road trip nashville to asheville

Road Trip from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN

Set out on the open road through some of the American South's most spectacular landscapes on this road trip from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN. Take your time to explore gorgeous mountain passes and experience vibrant music, culture, and unbeatable cuisine on this road trip of a lifetime.

The 350-mile road trip from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN will take 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive. You'll drive through many highlights including Asheville, Blue Ridge, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains and Knoxville.

This road trip is the perfect balance between beautiful green forests, epic mountains and rich history. Add in the incredible music scene of world-famous Nashville and you have yourself an unforgettable journey. Read on for our recommended routes, places to stop along the way, and highlights to help make your planning easier.

How far is Nashville, TN from Asheville, NC, and how long will the road trip take?

There are two excellent routes that will take you from Asheville to Nashville. Both will take you through rolling mountains, lush forests, and exciting cities full of culture and fun around every corner.

The Chattanooga Route will take you through the mountains and stunning valleys of Tennessee to your destination of Nashville. This route will take 6 hours and 20 minutes of driving time and cover 350 miles.

Spanning the same distance, the Great Smoky Mountains Route will take you through the titular Great Smoky Mountains and the incredible city of Knoxville before taking you to your destination. This route will take 7 hours and 40 minutes to drive.

Because of all the unbelievable sights and stops along the way, we recommend taking two to three days to complete this road trip. Continue on below to discover the best stops, places to stay, and top things to do along the way.

Best road trip route from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN

Either route you choose, you're in for a journey through vibrant scenery and rich culture. On both routes, you'll drive through mountain passes, experience one of the most naturally diverse areas in the country and view historic railways that will make you feel like you're reading a travel magazine.

The Chattanooga Route is a slightly faster route that will take you through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains as well as allow you to pass through incredible forests such as Nantahala National Forest and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

You'll visit mountain towns with rich artistic culture and railway history. You also have the option of driving a section of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you love mountains, then The Great Smoky Mountains Route is your perfect choice. This route takes you straight through the Great Smoky Mountains, known around the world for its diversity in flora and fauna.

You will pass by some beautiful natural scenery and some key cities such as Knoxville. You will also get to visit Dolly Parton's Dollywood in Pigeon Forge—an amazing theme park for everything Dolly-themed.

The Chattanooga Route

From the charming city of Asheville, head southwest through the Nantahala National Forest of North Carolina. Drive through the verdant countryside and rolling hills into Georgia.

Continue on through the town of Blue Ridge and take in the lush forests and mountains of northern Georgia. Drive on into Tennessee and into the town of Chattanooga.

From here, get on Interstate 24 (I-24) and drive through rural Tennessee. Continue on through until you reach your destination in the musical city of Nashville.

The Great Smoky Mountains Route

From Asheville, head west on I-40 through the rural towns of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Drive through Cherokee National Forest and experience the endless forests and mountain vistas along the way.

Continue on into Gatlinburg, TN. Soak up the history and culture of one of the state's most beloved cities before continuing on route.

Drive north through Pigeon Forge and into Knoxville. After checking out Knoxville, head west on I-75 through the rolling hills of Tennessee.

From here, take a detour to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. After exploring the forests and rivers of this beautiful area, head back on the route to Nashville.

Best places to stop between Asheville, NC and Nashville, TN

With so much to see along the way, you'll want some nice places to rest in. Below, we've included our top stops for an overnight stay to help you plan your perfect itinerary.

Experience mountain charm in Chattanooga

About 4 hours into your journey is the city of Chattanooga. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is known for its outdoor activities like hang-gliding, fishing, climbing and caving.

What's more, the city is close to the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee River, and some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of sights and experiences within a short drive from the city. From nature to history, Chattanooga is full of excitement.

If you love nature, check out the famous Tennessee Aquarium. This large aquarium features many beautiful exhibitions and aquatic-based learning opportunities. History buffs will love the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Learn about the historic railway and how it aided the local society to grow.

After seeing the sights, head out to Lookout Mountain for the sunset. This is one of the best viewpoints in the area looking out over the mountains from far and wide.

