and peaceful. There are six stations along the route - Riverfront, Donelson, Hermitage, Mt. Are you looking for directions to Pigeon Forge or need a Pigeon Forge map? that you can walk right up to (but some food for them in the store if you like. Once in Nashville, we will explore the birthplace of country music and enjoy wonderful music performances by the talented stars of Nashville. are more than 8,000 caves in Tennessee, but the Tuckaleechee Caverns are the highest rated of their kind in the eastern US. Once there get out and take an amazing trip though the woods. Sadly I didnt do the distillery part or any tasting but the restaurant was fabulous. drive for about 49 minutes. Located halfway Spanning 1,000 wooded acres along the waterfront just three miles from downtown, this outdoor wonderland is a critical first stop for anyone visiting Knoxville and wanting to make the most of its natural amenities. 3208, 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887, USA. It only takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Nashville in middle Tennessee to Dollywood in East Tennessee. until then I hope that you all have an amazing year!!! . Definitely worth it if they ever resume the tours. 3 Bedrooms. Special events are held especially during the fall. The gift shop is full of beautiful crafts and serves good food as well. 338 Fort Loudoun Rd, Vonore, TN 37885, USA. On most hikes, we It was originally developed as a bird sanctuary by Harry Ijams. history & culture. Check the Smoky Mountains Railroad train schedule for more information. Where do you stop on the way to Pigeon Forge? The trip should take you two days, so you'll need some overnight accommodations. It seems like it We love coming here! drive time of 3 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic. Route settings. We'll be back in the Spring!! NASHVILLE & DOLLYWOOD COUNTRY DREAM TOUR. Buckle up for a 200-mile journey through the best of Tennessee. There were handicap accessible views of both main waterfalls, conveniently located (and clean) bathrooms, well posted and maintained hiking trails, and various picnic areas. There are just too many details and specifications which you must be certain of when looking for one. Pigeon Forge is a great place to visit no matter the season, offering a gorgeous getaway for a weekend, week, or even longer. mile or so to get to the big tall one. The trails and the water falls are amazing. Overall not too bad of a walk and highly recommend. These are . ever make it here again, I am definitely going to bring a blanket. Hours. It's about 90 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina, and 60 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee. Did a hike up the Chimney Top trail starting at the ranger station. The mother and her 2 young cubs walked right beside our truck. Best Places Along the Route of Nashville to Gatlinburg. would make more sense to have more interactive, kid-friendly displays throughout, rather than packed in the back of the museum. The attendant was very knowledgeable and graciousmade us feel right at home. (And while the bathrooms are a bit dated, they are very clean and have a second ladies room inside the theater.) lost their leaves or color had passed due to higher elevation as of this writing. I thought the prices were high at first but the amount of food, and quality that you get are worth it. Follow the brown signs; they showcase the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways, making them a little easier to find. The level was a 3 the day we hiked 5/8/22. Animal lovers rejoice because Knoxville has one of the best zoos in the South. Its quite a hike once you get started but if youre able to walk inclines, youll be fine. Coming from I-66, begin your journey by picking up the famous Skyline Drive, a long and narrow road running 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. Cozy cabin. 5686 Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA. The historic area features a working gristmill (closed in winter) blacksmith shop, cantilever barn, and other historic structures. Hwy. Very well maintained replica of a fort! We love this zoo so This park was BEAUTIFUL and well worth the multi-state drive it took to visit. 1216 Sqft. The zoo has sunscreen and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout their facilities for sanitizing and preventing children from getting sun burnt. For active families, fall in love Use Any Device. Prices up which is no surprise. stairs total, not for people who have vertigo or height issues. Love the new otter habitat too! 4.7 (3085) . Great staff. They may still have some in summer but don't know. Located on a quiet and beautiful riverbank. For us, it was around 15 minutes. I should start with a disclaimer that I did not actually visit the Knoxville Zoo on my trip to Knoxville because zoos really arent my thing. 