The last stop of the day was the Cades Cove. Click here to skip back to the top. Run though the tech essentials to turbo-charge your road trips. Smoky Mountains is 1h behind Chicago. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Keep on reading to discover many amazing places to visit, the best route, where to stay, and when to go. But we had plenty of time and so we decided to take a detour and check the Oakridge city and famous American Museum of Science and EnergyAMSE. Take a walk and explore the historical Whiskey Row area with its fabulous selection of restaurants, urban distilleries, and shops. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations to visit on a road trip from Chicago to Miami. Then head to the citys celebrated Millennium Park downtown. You'll soon arrive at Bryson City, a peaceful mountain town, where you can ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad or simply enjoy the local crafts and cuisine on offer in downtown Bryson. Smoky Mountain Brewery Trails Gatlinburg Trail.very close to Riverhouse at the Park and Bearskin Lodge Laurel Falls.very popular.try to be at trailhead by 7 AM. In Cincinnati, there is a riverfront with a mall on the other side of an pedestrian walk bridge (formerly used for vehicles) on the KY side of the river. Be sure to enjoy the magnificent 23 miles of Daytona Beach and experience the thrill of the many theme parks of Orlando. 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. Next day morning we started after the breakfast and enjoyed driving on the beautiful highway that connects kentucky with Smokey Mountains, and passes through valleys and hills full of life. You can view your selected properties by click the "favorites" tab at the top of the search bar. Again, mostly a wilderness type area, which you could find in Great Smoky Mountains area. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. 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. Your road trip will start by the shores of the calming turquoise blue waters of Lake Michigan, and then on to Indianapolis where you can then take our recommended route to Lexington or a detour to Cincinnati, which will add 20 miles and about an hour to your trip. After a filling continental breakfast, we left for Gatlinburg to visit the Skylift, one of the most coveted places in Smoky. Really. The flight time between Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum (SUN) is around 7h 6m and covers a distance of around 2154 km. One thing you can count on is construction on almost all interstates. Newfound Gap. They have a very, very small air museum that I've only driven by. It's also about as good as anywhere to spend the night. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA Gatlinburg. After a quick pit-stop at Louisville, KY to feed our V8 engine hauling us; we had lunch at Taco Bell in Lexington city. We saw kids as young as 4 years in the rafts. Take an architectural boat tour to get a strong sense of the citys past and present. Sun Valley is a resort city in Blaine County in central Idaho, in the western United States. Situated right in the heart of downtown, you'll be within walking distance to the Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, and much more. Do this road trip in an RV to stay close to nature. This is about 9 hours and 17 minutes of driving non-stop. The Mega Cavern underneath Louisville, Ky. You could allot two weeks for the trip. The quickest route from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 580 miles and takes 8 hours and 50 minutes without accounting for any pit stops or detours you might want to make on your way. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Traffic on I 24 near Chattanooga has been awful for past 3 or 4 months. If youve ever seen a Tiffanys bean necklace, this sculpture bears a striking resemblance. You can also catch up on equestrian history at the the Kentucky Derby Museum. Rising 73 floors above downtown Atlanta, the hotel offers world-class service and impressive amenities. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Smoky Mountains? Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The route takes you through rolling valleys and stunning mountain landscapes and there will be many options to detour into the stunning national parks and forests along the way. There are several bridges in the Louisville area. Turn right off hwy 441 in park on to Fighting Gap Creek Road/Little River Road. During my years living in Illinois, I took numerous road trips from Chicago. There is tourist info but also a huge shop with local arts and crafts. Our hiking blog has tips and tricks for vacationers in Gatlinburg who want -, Any time of year is a great time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smokies! Its bustling energy is countered by the friendliness of the people, which can catch you off-guard if you are not from the Midwest. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. For each of the fields, please provide the following information: After your first search, it isn't necessary to click the "search" button again as this feature will automatically filter your results for any new search features you provide, unless you change the date, the number of nights, or go to a new webpage. The shortest route from Chicago to Gatlinburg is to take I-65 Louisville. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago to Smoky Mountains via St Louis, Denver, Twin Falls, and Ketchum, ID in around 46h 9m. You can easily avoid the smaller roads that go through the Smoky Mountains. Don't know if using I 40 or I 24 but thought I would mention that. 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. There are a few things to see in the Louisville/S. In the bourbon capital of the world, enjoy a VIP experience and take the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Stretch your legs on the .5-mile observation trail that is 9.6 miles from the start of the parkway. From Indianapolis, continue on I-65 and consider a detour to Bloomington city, where you can visit Indiana's oldest park, McCormick's Creek State Park, and marvel at the impressive limestone canyon. All along I-75 in KY is the Daniel Boone Nat'l. 