Once you reach Chattanooga, there is no better place to unwind than at The Read House . This luxury hotel boasts beautiful rustic decor and on-site dining if you have worked up an appetite after your drive and a pool to relax and unwind.

On top of all the amenities is its fantastic location in the center of town and on-site parking (with a charge). The hotel is within walking distance of many attractions, like the Tennessee Aquarium and Southside Historic District, so you can just leave your car behind as you explore.

Lookout Mountain is a short distance away, and you can reach the Racoon Mountains Caverns and Creative Discovery Museum easily from the property as well. The hotel sits close to the major highway that you will be driving on, so when it's time to continue your journey, you'll have an easy time getting back on the route.

Explore the rich culture of Knoxville

About halfway on The Great Smoky Mountains Route is the city of Knoxville, which features many historical attractions and a small-town feel. The city is known as the Marble City for the rock quarries in the area that were used all over the country, including Grand Central Station in NY and the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

On top of its amazing restaurants and bars, there's plenty to see and do. First, check out World's Fair Park. This public park sits on a former fairground and hosts many local events and is where the locals go to enjoy the outdoors in summer.

If you love nature, check out the Ijams Nature Center. This space is a non-profit nature center hoping to aid people in learning how to care for the earth.

Art-lovers will enjoy the Knoxville Museum of Art. This wonderful museum hosts local and foreign artworks displayed in an educational and informative way.

Once you reach Knoxville, we recommend staying at The Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel . There are plenty of amenities in this charming hotel, including a gym to help move the legs after a day's drive.

The hotel is Tennessee themed, with friendly staff to help you feel right at home and relaxed. There's also incredible farm-to-table food to taste local dishes at the on-site restaurant, European breakfast, and a bar to relax at during the evening.

Besides its comfort and amenities, the hotel is just walking distance of the river and parks, Market Square, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and World's Fair Park. You're also just a 2-minute drive from the major highway junction which will take you back on the route.

Where to stay when you reach Nashville, TN

Once you reach your destination in Nashville, TN, we recommend staying at the luxurious Graduate Nashville . This amazing luxury hotel features beautiful decorations with a 50s and 60s theme.

The hotel has a fabulous restaurant and even a karaoke bar. In the morning, an a-la-carte breakfast is available so you can fuel up before venturing out to sightsee. To help you unwind in the evening, there's a rooftop bar with live music and fantastic skyline views.

The hotel is close to Bridgestone Arena, the Parthenon, and many of Nashville's top sights. To make your stay even more comfortable is the friendly and engaging staff that are there to give you the best in southern hospitality.

Things to see on a road trip from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN

It's hard to beat the amazing natural scenery and rich cultural destinations along these routes. Below is a list of our favorite highlights to help make your road trip planning easier.

• DuPont State Recreational Forest - Featuring mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails and many more outdoor activities. This vast nature reserve is a beautiful place to stop and enjoy the outdoors.
• Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum - Large museum with over 300 motorcycles, most of which are rare or vintage. It also features various other exhibits, stories and memorabilia.
• Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort - Classic and exciting casino with the bonus of having stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains
• Museum of Cherokee Indian - Informative museum featuring Cherokee art and culture through various modern exhibits.
• Great Smoky Mountain Railroad - A bit of a longer stop-off where you can board a vintage steam train that will take you through some stunning mountain passes.
• Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine - Great for families! Here you can go mining for your own sapphires and rubies, as well as learn about the history of mining in the area!
• Cherohala Skyway - A beautiful section of the drive which takes you through the rolling hills of the area. Be prepared to stop for many viewpoints and short walks to waterfalls and overlooks.
• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - A 4 hour round trip on a restored train takes you on a journey through this heritage railway.
• Rolling Thunder River Company - Experience the epic adventure sport that is whitewater rafting through the beautiful landscape that is Blue Ridge
• Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - Lookout Mountain is a must-see in Chattanooga. You can either hike or ride what is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world on a historic track dating back to over 100 years ago.
• Ruby Falls - Huge underground waterfall half a mile into a cave and 620 feet underground.
• Rock City Gardens - Beautiful ancient rock formations where you can look over the incredible landscapes and see up to 7 different states from one spot
• Cannonsburgh Village - A working reproduction village featuring many replica buildings with authentic experiences.