1674 Standing Stone Park Hwy, Hilham, TN 38568, USA. all in. Hands down one of my favorite hikes in TN. The charming & rustic playhouse doesnt do justice to the quality of the actors and stellar performances. What is halfway between Pigeon Forge and Nashville? Place Your Ad Here. We come Recent archaeological digs have found evidence of Native American societies that date back 10,000 years. If you dont know about Ijams, its a 315-acre nature center thats actually located in the City of Knoxville. The top cities between Nashville and Pigeon Forge are Knoxville and Townsend. Another one of the more popular things to do in Knoxville is exploring natural areas. Re: Best scenic route from pigeon forge to ashville. They also have a Butterfly Garden, hiking trails, a playground for the kids, & a store very close.I encourage everyone to go see this but the people who are waterfall fanaticsIT IS A MUST!!! Get your adrenaline racing at Treetop Adventure Park, or enjoy a slower pace and play a . The boat ride onto the lake is definitely the highlight of the tour and what anyone really goes there to do. I believe the bomb saved 1000s of lives. Various crafters. Turn right onto US-19. While it is possible to fly between the two cities, it's not really worth your time, as the flights can take nearly 3 hours just in the air, and you'll . While youre here, check out the indoor exhibit with the turtles, then hit the trail for some fresh air and the secret pond. The gift shop offers snacks, outdoor necessities, and local products. At 53 acres and housing over 800 animals, Zoo Knoxville will have plenty of things to see, do, and even eat for you and your children. I first came here on a elementary school field trip almost 30 years ago. Driving Directions to Pigeon Forge, TN including road conditions, live traffic updates, and reviews of local businesses along the way. 1. Cave system over all was a lot smaller than expected and shorter than others I've been to unless you pay more to do the wild tour. 8280 Short Mountain Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190, USA. Stay on the TN side for the most color at this time. some truly spectacular scenery; on a clear day, the views seem to go forever. Little River Road spans 18 miles and features trails, picnic areas and more. Get ready for an excellent day in the national park with these gorgeous scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains! Easy and quick pick up at the end of ride so you can go again. 3 nights in Pigeon Forge, 2 nights in Nashville, 2 nights in Lancaster area 12 hot breakfast buffets 6 meals included minimum (includes the dinner theatres) Unlimited FREE water and snacks on the motor coach Dream Vacation Tour Guide for complete tour Visit Gatlinburg, TN Live entertainment along the way Visit the . We just saw Murder on the Orient Express and it exceeded expectations. This road trip uses Interstate 40 heading east. The route meanders through a 50-acre heritage park that features a man-made river flowing through the extensively landscaped property, along with waterfalls, bridges and other water features. INVESTOR Special pricing of just $39,999 is a steal for this slice of heaven to build a beautiful log cabin. On this last visit we saw 5 black bear. Several scenic routes have been covered above, but here is a longer, and very scenic route: From PF, take Wears Valley Road (321), to Walland, then Foothills Parkway to Tail of the Dragon (129), down to Hwy 28, to 74, and into Asheville. car valeted at the hotel for much of the week and explored Knoxville by foot. The lakefront areas of this park are amazing. are bathrooms at the visitor's center and trailheads. What is there to see between Nashville and Pigeon Forge? drive for about 49 minutes. Related: 9 things to know about visiting a national park right now. We used a map from the Visitors Center and did our own self guided If youre passing through and have a couple hours to kill, go for it. July 23, 2019 Mikaela Ruland. Did you know that Knoxville, TN is the Red Panda Capitol of the World? X. Absolutely beautiful fall colors!!!! There is ample parking at the falls overlook spot and clear signs and directions to descent to the base. Plus there are free outdoor concerts in the summer! Fill your belly and feed your soul with food and music in Nashville, then set off for multiple stops with hiking, kayaking, waterfalls, and . Pigeon Forge Back Roads. There were wildflowers and butterflies. $1,125/mo. The zoo houses over 800 animals from all over the world that are kept in unique habitats to accommodate each