Best scenic drive: Durham, NC to Nashville, TN (Knoxville, Johnson City: hotel, home)

[RDU2Nash]

Hello all,

I am moving from Durham to Nashville in middle June. I am considering driving instead of flying there.

The trip will be around 523 miles. Any suggestion for this road trip? Where to stop for a scenic view?

I am not a long distance driver. My record is two-hour drive up to now. So I was also wondering whether this trip is as easy as it looks like--just follow I-40 west. As a girl, I also have concern with safety during stops. That is not necessary, right?

Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[46Barb]

I'll be honest and say since you're already mentioning being a woman driving alone and wondering if you should be concerned about safety, I would say fly here. Even if you have a cell phone in case of emergencies, will you feel secure if your car breaks down on the highway and need help.

[nbourbaki]

well, the area between asheville and knoxville is among the most scenic in the nation. i would definitely explore that area.

In general, scenic driving and road trips are best done off the interstate. but if you are more interested in safety and getting here quickly they would be best.

I would definitely make sure you have a cellphone and get AAA coverage if you dont have it.

Best would be to go with a friend

[rossc]

I did Franklin, NC to Nashville in a big motor home (10MPH up the hills) in 6 hours. I'd add another 2 hours to that coming from Durham. It was a really nice drive through the mountains. We stopped frequently with no problems, but then I'm 6' 240lbs with a 180lb Saint Bernard and a 357 magnum on my belt, so you may be a more attractive target than I am.

[Diane Giam]

I Traveled from NJ to Nashville , with my daughter then 17 in the Car. My husband was in a seperate car , but not near us. You will be ok if you stay on main roads, and if you stop at a hotel, make sure its a nice chain.


Diane G

[user123455]

I believe I-40 is considered a scenic route most of the way between Nashville and Knoxville. I believe it was marked as such on AAA map I procured recently, but I haven't driven it personally.

[user123455]

Just looked at the map again and actually I-40 is not a scenic route, but SR-111 (Chattanuga - Cookeville) is a scenic route all the way.

[kbb34]

I would suggest just choosing your stops wisely. I believe the best ones are right around Knoxville, I usually stop right before or right after considering the traffic around Knoxville, the drive through Asheville is beautiful and while you are climbing up the mountains there are some great views off the side, however, the ride WITH someone is a lot more fun. If you are driving alone I suggest filling your Ipod with lots of music...it gets long and some stretches, especially Knoxville to Nashville (the last stretch of 3 or so hours) can feel like an eternity!

[nashcat]

I'm originally from Central North Carolina and I make that drive all the time. I don't know of any exits or towns that you could stop in on that trip that aren't safe. There's good travel stops in Burlington, Mocksville, Statesville, Marion, Newport, Knoxville, and Crossville.
If you want to make it more "scenic", there are a lot of variations that you can take, but it will make the trip longer. The most "scenic" of them all would be to go through Boone, NC and Mountain City, TN, then take I-81 from Johnson City to Knoxville and get back on I-40.

[RDU2Nash]

Thank you all for your nice response.

I will post my next question "what to do in Nashville" after I move to Nashville next month