• Raft Outdoors Adventure - White river raft in the heart of the mountains. Tubing and kayaking are also available and various routes are on offer to suit all abilities.
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center - Learn about the history and culture of mountain life on the farms in these picturesque valleys
• Forbidden Caverns - With around 8,000 caves this massive expanse features guided tours with great information, including a visit to an underground river.
• Tennessee Legend Distillery - Local distillery with tasting rooms for craft spirits and souvenirs for the area.
• Gatlinburg SkyLift Park - Large chairlift which will take you to the top of the surrounding mountains, offering stunning views of the range.
• Ole Smoky Moonshine - Rustic and historic distillery brewing moonshine and corn whiskey and providing tours and information on the practice.
• Ijams Nature Center - Large expanse of wetlands featuring rock formations, bike and hiking trails as well as canoe rentals.
• American Museum of Science and Energy - Worthwhile museum focusing on nuclear energy but provides information on various types of energy and different areas of science too.
• The Lost Sea Adventure - Large cave network accessible by boat offers trips to an underground lake with lots of interesting information.
• Historic Rugby - Historic little town, perfect to stretch your legs and experience the beautiful styles of the buildings. Visit the visitor's center for more info.
• Cumberland Mountain State Park - This incredible state park is full of amazing viewpoints, hiking trails and beautiful picnic spots. Also features a golf course.
• Fall Creek Falls State Park - As the biggest recreational area in Tennessee, there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy at this beautiful location, including the namesake fall creek falls.
• Cedars of Lebanon State Park - This park hosts rock gardens, walking trails and rare plants over its 900 acres of land.
• Nashville Shores Waterpark - Great water park just before you arrive in the city of Nashville, perfect for those traveling with children.

Best time to go on a road trip from Asheville, NC, to Nashville, TN

Like most places, Nashville is much busier during the holidays and in summer, but it is truly the perfect year-round destination. The winters are relatively mild and some of the major attractions are indoors, such as live music events and museums.

Nashville has beautiful summers with a ranging average from 71 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer there are many events happening and some beautiful places to picnic and watch outdoor live music.

Although relatively mild, you can expect lots of rain in the winter months in Nashville, so make sure to wrap up warm! Temperatures will range from 30 to 50 degrees but there are still many wonderful things to enjoy in the city during this time.

Hotels will also be cheaper during this season as it is the ‘off season' and there are fewer tourists.

Spring and Fall are known to be the best time to visit Nashville, with temperatures being mild and warm, as well as there being many activities and fewer tourists. Temperatures will range from 57 to 82 degrees.

There are endless activities and festivals throughout the year. Depending on the season, you can plan your visit according to what you want to see and experience the most.

In winter, you can experience the Nashville Boat Show in January. In February, take in the historical items at The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville.

Springtime sees plenty of excitement. In March, you can visit the Tin Pan South, Nashville Fashion Week/Nashville Comedy Festival in April, and the Iroquois Steeplechase/Tennessee Craft Fair in May.

Summer sees the CMA Fest/ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in June, Music City 4th July/Music City Brewers Festival in July, Tomato Art Fest/Tennessee State Fair in August, and Live on the Green/Cheekwood Harvest in September.

In October is the Artober Nashville/Southern Festival of Books and to end the Fall season is the CMA Music Awards in November.

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The New American Road Trip: Nashville to Asheville

Take a trip from one urban mecca to another, with a whole lot of Southern charm in between.

Two urban beacons are glowing red haute  with their elevated twists on Southern hospitality. Weave your way on and off of Interstate 40 between Nashville and Asheville, stringing together an eclectic assortment of must-sees including an upscale farmstead retreat, misty Appalachian forests, and the capital of country music kitsch.

