off road tours nashville

THE BEST Nashville 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours

4wd, atv & off-road tours in nashville.

• Equipment Hire
• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Golf Courses
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Downtown Nashville
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Jack'd Up Nashville

2. Nashville UTV Rentals

3. SLINGSHOTS OF NASHVILLE (RENTALS)

THE BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Nashville, TN

4wd, atv & off-road tours in nashville.

• Equipment Hire
• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Golf Courses
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Downtown Nashville
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Jack'd Up Nashville

2. Nashville UTV Rentals

3. SLINGSHOTS OF NASHVILLE (RENTALS)

UTV & ATV Riding In Tennessee

Unleash adventure mud, mountains, and memories.

Caleb Smith

April 4, 2024

Kristin Sopko

March 3, 2024

Waterandsunshine

February 2, 2024

Cori Betson

January 1, 2024

Ray Dennison

December 12, 2023

Siobhan Acosta

steve curton

November 11, 2023

Off-Road Tennessee: Pioneer's Premier ATV & UTV Mountain Rentals

Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush of careening down the steep hills? Here at Royal Blue Adventure Rentals, we'll get you outdoors on the ATV trails in Tennessee in style! We offer direct trail access to a trail system of the best-rugged terrain of any off-road park. We'll take you on a guided ATV trail of beautiful scenery and winding creeks, with views of some of the best scenery nature, has to offer around Pioneer, Tennessee.

We offer some of the best ATV riding in Tennessee, and our UTV and ATV trails range from beginner to expert. Whether you're an experienced rider or this is your first time on the ATV trails in Tennessee, we've got you covered! Our trail adventures take you around the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (Royal Blue) measuring 200,000+ acres. Take one of our detailed trail maps and ride Royal Blue today!

Conquer the Terrain!

Full-Day UTV Rentals

We have the perfect ride for you! Spend a full day riding around the mountainous terrain of Tennessee with a UTV rental from Royal Blue Adventures.

A guide can be provided for you to follow who have extensive knowledge of the trails including points of interest not shown on the map. Your ride will be tailored to your level of experience and what you would like to see and do at a pace you set.

Two-Day UTV Rental

We have the perfect ride for you! Spend two full days riding around the mountainous terrain of Tennessee with a UTV rental from Royal Blue Adventures. Daily Return Required.

Three-Day UTV Rental

We have the perfect ride for you! Spend a full three days riding around the mountainous terrain of Tennessee with a UTV rental from Royal Blue Adventures. Daily Return Required.

Four-Day UTV Rental

We have the perfect ride for you! Spend a full four days riding around the mountainous terrain of Tennessee with a UTV rental from Royal Blue Adventures. Daily Return Required.

Five- Day UTV Rental

We have the perfect ride for you! Spend a full five days riding around the mountainous terrain of Tennessee with a UTV rental from Royal Blue Adventures. Daily Return Required.

Six-Day UTV Rental

We have the perfect ride for you! Spend a full six days riding around the mountainous terrain of Tennessee with a UTV rental from Royal Blue Adventures. Daily Return Required.

Gift Certificates

Looking for an exciting and adventurous gift idea? Consider purchasing a gift certificate for UTV rentals! UTVs, also known as side-by-sides or utility task vehicles, are rugged, off-road vehicles that provide an exciting and memorable outdoor experience. Gift certificates for UTV rentals are a great gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Why choose us?

Pioneer Is The Place To Ride!

We know that safety is important when heading out on the UTV and ATV trails, which is why we offer only top-of-the-line equipment. The Pioneer ATV trails are rugged, and off-road trails require the best vehicles for a safe and fun time. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is ready to answer all of your questions about our vehicles, ATV parks, and the off-road trails around the Royal Blue Resort.

Mountain Views

The mountains of Tennessee offer a peaceful and relaxing environment that can be a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its views provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience. Whether you are hiking through the mountains or riding along scenic trails, you will be awe-inspired by the stunning vistas that Tennessee has to offer.

Tennessee is a great destination for waterfall lovers because it has a wide variety of waterfalls that are easily accessible to visitors. The state's waterfalls range in size from small trickles to towering cascades. These are often located in state parks or other natural areas, making them easily accessible to outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

The diverse landscapes of Tennessee include mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes, which provide a variety of habitats for wildlife. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and many bird species, making it a great place for birdwatching.