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. The first stop was at a coffee joint at Lafayette, Indiana. It was outlandish, insane and incredible trip all together. From Pigeon Forge, head south on US-321 to Gatlinburg, where you can enjoy one of the many mountain trails before joining US-441 and heading towards the loop. By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties. Follow signs along the parkway for a picnic area, campground and Look Rock. 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. There are certain things you must do like experience the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, if you happen to be in town April 29-May 5, 2017. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 Catch a tour from Pigeon Forge. Louisville has a tourist website you can check out for other ideas. 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 . I simply put in directions to Waze but I would love a better understanding of current traveling conditions and tips from people that have taken this journey or familiar with the area. 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. The fastest route between Chicago and Miami covers a distance of around 1,385 miles, but we recommend extending the journey to include trips to Pigeon Forge and Montgomery which will add a further 450 miles to the trip. businesses, or services on the Cabins USA Gatlinburg web site is for informational purposes only. It was labor day weekend of 2010, when we planned this trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Head east to Hilton Head. Am I allowed to travel from Chicago to Smoky Mountains? If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. While in the park, see videos of different Nashville music artists talking about trees, how to take care of them and why they are important. . Atlanta to Great Smoky Mountains Loop Road Trip, Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip From Shenandoah to Great Smoky, Charlotte to Asheville to Great Smoky Mountains Loop Road Trip, Chicago to Nashville and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip, Nashville to Knoxville to Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip, Washington DC and Outer Banks to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Road Trip. After doing this, you will have to perform a new availability search.The number next to the favorites tab is the number of properties you have selected. If you are in that area, do visit this museum. There are around 230 Greyhound stations across the US where you can both catch your bus and buy tickets, that are also available on the official website and via the mobile app. You will cover a distance of 657 miles should you choose to drive without making a stop. The chicken cheesesteak was really amazing. This luxury resort offers incredible views of the Smoky Mountains making it the ideal place to stay during your time exploring this beautiful destination. There is also an abandoned Fallstaff Brewery on the east side of the City. Stay Furthermore, specific Rise and shine We left sharp at 6 AM in our Durango R/T to kick-start our first summer road trip of 2021. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Smoky Mountains right here. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this outdoor concert venue has 4,000 fixed seats and room for an additional 7,000 people on the Great Lawn. Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the national park due to its plentiful wildlife and many historic buildings you can explore. 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. There are many excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby. Experience the vibrant local arts scene, visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, or plan your trip to coincide with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. You will notice that the "+" has now changed to a "-". 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. 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. We drove initial 50 miles very slowly as we tried to cross our way through Chicago downtown and skyway. 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. The route rewards drivers with mountain views that can be photographed from a number of scenic pullouts. If you want to enjoy a Smoky Mountains road trip on your drive from Chicago, be sure to check out some of the top sights along the way! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. But kids had the most fun as they were allowed to go on zipline. 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. When browsing results, you can add them to your "favorites" by clicking the red plus mark on the bottom left of your desired property. Wheres the best place to start exploring this city that sits on the turquoise shores of Lake Michigan? Required fields are marked *, Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains National Park |Road trip |Ghoomnaphirna, on Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains National Park |Road trip |Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Yellowstone National Park | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Key West, Florida |Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna. What makes Chicago one of the best cities to visit is that it has a cosmopolitan feel with none of the attitude of similar-sized cities on the coasts. 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. Services are operated by United Airlines, Delta and Alaska Airlines, Inc.. 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. ), the bustling towns can be a sensory overload or a rollicking good time, depending on your perspective. However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. From here, head south and join Interstate 75 where you will arrive at Lexington, where our main route continues. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the countys towns of Townsend, Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville, Louisville and Rockford offer travelers a ton of things to do from regional dance and theater performances at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville to in-depth history of the Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Enjoy a unique dining experience in the stunning Sun Dial Restaurant, on the upper floors, offering unparalleled 360-degree views over the city. The first stop was at a coffee joint at Lafayette, Indiana. Chicago to Arches National Park, Utah | Road trip | GhoomnaPhirna, Chicago to Duluth | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna, Gorakhpur to Lumbini, Nepal | Roadtrip | Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Myrtle Beach | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna. 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. We went to AMSE, and spent few hours there. The 2 bridges on I -65 are toll bridges. They are known for their handmade crafts and artwork. There are many hotels and resorts in Louisville, but none beats the elegance and beauty of Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection. We went back to our cottage to recharge the batteries and then went for Skylift again, to take advantage of the night views. Walking the numerous trails, however, even for a short distance, provides a much richer experience. An important thing to know is the citys name is actually pronounced Luhlville by the locals and everyone else in Kentucky. Ticket fares are divided into five subclasses: Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the tunes (and the excellent people watching). Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request. We have family in northern TN so travel that way about every month or so. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47723701', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago to Pigeon Forge. River Tubing at The River Rat Main Outpost. If you are a music lover, head to a show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta and United Airlines offer flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum Airport. The series is called If Trees Could Sing, and its the result of a Metro Parks and The Nature Conservancy partnership. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip. The main route is red, while the alternative route is in blue. To get the most out of your vacation in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out our excellent selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals close to the Smokies that come with hot tubs, game rooms, and decks with stunning mountain views! With so many firsts in this trip, its always going to be special in our memories, and believe me Smoky mountains National Park islike that. The views from our cottage did not disappoint. However, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Take a tour of the Mysterious Mansion, a haunted house that delights in frightening visitors all year round. As a reference, you should be looking at places near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, since most of the touristy attractions are spread across the aforementioned cities. Heres the Google Timeline chronicling our ride back home. Bald Mountain (9150 feet, 2789 m) is a mountain in south central Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Amtrak trains are known for their wide seats, plug-in power, big windows and storage capabilities. There are lots of things to do in Gary IN if you take 90. Music lovers can experience the Motown sound at the Sounds of Soul in the Smokies Festival at the end of July. Each state has a DOT that gives a list of current construction projects. Columbus, IN is known for their architecture. 180 miles into your journey, this vibrant city is a car enthusiast's dream. Simply select the 2 3 properties you wish to compare, then click "compare" to see these rentals side-by-side. Gatlinburg sky lift, Gatlinburg scenic overlook, Gatlinburg space needle were some of teh other attractions that we covered in the Gatlinburg town. The River Rat Water Tubing Outpost river tubing, swimming and cliff jumping, highly recommended. Amit is a financial engineer by profession, road trip addict, wannabe tennis player and has a gregarious personality. Cades Cove is a 11 mile loop road famous for its wild life sightings and also boasts of several hiking opportunities inside the area. But to truly experience Louisville, you need to go underground. 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. We started on Thursday evening before the long weekend, and we had threecars carrying the group of 12. There are a few war museums, a western/American Indian museum, and a general state museum. 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) Shells08, what route are you taking to get to P.F.? Naperville to Eminence, MO. Forgot to mention leaving Chicago around 4am on Saturday morning so baby can hopefully sleep for most part to Nashville Ill of course plan to stop a few times alone the way. And you can now go glamping near Gatlinburg, Tenn. The shortest route from Chicago to Gatlinburg is to take I-65 Louisville. On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, . If traffic or construction along I-65 is particularly bad, you might want to consider by going through Cincinnati, though this route adds about 1 hour of driving time. Here youll find plenty of hotels, grocery stores, and gear shops. The treeless Dollar caters primarily to beginner and lower intermediate skiers; the primary mountain for advanced skiers is Bald Mountain, or "Baldy", next to the city of Ketchum. With 4 different families, and nomads from the age of one and half years to 35 years, it was truly a friends and family road trip. Simply click the "+" sign on the lower left side of the property you are interested in. We are travelling from Canada to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are a few log cabins and churches too which were constructed in the 1800s. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Nonetheless, It offers a panoramic view of the park and is less visited than other roads in the area. If you take the fastest route, and all factors remain constant, the road trip from Chicago to Asheville will take you about 10 hours and 05 minutes. The distance between Chicago and Smoky Mountains is 2206 km. Knoxville This is the last large city you'll pass through on your way to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Cummins Waterfall - This one is technically outside smoky but quite adventurous Tip: Smoky has a plethora of hiking options and finding the right one could be a stretch. Continuing on I-65, 300 miles into the trip, you will arrive at Louisville, home to the Kentucky Derby, one of the world's oldest and most famous horse races and an ideal place for an overnight stay. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. But you can also get away from it all at a unique lodging option with Under Canvas. Rich in cultural and natural history, it is well worth stopping off to explore. Foraccommodation, I would highly recommend going for one of the innumerous cottages and cabins on offer at Airbnb/VRBO. The hotel is located close to many of the unique local attractions, and a visit to the Titanic Museum will not disappoint. From Nashville, take the I-40 east to Knoxville passing through picturesque mountain scenery before reaching Kodak where you will take the TN-66 south for around 30 mins before arriving at Pigeon Forge. View all posts by Amit Sharma, Your email address will not be published. Continue reading to get all you need to make an exciting itinerary, exploring everything this route has to offer. Distillery Tours On this drive, you'll pass through the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country where several major distilleries are based. Once you arrive at Tyson McGee, we recommend that you rent a car to drive the remaining 1 hour to the Smoky Mountains. Chock-full of souvenir shops, craft stores, restaurants, and kitschy attractions (think Ripleys Believe it or Not! If you're lucky you will see a truck unloading potatoes. Its not every day that you see horses frolicking from your front-yard. Here are our recommendations. Fly Chicago O'Hare to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum, Fly Chicago Midway to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum, Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. Gretto Falls 2.5 mile round-trip trek to the waterfalls. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy classic scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee or along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. 321 just west of Townsend 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain. Theres few better ways to enjoy a hot summer day than to be on the water. Louisville is an ideal place to stay, located around the halfway point between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains on the Direct Route. Stayed in Chattanooga for two nights and saw the sights there, then ended up in Gatlinburg for two or three nights. Oak Ridge was established in 1942 as a production site for the Manhattan Projectthe massive American, British, and Canadian operation that developed the atomic bomb. Three hours east of Nashville, clocking in at 180 miles, make a pit stop in Knoxville. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. :). After making the journey to reach the Smokies, which in itself is an excellent road trip, make the most of this magical mountain wonderland by taking an excursion through the park to fully explore this magnificent landscape. Thursday evening before the long weekend is always very heavy on traffic and we experienced thatpain. (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. 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. 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. Alert: This site requires a JavaScript enabled browser. Think Pink The bridge over the Ohio is not as high and slightly shorter by Cincinnati. the products, vendors, consultants, or businesses referenced in these web pages. This post has already been read 2799 times! Nonstop chatter, loud music, late night dance and songs, and variety of food, at the rental home that we bookedin Smoky Mountains National Park. As you wander around, be sure to see these three architectural attractions. There are a few war museums, a western/American Indian museum, and a general state museum. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. 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. Chooseyouractivities and places to visit. Its also on the southeast side of Lexington. Horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The Little River Scenic Drive was at a few minutes drive from Laurel Falls and it is best to visit them together. Pictures here itself tells the mood and magic of this trip in that large group. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/laurel-falls2. 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. I would check the lodging at Exit 108 on I-75, thats Man-O-War exit. Take in the great outdoors and stretch your legs with a trail walk, or visit the Wild Bear Falls Water Park. . Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts. A third of the way into the journey, 472 miles from Chicago, Nashville is a fabulous place to visit. It is about a 20 minute drive from Gatlinburg entrance to national park. Heading onwards, take the I-85 east to Albany then join the US-82 heading south towards Florida. Please Note: Cabins USA Gatlinburg's area information, It's nothing but the quintessential American road trip. 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! The population was 1,406 at the 2010 census, down from 1,427 in 2000. We recommend scheduling at least two overnight stops or more depending on your desire to explore further. Trip Length: It's a 20-hour drive, but this is without making stops along the way. It's only 1 hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Townsend Wye popular swimming spot. The direct Interstate-65 route will introduce you to some truly memorable scenery. 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.
