You could detour to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park if weather permitting. 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. . Rent an RV with Outdoorsy There were less people in the bottom fall, which was a relief. Expect to see lush greenery as you drive down the route and hit the mountains. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. For travel flexibility, you can board or get off a Greyhound bus at official Greyhound stations, partner stations and curbside stops. 6 Best Road Trips Chicago to Nashville and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Stop at a shiny bean, an underground corridor, a racetrack and a music mecca on your way to the national park. Bad part Every one of them was brimming with people. Sunrise at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We dont mind passing by mountains in the view on interstate but correct we want to avoid smaller roads through mountains. We did not see many vegetarian options there. Its the first public outdoor work of British artist Anish Kapoor to appear in the United States. Baldy has one of the higher summits of the Smoky Mountains of Idaho, that are located in the Sawtooth National Forest. Horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Enjoy these scenic drives and road trips to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other spots in Tennessee and North Carolina. Next 2 days that we spent in Smoky mountains were all fun, as went on doing lot of outdoor activities like zip line, horse riding, helicopter trip etc. It takes approximately 6h 26m to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains, including transfers. This one-way route takes you through three Midwestern states: Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. Alternatively, you may use. Do bear in mind some attractions may be closed as they transition from winter. Leaving Louisville, take the Interstate 64 E into the heart of Bluegrass Country, and after 80 miles, you will arrive at Lexington. Three hours east of Nashville, clocking in at 180 miles, make a pit stop in Knoxville. A showcase of whos who in architecture, this interactive park is an adult playground. The state capital of Georgia also boasts awesome food, culture, and nightlife scene. Most of the folks in our raft had little to no experience as well and this trip was a great way to expose them to the world of white-water rafting. They serve a unique Greek-style chili on spaghetti noodles and heaping portions of cheddar cheese you don't want to miss! The River Rat Water Tubing Outpost river tubing, swimming and cliff jumping, highly recommended. But you can also get away from it all at a unique lodging option with Under Canvas. The first stop was at a coffee joint at Lafayette, Indiana. From here, head south and join Interstate 75 where you will arrive at Lexington, where our main route continues.