Pioneer, Tennessee

Pioneer, TN, is a special place for outdoor enthusiasts, especially UTV and ATV riders. With scenic landscapes and a vast network of trails, Pioneer has something for every style of trail rider looking for spectacular UTV and ATV trails. Our trails range from low and easy to steep and thrilling and riders of all skill levels will find a trail they will enjoy.

Pioneer also has a strong ATV culture and is a hub for ATV enthusiasts, as competitions and events have been held in the area many times because as we know, ATV trails in Tennessee are some of the best in the world. The beautiful scenery of Pioneer, Tennessee, and its extensive trail network make it a must-see destination for any ATV rider. Let us get you started riding the beautiful trails of Pioneer today!

Frequently asked questions

How old do i need to be to drive the utv.

Drivers must be at least 25 years of age with a valid driver's license.

Do you provide helmets?

Yes, we have helmets available for use, or bring your own. TWRA requires helmets for riders under the age of 18.

Do you provide maps?

Yes, we provide a map outlining the trails and points of interest. Trails are numbered and indicate the level of difficulty. There are also GPS apps available.

Can I keep the machine overnight for a multi-day rental?

Insurance requires that machines be returned daily by 5 pm. This also allows us to check over the machine and top off the fuel for another full day of riding. The $60 cleaning/refuel fee is a one-time charge for single or multiple-day rentals.

Is there a charge for late return?

There is a $75/hour charge for returns after 5 pm.

What is the $1500 credit card hold for?

The hold is for incidental damage. This is released when the machine is returned damage free. The expectation is that riders will operate responsibly. Our machines are 2023 models – maintained and serviced.

What about permits to ride Royal Blue?

There is a link on our site to gooutdoorstennessee.com to purchase trail passes. TWRA requires one permit per vehicle not per person.

Out-of-State: Daily: Type 38 – $40 7 Day: Type 72 plus Type 93 – $84 Annual: Type 71 plus Type 93 – $133

Tennessee Residents: Daily: Type 36 – $18 Annual: Type 1 plus Type 93 – $56

A Sportsman and Lifetime License holder or Active Military Member will cover your riding permit.

If we missed anything send us an email and we’re happy to help!

How can I buy Royal Blue merchandise?

You can order our new Royal Blue Adventures hoodies online or by calling 423-319-6119

Where can I ride?

Our machines are for use on the Royal Blue trail system. With 200,000 acres to explore there is so much to see and do.

Recent news

11 Exciting Day Trips From Knoxville For Nature Lovers

Are you running low on ideas for day trips from Knoxville? Don’t worry; there are so many hidden and unique attractions for you to explore. As a true nature devotee, you can embark on unending trails, conquer majestic mountains, marvel…

9 Fun Things To Do In Knoxville, TN With Kids For A Perfect Outing

Are you planning a family vacation but don’t know where to start? How about visiting Knoxville to unwind? You can’t run out of exciting things to do in Knoxville, TN with kids. From riding ATVs in the mud, going back…

9 Fun & Unique Things To Do In East Tennessee

Are you looking for fun and exciting things to do in East Tennessee? Easy Peasy! We have top-of-the-line attractions and activities in Eastern Tennessee for you and your family. For a thrilling adrenaline-filled adventure, buckle up for a UTV ride…

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THE 10 BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Tennessee, United States

4wd, atv & off-road tours in tennessee.

• Golf Courses
• Hiking Trails
• Gear Rentals
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Smoky Mountains Jeep Tours
• Fisher's Off-Road Rentals
• Downtown Nashville
• Riverfront Park
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Smoky Mountains Roaring Fork Guided Sightseeing Tour by Jeep

2. East Tennessee Off Road ATV Guided Experience

3. Smoky Mountains Newfound Gap Jeep Tour

4. 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville

5. Small-Group Jeep Tour of Smoky Mountains Foothills Parkway

6. Tennessee Back Country 4 Hour Guided SXS Ride

7. Tennessee Hampshire Winery Tour 4 Hour Guided SXS Ride

8. Big E’s Bronco Tours - Nashville Music History and Cultural Tour

9. Private Downtown Nashville Party Tractor Tour 21+ Only!

10. East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

11. Waterfalls and Breweries Tour from Bryson City, NC

12. Helicopter Ride in Smoky Mountain Sevierville Mountain Jumper

13. Winterfest Scenic Evening Tour

What travelers are saying.