Start: Nashville, Tennessee

End: Asheville, North Carolina 

Total distance: 320 miles

Suggested length: 5-8 days 

1) 21C, Nashville, Tennessee

Newly opened this month, the “hotel meets modern art museum” concept turns the city’s historic Gray & Dudley building into its seventh iteration of accessible, mod design with 124 keys and over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. No two rooms are exactly the same—each one filled with chic accent lamps, potted plants, and side tables that feel like museum-worthy objets d’art on their own. Find more info here .

A room at 21C Hotel in Nashville. (Photos courtesy of 21C Museum Hotels)

2) Adele’s, Nashville, Tennessee

You may come to Nashville for the barbecue, but these days the city’s culinary offerings go far beyond its Ssouthern flavors. After trying the requisite Hattie B’s  and Arnold’s Country ChickenKitchen , your next stop is Adele’s , chef Jonathan Waxman’s contribution to Nashville’s lightning- hot scene, pulling heavily from his NYC powerhouse Barbuto with its garage setup. Try the kale (think Caesar salad confetti) and the roast chicken—warm, juicy, and slathered in salsa verde. Don’t be surprised if you spot the Kings of Leon or T-Swift lurking about. Find more info here .

3) Knoxville, TN

While big brother Nashville is busy taking all the credit as Tennessee’s cosmopolitan nexus, Knoxville quietly peddles a certain rareified charm to those who seek it out. Do breakfast at OliBea , sourced from region farms, dinner at J.C. Holdway  for dynamic eats inspired by rural Appalachian recipes, and spend the night at The Oliver Hotel , a clean boutique dream set in an old dance hall. Find more info here .

4) Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee

A refuge of impossibly good taste at the foothills of the Great Smokies, the Relais & Châateaux  property is a food-forward experience where guests are encouraged to take part in the planting and harvesting process before enjoying their upscale repasts in the on-site dining room. Archery, clay shooting, and fly- fishing round out the luxe summer- camp feel. Shop the farm stand before you depart and take home some of their signature bacon jam. Find more info here .

Left: The grounds at Blackberry Farm. Right: The living room at Blackberry Farm. (Photos courtesy of Blackberry Farm)

5) Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Elvis may have Graceland, but country music’s gay icon has roller coasters, a water park, and a Dizzy Disk . Dollywood has all the lovable prosthetic charm one would imagine a theme park dedicated to Dolly Parton to have, including a bevy of live performances featuring local singers, visiting international acts, and even a showcase of swooshing birds of prey known as the “ Wings of America .” Find more info here .

6) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

The low-slung clouds earned the area its moniker long ago—the old-growth forests were once the sacred hunting grounds of the Cherokee, and today they still teem with wild deer and bear. The drivable Cades Cove Loop ( 11 miles ) is the most popular circuit in the preserve, taking in shaded knolls of hardwood and broad, sweeping valleys. Find more info here .

7) Buxton Hall BBQ, Asheville, North Carolina

Two James Beard nominees have transformed an old roller- skating rink into whole-hog heaven for barbecue buffs. Slow-roasted over 18 hours and greased in a vinegar enamel, the pulled pork platter pairs perfectly with any of the in-house pastries. Wash it down with one of the 50-plus beers on tap at the Wicked Weed Brewing Funkatorium, under the watchful eye of King Henry VIII (you’ll see), just two blocks away. Find more info here . 

Left: The exterior of Buxton Hall BBQ. Right: The pulled-pork platter at Buxton Hall BBQ. (Photos courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee)

8) Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

One could easily while away an entire weekend in Asheville’s painfully cool cafées and eateries, but it’s well worth carving out some time to check out the city’s original tourist attraction: America’s largest home, a French châateau of Versaillesque proportions built by the Vanderbilts. Open to the public for almost a hundred years, the mega-complex today features a winery and an equestrian center in addition to mansion tours. Find more info here .