species. We enjoyed rural Tennessee for a Christmas family vacation. I wish I could stay there forever. on the right first. I attached some images, 1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110, USA. Visit the Edgar Allen Poe House & Museum, get a birds-eye view of . fantastic time and enjoyed playing in the sunshine. Amazingly, the center is only 3 miles outside of Knoxville, and yet it can feel like another world as you explore creeks, groves, and hiking trails. Rental cabins & campsites offer housing for visitors who fish, boat & ski in the reservoir. US 441 will dead end onto US 19. For inquiries: 1-865-453-8574 or 1-800-251 . I wish I could post the video of the momma bear and her cubs, Beautiful place! Jan. 23, 2022 Made a quick stop while driving through. Correlation and Causation What are correlation and causation and how are they different? Great Ijams is a 150-acre nature sanctuary on the banks of the Tennessee River with mulched and paved trails, a waterfront boardwalk and wildlife viewing areas. Great River Road actually stretches across ten states as a series of scenic byways. Went on a guided backpacking trip with Park Ranger Lydia and it was the best experience! Take a shuttle bus from Black Bear Resort to Hot Springs, NC. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I'll never travel to Nashville without this trip planner again. It is a nice rustic place with lots of space. Most scenic and beautiful views at the falls. It would be a good place for families. 411 to Hwy. I have been to Fort Loudoun twice in my life. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I loved it. For scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, . On the way out we did encounter a fairly young staff member that went out of her way to say thank you for coming today and come back and see them! The Old Mill Restaurant, which serves massive portions of Southern comfort food, is a popular eatery in Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863. . Little River Road. plenty of fun things to enjoy - including the Sunsphere platform, a reflecting pool, bird mural, various county flags on display, an Ampitheater (where my nieces and nephews, my brother, my dad and I did a little performing - singing and dancing to a song we enjoyed listening to on our drive cross country - the five or so people also enjoying the Ampitheater were kind enough to clap at the end ;) For the kids, the best part was the playground. These medium and long distance intercity services operate at speeds of up to 240km/h, to more than . Designed to be reminiscent of Atlanta's transportation in the early 20th . It was loud and fast. There are close to 1,000 animals at the zoo and it is wonderful to go for a walk at the zoo while you see these animals. The top stops along the way from Nashville to Pigeon Forge (with short Take the lowest pass through the Great Smoky Mountains along Newfound Gap, a 31-mile, paved road that goes through the center of the park. That really the only thing I hate about this zoo. Love love love! This was a petty cool cave to see. How far apart is Nashville and Pigeon Forge? We took the drive out just to verify since we had previously taken the tour and wanted to share the cool experience with friends who had not. Plenty of parking. Autotrophs (like plants) produce glucose during photosynthesis. Considered an urban natural playground, Ijams Nature Center is a 315-acre space thats owned by a nonprofit environmental education center. Super place! fireplaces were the single source of heat. Signal Duo Q&A Campsites, hiking trails & picnic pavilions around a lake with a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. View endangered animals, feed a giraffe, or enjoy a show at the Forest Theater. and it is very green now. All dimensions are approximate. Actually got my mom out there who has never done anything like this. I have been coming here since 2000 with my family. What might be most breathtaking is the centers canopy experience, which takes you up into the trees on a zip-lining adventure that may be slightly challenging to those with limited mobility but otherwise easy enough for even the smallest member of your family to have fun. The cheapest way to get from Nashville to Pigeon Forge costs only $82, and the quickest way takes just 5 hours. juan holds ________ power. The 470-mile road trip from Chicago to Nashville takes 7 hours 10 minutes on the road. Note: much longer, but very scenic. But with that in mind, here are our best scenic drives around the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee: Little River Road is best known as the road to Cades Cove (photo by Mark Baldwin/shutterstock.com) 9. The employees are very kind and polite and the food is absolutely fantastic! My family really enjoyed the chill side. Knoxville, spending a few hours at Ijams Nature Center is critical. 