Dual Purpose Tennessee

(615) 948-8189

Tennessee Dirt Devil Off road Motorcycle / Jeep Adventure Trail

Dual Sport Motorcycle and Jeep Friendly

 At Dual Purpose Tennessee we feel that any motorcycle other than a dual sport is only half a motorcycle. Nothing compares to the best of both worlds, on and off road, adventure riding that only these bikes can deliver. In 2008, through miles of old fashioned map tracking and lots of late night hard work, a great riding area was established in middle Tennessee. The "Tennessee Dirt Devil" is over 200 miles of overlook bluffs, waterfalls, creek crossings, and beautiful rolling hills. The riding area is estimated to be 75% old country dirt roads and 25% paved roads. The "Tennessee Dirt Devil" received it's name by the funnel shape appearance laid out on the map. The entire riding area is compiled of 100% public access roads so your motorcycle DOES HAVE TO BE STREET LEGAL. This is absolutely the best dual sport motorcycle riding in middle Tennessee and beyond. The trail opening is located about 35 to 40 minutes southeast of Nashville, Tennessee. The trail is rated at a moderate level riding and has been proven to be beginner friendly. Jeeps have also come to love the TN Dirt Devil for its scenery and non-brutal terrain. The trail is friendly enough to not damage your vehicle, but challenging enough to make you feel like you're doing something. We offer map sales of the "Tennessee Dirt Devil" for your own self-guided adventure. The trail is available all day, every day. The maps are $20 +$2.50 S/H. They can be acquired through the "ORDER A MAP NOW"  link using Paypal, or by calling 615-948-8189. Dave Maddox and Dual Purpose Tennessee would like to thank all of the riders who have supported me in this venture. Without you my dream job would have never come to life. It has been a pleasure meeting and riding with each and every one of you. Please ride safely and respect the local landowners. I truly thank you for your support.   -DAVE MADDOX 

  The map contains over 200 miles of middle Tennessee's best dual purpose motorcycle riding. It is an easy to read and follow fold out map that directs you through waterfalls, creek crossings, overlook bluffs, beautiful rolling hills, with the peace and serenity of being in the middle of nowhere. These are 100% public access roads so YOUR MOTORCYLE DOES HAVE TO BE STREET LEGAL. Located only 35 to 40 minutes out of Nashville, this trail promises fun and adventure for anyone.  

THE "TENNESSEE DIRT DEVIL," IS TENNESSEE'S BEST ON/OFF ROAD DUAL SPORT MOTORCYCLE / JEEP RIDING TRAIL

OVER 200 MILES OF FUN!

WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERING DUSTY SMILES FOR OVER 10 YEARS

COME JOIN THE ADVENTURE

Are PDF maps available?

No. Only hard copy, copyright maps are sold. Due to PDF map sharing, some bad apples have ended up on the "private property, do not enter" area listed on the map. Understandably this has caused issues with these private landowners. The hard copy map clearly lists the public access areas and avoids all private property and ensures us a great place to ride for many more days to come.

Is this just a motorcycle trail or is my Jeep or 4x4 ok?

The trail was originally created for dual sport motorcycles but Jeeps and 4x4's have come to enjoy the trail as well. Just please obey the areas on the map and respect the landowners to ensure we keep this great riding area in the future. Also, please pull over and heed the right of way to horseback riders.

Do I need four wheel drive or what kind of tires do I need?  

No, you don't need four wheel drive. The trail is not brutal, mostly scenic. The terrain changes from dirt to street so there is no magic tire fit. I have seen both street bike as well as dirt bike tires perform well on the trail.

Are ATVs allowed or do you rent motorcycles or ATVS?

The trail is comprised of all public access roads so your vehicle does need to be street legal. We do not offer any rentals.

How soon will I receive my map?

Maps are usually always shipped out the same or following day after I receive Paypal or a check payment. Depending on where you live most maps are received within one to two days. 

Can I purchase a map in person to ride the same day?

Yes, sometimes. I travel for my job during the week but often if you contact me with advanced notice I can make arrangements to get you a map the same day. Again as much notice as possible helps with this request. 

Are there fuel stops on the trail?

Yes, a few, and they are listed on the map, but it is strongly encouraged to fill up before starting your adventure on the trail.