Left: The exterior of Biltmore Estate. Right: The gardens at Biltmore Estate. (Photos courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com)

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Nashville to Asheville drive

Nashville to asheville road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Nashville to Asheville. If you're planning a road trip to Asheville, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Nashville drive for about 38 minutes

11:38 am   Lebanon (Tennessee) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:38 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

2:01 pm   Crossville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:01 pm drive for about 1 hour

day 1 driving ≈ 3 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Knoxville drive for about 36 minutes

11:36 am   Dandridge stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:36 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:52 pm   Waynesville (North Carolina) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:52 pm drive for about 36 minutes

3:27 pm  arrive in Asheville stay at The Omni Grove Park Inn

day 2 driving ≈ 2.5 hours find more stops

Nashville to Asheville questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Lebanon (Tennessee)   (2 answers) Crossville   (3 answers)     questions about Crossville:         Lodging Knoxville   (47 answers)     questions about Knoxville:         New Years in Knoxville reccomendations         Pet friendly lodging near Knoxville, TN Dandridge Waynesville (North Carolina)   (5 answers)

Where's the best place to stay in Asheville?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Asheville .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out The Omni Grove Park Inn , which was mentioned 6 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Asheville? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Asheville?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Tupelo Honey Cafe , which was mentioned 3 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Asheville? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Asheville?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Asheville. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Asheville.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Asheville to Nashville drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Nashville? Try searching for places within 4.5 hours of Nashville .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Nashville to Asheville . Or get a full Nashville to Asheville flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Nashville well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Nashville!

More info on this route:

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Road Trip Itinerary: Asheville to Nashville

Posted By: Shannon Entin August 3, 2012

While you could make it from Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN in four to five hours on the Interstate, taking the scenic route offers opportunities for unique stops that make a memorable family road trip.

When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore . Walk through America’s Largest Home with their excellent self-guided audio tour and you’ll feel as though you have truly experienced what it was like to live there. You can also enjoy the expansive gardens, the winery, and the farm, or spend time hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding and more on the 8,000 acre estate.

Get up the next day and drive into Smokey Mountain National Park . Don’t miss Cades Cove , an 11-mile loop with several opportunities to pull off and enjoy a variety of historic buildings, hiking, wildlife and the smokey-blue scenery for which the mountains are famous.

You have two options driving out of the park: Drive directly into tourist trap heaven or bypass the hub-bub and head for the interstate. If you choose the first option, you’ll head into the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Love it or hate it, this strip (Route 71/441, aka Pigeon Forge Parkway) offers some of the most unique tourist attractions I’ve ever seen. You’ll find an Elvis museum, Titanic museum, adventure golf, comedy shows, go-karts/action parks, wax museum, magic shows, sporting/adventure outfitters, helicopter rides, dude ranches, dinner theater (Dixie Stampede, Murder-Mystery, Lumberjack Feud) – even a breakfast theater! – and a bajillion places to buy your souvenir T-shirt. And there’s Dollywood , in case you’re itching for a day at an amusement park.

Continuing west to Knoxville, TN, you can stop at the Discovery Center or the Knoxville Zoo . Both are on the small side and fine options for a half-day stretch of the legs. After Knoxville, I recommend hopping on Interstate 40 for a bit. When you need a snack/bathroom break, pull off at Crossville, TN and check out the (unofficial) world’s largest tree house . About 10 minutes off I-40, it’s well worth the detour. I was absolutely fascinated by this 10-story treehouse built by a minister from salvaged lumber. You are free to explore all around the house – right up to the top tower. There’s a sanctuary inside, a big swing in the back, and random furniture and odd decor around every corner. But enter at your own risk and definitely watch your little ones!

Your next stop is Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, TN. You’ll probably want to spend at least an afternoon hiking and exploring. Be sure to check out their Butterfly Garden and download the Butterfly Checklist for the kids. From Sparta you’re less than two hours to your final destination of Nashville.

Asheville to Nashville is a road trip that can be done any time of year, but be aware that winter weather can close roads in Smokey Mountain National Park. I did this trip in late February during a very mild winter. Temperatures were in the high 60’s, but the Cades Cove loop was still closed. Nevertheless, my drive through the Smokies was beautiful.

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Tip: For some neat ideas on what to do once you arrive in Nashville, read this story: Top 25 Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee

About the Author

Shannon entin, related articles.

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Epic Road Trips , Michigan , Midwest , Top 10 , Travel By State

Top 15 Family Activities in Grand Rapids, Michigan