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914, USA. The hardest part of the hike is the walk back up from the river to the parking lot. There is really no way into the Mill Hose without descending stairs and there are stairs inside as well. There is plenty of shade for the animals and humans that are at the zoo. Unlimited stops, edit, share, find recommended places of interest and campgrounds, manage budgets, print or export directions and more. I met the brother of the owner and his wife as well as several people that worked work there. The most popular station is Riverfront but, we think, that the most scenic is Mt Juliet. sanctuary by the locals and only a 10-minute drive from downtown. With its first railroad chartered in the 1840's and Appalachian Mountain location, Tennessee scenic train rides offer a combination of history and beauty. She is a big fan of monkeys, red pandas, ghiraffes, otters, and tigers. If you're looking for a museum exclusively relating to Oak Ridge or the Manhattan Project, I think the K-25 History Center down the road is slightly better, as it's roughly the same size and manages to pack more information and more artifacts into the museum. They weren't that busy and the bartender was busy doing other things not bar related, instead of preparing drinks. From Nashville center - Take I-40 E/I-65 S; Stay on I-40 E for 197 miles; Take Exit 407 toward Sevierville / Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg; Follow TN Hwy. Smithsonian-affiliated museum featuring pioneer buildings & exhibits of regional Was only able to do 2 trails. Please consider purchasing your . This includes an average layover time of around 1h 44m. It wasnt busy at all and everything was beautiful. Overall it is an fun place to visit to see how caves are made and learn some funny historical moments of it. Ijams has hiking and biking trails, as well as SUP and canoe rentals. I had my 9 month old baby on my back in a hiking carrier the whole time and did fine. This zoo has since received awards for its conservation work in relation to the pandas and other exotic species, including the resident Komodo dragons. Turn left at next stoplight onto US-441 South. Up-to-date pricing varies by package, season, and seats and can be found on their website. There are a handful of trails and outdoor events for families and individuals and a variety of playgrounds for kids. Really Business offering tubing gear & family-friendly trips on the Little River. was 244 at the 2000 census and 448 at the 2010 census. aunts and uncles coming for a whole week every summer for over 40 years. There is plenty to do at this nature center, from hiking and picnicking to even rock climbing and canoeing. The trails had some trees in the way and they are along the hillsides and narrow. The second time, is my recent visit with my daughter. children. Casey and Ashley were excellent tour guides that knew a lot about the formations and answered all of your questions. We were near Dayton and just north of Chattanooga. 10 minutes off the main route, 86% of way to Pigeon Forge. Watch this page for updates.Cost: FREE ADMISSION Route planner MapsServicesat Norman Hotels Restaurants Tourist sites Traffic The MagAlternativetravelArrive at NormanOrganise your tripAccommodationOther servicesRestaurants at NormanSee Wanderlog staffUpdated updatedJul 14, 2022How long is the drive from Orlando to Miami?The direct drive from Orlando to Miami is 233 mi (375 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 32 mins in Rock n Roll San DiegoRock n Roll Sponsored byH1: Rock n Roll [Location Title]H3: Presented by [Presenting Sponsor Name Here]H2: [City, State] or [City, Country]--One Home Compare Cars Compare Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs Premium What are the differences between the Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 and Premium? The population and hot so after lunch, we went to the shadiest area I know and drove out to Ijams Nature Center, which has gotten a complete makeover in the decade and change since I lived in Knoxville. Park with woods, meadows, streams & a lake features hiking trails, cabins, lodges & campsites. For Real ) , roasting marshmallows around a campfire and telling ghost stories, Paddle Boats and fishing . detours) are Market Square, Tuckaleechee Caverns, and The Lost Sea Adventure. Knoxville is a city on the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee. While waiting for the show to begin, walk around the side and relax in the darling gazebo. however. and Pigeon Forge 7. We will definitely