How long is the trail and how long does it take?

The map consists of over 200 miles. I always highlight the route for the guided tours we provided in the past. The highlighted area is what we consider the "best of, most scenic" on the map. It is a nice full days ride, however you can always stop your adventure whenever you would like and postpone the remainder for another day. The full map could be completed in two days.

Is there tent camping on the trail?

Unfortunately, there is no camping allowed on the trail due to the fact that it is private property on both sides of the trail. However, there is a local state camping listed on the map near the trail. Hotels would be suggested for Franklin, Columbia or Bed and Breakfast' in Leipers Fork.

Is the Tennessee Dirt Devil Closed?  

Absolutely not. There is a private road area near the trail that has always been labeled as "private, do not enter" since day one in 2008. Some idiots have chosen to either not purchase a map, or share GPS tracks and have ended up on private land, giving the trail a bad name. This area is not The Tennessee Dirt Devil, never has been and never will be. I support these local land owners protecting their land and I completely understand their frustration. Often I get the blame for them getting on private land, even though I've never met or talked to them. These same morons that have nothing to do with my map or my company have chosen to post that the trail is closed. It is not closed. The area they are speaking of is a private road area and has been since 2008 and never has been part of my map. The map is comprised of 100 percent public access roads. If you would like to purchase a map we will be more than happy to get you a copy. We just ask that you follow the rules plainly stated on the map of staying off of the local private property 

24/7 MAP SALES KIOSK

2808 faith lane spring hill, tn 37174 (not trail), [email protected].

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Production Credits

Website and video produced by Payton Maddox

Pro video footage by CamSaleFilmDept - https://www.camsalefilmdept.com/

Helmet cam video provided by Jared Clement

Jeep footage provided by Darrel Klassen

Music used in video - Bad Motor Scooter by Montrose

Copyright © 2022 Dual Purpose Tennessee - All Rights Reserved. 

Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Nashville, Tennessee

Old mill creek road, ginger ridge, coalmont ohv company farm road, coalmont trail 11 green, coalmont ohv trail 2 green, coalmont ohv main road, coalmont trail 15, geezers trail part 1, rimshot fsr 124, tornado valley fsr 112, lady cemetery fsr 128, kuttawa landing fsr 127, davenport bay fsr 127b.

THE BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Nashville, TN

4wd, atv & off-road tours in nashville.

• Equipment Hire
• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Golf Courses
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Downtown Nashville
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Jack'd Up Nashville

2. Nashville UTV Rentals

3. SLINGSHOTS OF NASHVILLE (RENTALS)

• Get Your Offroad Shop On The Map
• Community Ads
• FAQ & How To

Where2Wheel Off Road Blog

Posted in Off Road Trails .

Off road trails near Nashville, Tennessee - Jeep & 4x4 offroad trails

Want to go offroading near nashville, tennessee, where2wheel will help you find off road trails near you  we only cover jeep trails, 4x4 trails, truck trails, and ohv trails.  keep reading and we will point out off road places near nashville, tn..

Where2Wheel's offroad trails map that covers the entire USA is a community based venture that relies on individual offroaders contributing their knowledge to keep the map accurate, current, and up-to-date.  So if you do go wheeling at any of the trails that you find in this articles or at any other off road trails, please leave a review on Where2Wheel .  Also, if needed, please make any adjustments to the trails description, since trail conditions can and often do, change frequently.  Just register for a free account to leave trail reviews and/or make edits - it's quick & easy!

Alright, we are talking about off road trails near Nashville, TN.  Last Warning, the off road trails mentioned are Jeep trails and 4x4 trails large/wide enough to fit a passenger vehicle - no ATVs or dirtbikes talked about here.  The first off road trail near Nashville, Tennessee is Wooly's Off Road located 55 miles south of Nashville for a drive time just shy of one hour.  Wooly's Off Road is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8am till dark, and here you will find a wide variety of terrain ranging in difficulty from mild to wild.  Additionally Wooly's is one of the most affordable off road park you can visit with admission only being $15 per person; visit Wooly's Off Road website here for more information .  You can see what other wheelers are saying about Wooly's Off Road and other trails by visiting the Where2Wheel trails map here .

