Northeast Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places to take a scenic drive along some of the most stunning roads and highways in America. These are some of the best scenic drives in Northeast Tennessee.
“The Snake” – US 421
US 421 in Northeast Tennessee, also known as “The Snake,” is said to be one of the most outstanding drives in the Southeast, boasting 489 curves. Although not for those prone to car sickness, the paved 33-mile road winds drivers along a scenic route nestled between steep mountains and a valley, offering incredible mountain scenery. You can find this drive running between Bristol and Mountain City. If you drive The Snake, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. This drive is also located on a winery route, so if you’re so inclined, stop by Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards to enjoy award-winning wines.
US 321/TN 67
For some stunning lake scenery, the US 321/TN 67 scenic drive follows the shoreline of Watauga Lake, also offering access to several national forest recreation areas. Drivers on this route will enjoy scenic views of both lake and forest lands of Iron Mountain. Once you’re east of the lake, you’ll be offered a choice of routes, offering options to pass through beautiful farmlands and rural areas on your way to either Boone, NC or Mountain City, TN.
Unaka Mountain Scenic Drive
The famed 12-mile Unaka Mountain scenic drive begins in Erwin, TN and makes a loop connecting TN 395, the graveled Forest Road 230, and TN 107, a state scenic parkway. The route winds through Unicoi County’s valley up to high-elevation spruce forests and balds up near the 5,180-foot summit of the Appalachian Trail’s Unaka Mountain, which is also an excellent spot for hiking. You can pair this drive with stops at both the Rock Creek Recreation Area and Limestone Cove Picnic Area.
Because of the gravel portion of this drive, high-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended although anectodally a number of 2WD drivers say they’ve made the drive successfully after recent road improvements. Also, expect Forest Road 230 to be closed between mid-December to mid-March. All things considered, this is an excellent and beautiful scenic drive in Northeast Tennessee, especially for those if you have a vehicle suited for the entire loop.
Paint Fork Gravel Loop
Northeast Tennessee is also convenient to Western North Carolina, making the Paint Fork Gravel Loop/NC 197 scenic drive an easily accessible option! This beautiful ride north of Asheville offers a blend of quiet country road and unpaved state highway. The loop is a local favorite and an excellent drive at any time of year. You can even enjoy roadside waterfalls and some views! This drive is accessible from several North Carolina towns: Burnsville, Weaverville, Mars Hill, or multiple points in between.
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap
The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is a hilly, scenic road winding along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The drive on US 129 passes along the southwest border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Little Tennessee River. Prepare for 318 curves in just 11 miles! In fact, this route has been called America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. Some even say this will be the ride of your life!
Cherokee National Forest
In the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest is a 650,000-acre outdoor mecca. The forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Talk about epic! While the area’s 700 miles of trails make it a hiker’s paradise, this national forest is also perfect for a scenic drive.
TN 395/NC 197
This is a great drive to take heading out straight from the USA Raft Adventure Resort property. Also the route we use to shuttle folks to the put in for the Nolichucky River, this beautiful drive heads from Erwin, Tennessee to Poplar, North Carolina. It covers TN 395 and NC 197, and even crosses the Appalachian Trail at the crest of the drive at Indian Grave Gap.
19W
The 19E drive is a beautiful drive through the mountains. At the top of the drive, the road crosses the Appalachian Trail, and through North Carolina is curves along the gorgeous Cane River. You’ll begin the drive in Ernestville, Tennessee up at the junction with I-26, and follow the road south until it joins with 19E. This is definitely a don’t miss drive in the area if you’re looking for a scenic afternoon.