The next offroad trail near Nashville, Tennessee is Wheelin In The Country located 70 miles southwest of Nashville for a drive time of an hour and fifteen minutes.  Wheelin In The Country is another park where you can find terrain varying from mild to wild, and this park has been a hometown favorite offroad park for Nashville residents for awhile now.  However, info on Wheelin In The Country can be hard to find, so check out their Facebook page here if you need some additional info before your visit.  Reminder, you can browse the offroad trails map anytime for free on Where2Wheel .  There is a good chance that since writing this article that new off road trails near Nashville, TN have been added, so click here to view the W2W map and check the area for yourself.

The last offroad trail near Nashville, TN is Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area located 102 miles northwest of Nashville for a drive time of approximately an hour and forty minutes.  Turkey Bay has more than 100 miles of trails and is regarded to have some of the most beautiful scenery of any USA off road parks.  There are accommodations for camping at Turkey Bay OHV Area, and to find out more information before planning your trip, check here .  Don't forget to visit the Where2Wheel off road trails map to see all the off road trails near Nashville, Tennessee.  We also have a great community of offroaders on W2W , so be sure to check out the news feed and groups sections of Where2Wheel as well.

Lastly, feel free to create an account on Where2Wheel ; it's free to use and you can find other offroaders in your area that you can hit the trails with.  If you do enjoy using W2W and want to support us, please either tell your offroading pals about the site or sign-up for a premium account, which takes ads off the map for just $2.99/month.

Thanks for reading about some of the offroad trails near Nashville, TN.  For more off road trail information you can visit Where2Wheel or check out our Tennessee blog about offroad spots in TN .

• Last updated on 20 November 2021 .
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You can escape the downtown Nashville crowds here: Local hidden gems

From overlooked roadside attractions to offbeat museums and obscure natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will showcase some of the unique and unexpected treasures that make America extraordinary. We will emphasize charm, surprise and delight.

Local hidden gem:  Radnor Lake, Nashville

Downtown Nashville, among the city’s most popular tourist destinations, is known for its symphony of twangy guitars emanating from the windows of honky tonks . But visitors who are looking for some peace and quiet don’t have to go far.

Radnor Lake State Natural Area and State Park , about a 25-minute drive from Lower Broadway, offers a far more muted soundtrack courtesy of its wildlife. That includes owls, waterfowl, otters and more throughout its 1,389 acres (and counting).

Roughly 10 miles from Nashville’s urban center, Radnor feels a world away. You could spend much of the day there if you want, but it’s just as easy to duck in for a quick walk or find a place to perch and watch the water.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Radnor is free to visit and open all year from 6 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset. The park offers more than seven miles of hiking trails flanked by wildflowers, mosses and fungi. Visitors can also jog, ride bikes and stroll with pets where there is asphalt or gravel.

Local hidden gem: A perfect symbol of resistance in New York

The park’s Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center – a short hike from nearby parking areas – hosts open houses on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Self-guided tours offer a chance to see birds of prey, snakes and turtles.

Pro tip: Parking can fill up quickly, so consider taking a rideshare.

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220

More information: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans are following her across the pond after missing out on her U.S. concert tour last year or being put off by marked-up ticket prices.

Taylor Swift fans drinking at The Black Dog in Vauxhall, south London, said they were there thanks to the track “The Black Dog,” in which the singer describes monitoring an unnamed ex’s visit “into some bar called The Black Dog,” through location share on her phone.

In this image taken from video, fans pose with a life-size image of Taylor Swift at a club that plays only Swift’s music in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. There will be three shows in Stockholm. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

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Taylor Swift fan Brodie MacArthur from east London poses with a friend’s dog next to a sign featuring Taylor Swift lyrics outside The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall, London, Saturday, May 4, 2024. As Taylor Swift prepares to launch the Europe leg of her blockbuster Eras tour, thousands of her fans from the U.S. and Canada are following her across the pond. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Drinks are prepared in the Black Dog pub, thought to be mentioned in a Taylor Swift song, in London, Saturday, May 4, 2024. As Taylor Swift prepares to launch the Europe leg of her blockbuster Eras tour, thousands of her fans from the U.S. and Canada are following her across the pond. Some Swifties decided to see Swift in one of the 18 cities on the pop star’s tour after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and scalping in Europe made seeing Miss Americana perform abroad less of a splurge. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 9, 2023. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

In this image taken from video, Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, is shown on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024. Taylor Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour, with three shows in Stockholm, on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

In this image taken from video, Taylor Swift fans sing and dance at a nightclub event called ‘Ready for It’ that only plays Swift’s music in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. There will be three shows in Stockholm. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

LONDON (AP) — Thousands of ride-or-die Taylor Swift fans who missed out on her U.S. concert tour last year or didn’t want to buy exorbitantly priced tickets to see her again found an out-of-the-way solution: Fly to Europe.

The pop star is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, and planeloads of Swifties plan to follow Miss Americana across the pond in the coming weeks. The arena where Swift is appearing said Americans bought 20% of the tickets for her four sold-out shows. Stockholm, the tour’s next stop, expects about 10,000 concertgoers from the U.S.

A concert might sound like an odd raison d’etre for visiting a foreign country, especially when fans can watch the Eras Tour from home via the documentary now streaming on Disney+. Yet online travel company Expedia says continent-hopping by Swift’s devotees is part of a larger trend it dubbed “tour tourism” while observing a pattern that emerged during Beyoncé's Renaissance world tour .

Some North American fans who plan to fly overseas for the Eras Tour said they justified the expense after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and resales in Europe made seeing Swift perform abroad no more costly — and potentially cheaper — than catching her closer to home .

“They said, ’Wait a minute, I can either spend $1,500 to go see my favorite artist in Miami, or I can take that $1,500 and buy a concert ticket, a round-trip plane ticket, and three nights in a hotel room,” Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson and travel expert, said.

That was the experience of Jennifer Warren, 43, who lives in St. Catharines, a city in the Niagara region of Ontario. She and her 11-year-old son love Swift but had no luck scoring what she considered as decently priced tickets in the U.S. Undeterred, Warren and her husband decided to plan a European vacation around wherever she managed to get seats. It turned out to be Hamburg, Germany.

AP AUDIO: Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports Taylor Swift is heading to Europe, and her U.S. fans are following.

“You get out, you get to see the world, and you get to see your favorite artist or performer at the same time, so there are a lot of wins to it,” said Warren, who works as the director of research and innovation for a mutual insurance company.

The three VIP tickets she secured close to the stage — “I would call it brute-force dumb luck” — cost 600 euros ($646) each. Swift subsequently announced six November tour dates in Toronto, within driving distance of Warren’s home. “Absolute nose-bleed seats” already are going for 3,000 Canadian dollars ($2,194) on secondary resale sites like Viagogo, Warren said.

TOUR TOURISM: IS IT REALLY A THING?

Hard-core fans trailing their favorite singer or band on tour is not a new phenomenon. “Groupie” emerged in the late 1960s as a somewhat derogatory word for the ardent followers of rock bands. Deadheads took to the road in the 1970s to pursue the Grateful Dead from city to city.

More recently, music festivals like California’s Coachella and England’s Glastonbury, and concert residencies in Las Vegas by the likes of Elton John, Lady Gaga and Adele, have attracted travelers to places they wouldn’t otherwise visit, Fish noted.

Travel and entertainment analysts have also spoken of a pent-up consumer demand for “experiences” over material objects since the coronavirus pandemic. Some think the willingness of music lovers to broaden their fandom horizons is part of the same mass cultural correction.

“It does seem like it’s more than a structural shift, maybe a personality transformation we all went through,” said Natalia Lechmanova, the chief Europe economist for the Mastercard Economics Institute.

As Swift hopscotches across Europe, Lechmanova expects restaurants and hotels to see the same boost that Mastercard observed within a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) radius of concert venues in the U.S. cities she visited in 2023. The U.S. dollar’s strong value against the euro may also increase retail spending on apparel, memorabilia, beauty products and supplies for the friendship bracelets fans exchange as part of the Eras Tour experience, the economist said.

Former college roommates Lizzy Hale, 34, who lives in Los Angeles, and Mitch Goulding, 33, who lives in Austin, Texas, already had tickets to see the Eras Tour in L.A. last summer when they decided to try to get ones for Paris, London or Edinburgh, Scotland, too. They saw a Europe concert trip as a makeup for travel plans they had in May 2020 to celebrate Goulding’s birthday but had to cancel due to the pandemic.

Goulding managed to secure VIP tickets for one of Swift’s three Stockholm shows. He, Hale and two other friends scheduled a 10-day trip that also includes time in Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

“As people who enjoy traveling and enjoy music, if you can find an opportunity to combine the two, it’s really special,” said Hale, who is pregnant with her first child.

FOR STOCKHOLM, 120,000 SWIFTIES CAN’T BE WRONG

The local economic impact of what the zeitgeist has termed “Swiftonomics” and the “Swift lift” can be considerable . It’s no wonder the exclusive arrangement Singapore’s government made with Swift to make the city-state her only tour stop in Southeast Asia earlier this year aroused regional jealousy .

No European governments have complained of their countries not being among the dozen selected for the Europe leg of the Eras Tour, although some fans have expressed surprise that Gelsenkirchen, a city with a population of about 264,000 is one of the three cities in Germany that made the cut.

Airbnb reported Tuesday that searches on its platform for the U.K. cities where Swift is performing in June and August — Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London — increased an average of 337% when tickets went on sale last summer.

Not to be outdone when it comes to trend-spotting, the property rentals company cited the demand as an example of “passion tourism,” or travel “driven by concerts, sports and other cultural events.”

In Stockholm , 120,000 out-of-towners from 130 countries -- among them 10,000 from the U.S. — are expected to swarm Sweden’s capital this month, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Carl Bergqvist said. Stockholm is the only Scandinavian city on Swift’s tour, and airlines added extra flights from nearby Denmark, Finland and Norway to bring people to the May 17-19 shows, he said.

The city’s 40,000 hotel rooms are sold out even though prices skyrocketed for the tour dates, Bergqvist said. Concert visitors are expected to pump around 500 million Swedish kroner, or over $46 million, into the local economy over the course of their stays, an estimate that does not include what they paid for Swift tickets or to get to Sweden, he said.

“So this is going to be huge for the tourism sector in Sweden and Stockholm in particular,” Bergqvist said.

Nightclubs, restaurants and bars are seizing the opportunity to cater to fans with Taylor Swift-themed events, such as karaoke, quizzes and after-concert dance parties.

Houston resident Caroline Matlock, 29, saw Swift more than a year ago when the Eras Tour came to the Texas city. Now she’s making more friendship bracelets and trying to learn a few words of Swedish as she prepares to see the 3 1/2-hour show in Stockholm. The idea of seeing Swift in Europe was her friend’s, and Matlock needed some persuading at first.

“I was like, ‘I only want to go if it’s a country I haven’t been to. I’ve seen Taylor Swift,’” she said.

Visiting the Scandinavian cities of Oslo and Gothenburg is on their itinerary. The concert is the last night of the trip and Matlock looks forward to interacting with Swifties from other countries: “Americans tend to have a very obsessive culture, especially Taylor Swift-related, so I’m curious if the crowd will be more toned-down.”

WILL TOUR TOURISM ENDURE AFTER ERAS?

It remains to be seen if the music tourism trend has legs as long and strong as Swift’s and Beyoncé's, and if it will carry over to Billie Eilish, Usher and other artists with world tours scheduled next year. Expedia’s Fish thinks other big-name artists in Europe this summer will prove that booking a foreign trip around a concert is catching on.

Kat Morga, a travel consultant based in Nashville, isn’t so sure. Morga saw Swift perform in Nashville last year and helped two clients with school-aged children book European family vacations this summer that include seeing Swift in concert. But she thinks the difficulty of navigating ticket purchases through language barriers, currency conversions, international banking regulations and the risk of cancellations will limit the appeal of regular gig getaways.

“I think this is an anomaly,” Morga said. “People aren’t typically going to build their $20,000 huge family vacation only because Taylor Swift is there. She’s the one-off. She’s special.”

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel, whose company operates Booking.com, priceline.com, agoda.com, Kayak and OpenTable, is even less enthusiastic about concert tours as a tourism instigator. The Swift Effect causes a “little blip” when the superstar goes to smaller destinations, but for the worldwide travel industry, “one star touring around does not make a difference,” he said.

“It may just shift it a little bit. A person was going to go to the Caribbean for a week vacation. Instead that person (says), ‘Let’s travel to the Taylor Swift thing,’” Fogel said. “It doesn’t increase it. It just moves it from here to there.”

AP journalists Colleen Barry in Milan, Chisato Tanaka in Stockholm, Anne D’Innocenzio in New York, David Koenig in Dallas, Thomas Adamson in Paris and Brian Melley in London contributed reporting.

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