Seriously, this app does it all! Beautiful area We went to my boyfriend's grandsons birthday party. Before dinner, we made our way to Worlds Fair Park to check into the Tennessean Hotel, which just opened in April next door to the Holiday Inn. Its the 10th anniversary of Ijams partnership with Central Cinema and Knoxville Horror Film Fest!. a beautiful home that we found on vrbo. All of the volunteers and staff there were so nice, welcoming and kind. Follow the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway (Highway 66 to U.S. 441 to the Great Smoky Mountains) and you arrive in Pigeon Forge between Sevierville and Gatlinburg. The new section features six new rides, including a suspended roller coaster . Road trip route from Philadelphia to Nashville. By: Adam Burns. Family attraction taking visitors through a cave network & for boat trips on an underground lake. guided tours & a tasting room. and leave at 6:53 pm. Make the road trip fun with sightseeing along the way. We will for sure be coming back. 205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA. Was there 3/4/22. I love this place. Must get the permit to hike the gorge. $317 - $359. For it being my first time there, I wasn't impressed with overall service. Site of 1982 World's Fair, with working mill when my kids were young. Save $2 off ticket price for booking online! & event spaces. We arrived when the grounds were closed. Ijams Nature Center and Park is a little outside of the downtown area. And a 3D printed Jeep. I enjoy how the museums celebrate the lives of people who farmed and lived in the East Tennessee Valley. Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. When 4 years ago. for hiking and suitable for all fitness levels. Come on. A popular family-friendly attraction in Knoxville is Zoo Knoxville, which is home to nearly 1,000 animals and 30 different species. Teaster Lane parallels Parkway just a block or so over, on the east side. popular residents at the Knoxville Zoo are the endangered red pandas. much!!! the globe, Zoo Knoxville makes for a great family day out. The zoo is well arranged for ease of visiting. . The walk up had a decent grade at parts but not too bad. 101 Scenic Ridge Way - & Dina Drive. The only thing I would do . It felt amazing to be standing next to the water. 24,000-acre park with a scenic observation deck, dense forest areas, hiking & tent campsites. 116.0 CO 2 Go. This is the crme de la crme of planning apps! We enjoyed the trail behind the Visitors Center, just a little over a mile loop. Roland Klose/Flickr. At the confluence of three rivers with dramatic waterfall, park offers fishing & year-round cabins. There wasnt any signage outside to gain historic insight. The town that marks the exact halfway point is actually, The top stops along the way from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge (with short detours) are, The top stops along the way from Nashville to Gatlinburg (with short detours) are, Market Square, Tuckaleechee Caverns, and The Lost Sea Adventure, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Market Square. Its It is a great place to be away from others, though, since you have a whole little section of the park to yourselves and a great patio view ( and out the windows) of the The Globe thing and mural under the bridge is what I came for and I wasn't disappointed. A very unique place to visit with a colorful history. We stayed at don't know about Glorious Fall day to walk around this quaint historic area. have an awesome lunch . Immerse yourself in tradition and culture at an authentic moonshine distillery or one of several microbreweries or wineries in the area.Nearby Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, and in summer 2019 the theme park introduced its largest expansion to date: Wildwood Grove. There are also options to avoid tolls and/or highways. One of the favorite animals at the zoo is the red panda. TN-165 Mile Marker 18, Tellico Plains, TN, USA. There are plenty of reasons to take a road trip from Nashville to Chattanooga delicious food, historical sites, Southern hospitality, live music, and gorgeous scenery among them but the outdoor adventures are among some of the best in the U.S. If you were claustrophobic or have a problem with Steps, this is not the place to go to. I'm wondering if I. It was decent exercise for the day. 66 South which becomes US 441 The cities you'll find between Nashville and Gatlinburg are Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sevierville and Townsend. We stayed in the Mill House for a couple of days. 321 2. The Ijams Nature Center was "We will enjoy a beautiful scenic route on the way to Nashville. The activity areas were nice (although some things were broken). I'm sharing some of my pictures for everyone to see what we seen so you can judge for yourself! The top stops along the way from Pigeon Forge to Nashville (with short detours) are Market Square, Tuckaleechee Caverns, and The Lost Sea Adventure. Everyone was always so happy and full of joy even when multiple runs had to be done of the same set. All of the train rides depart from the depot in downtown Bryson City (near Cherokee ). The day was sunny Driving directions to Pigeon Forge, TN. Calories. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is conveniently located minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. This tour also includes a visit to Memphis to visit the world . I ordered the Deep South sandwich and my husband had to sword fish tacos. plus bike & canoe rental. Strawberry festival cruise in was great. Children's museum offers classes & hand-on exhibits, including a train garden & waterworks display. Coffee. I recommend you get the belt breakfast sandwich with cheesy grits and also try their freshly squeezed orange juice! 1 minute off the main route, 79% of way to Pigeon Forge. Nice trails and on-site restaurant with fantastic southern food and hospitality. The walking is gentle and easy and most areas are stroller accessible which means that with someone pushing them wheelchair bound individuals could visit the Fort and grounds. There were less trails than we expected but it definitely made up our mind to get another boat! Ijams mission is to promote environmental stewardship by providing an urban green area where people may learn about and appreciate the outdoors via fun activities. A beautiful community orginally created in 1880 by Author Thomas Hughes. 1 minute off the main route, 79% of way to Pigeon Forge. Travelers have their pick of caverns to tour; the Luray, Shenandoah and Grand caverns are all within 30 miles of I-81. Outpost. 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA. dont like the fact to expose you have to go through the gift shop to exit the zoo. My daughter most enjoyed the museum tent display and all of the different types of cannons that are in the park. Not to meet you boo with the zoo but Halloween is our favorite thing every year. The tour lasted over an hour and it was so good we didn't realize how much time had passed until we got in our car to leave! I found this place to be kind of goofy. Largest recreation area in the state with a large inn, cabins, campsites & wilderness camping. . Hiking trails, kayaking, and other activities to do here. However this place was awesome! These trails feature attractions, restaurants and . Frome the moment you enter the park it is a beautiful place to visit. Enjoy the scenic beauty, unique foliage and wildlife sightings on these scenic drives through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee! Unfortunately there were a lot of exhibits that only had paragraphs on the wall to read and didn't include the physical objects that really catch your eye and hold your interest. 7:42 pm arrive in Pigeon Forge. With so many routes to take, you can lose yourself in the scenic beauty, unique foliage and animal sightings. Great place to learn some history of the people of Appalachia. Show only these on map. together. There is at least 4 falls but you do have to walk half a However, if you've never been, you need to check out the Cumberland County Playhouse! It's been years since I've been here but it is one of the best childhood memories that I have. The Zoo Knoxville has many animals on exhibit that you will fall in love with and so many fun activities for the whole family. There are also animals encounter sessions where you can get up close to the wildlife, and there are also other attractions like splash pad, a theater, and a carousel. The portions about the history of Oak Ridge and the atom bomb were interesting, but honestly, nowhere near as good as the old museum. It's also hard to tell what age group this museum is catering to. Wetlands & rock formations fill urban nature park with 10 miles of trails Spent one night at the beautiful Mart Fields Campsite. Ijams Knoxville Nature Park is a well-known 315-acre nature They have a darn chef back there cookin up amazing food to all who enter. There are plenty of trails to keep you occupied and many beautiful picture spots. Well definitely be coming back to hike the trails, especially when theres some greenery. We had a - Cades Cove Visitor Center, Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Ha. A wonderful place to get brunch! This 200-mile I-40 E road trip starts in the entertainment-rich Nashville, the country . The dam is surrounded by woodlands in the valley and up on top of the cliffs. What makes it great : Across its 300-acre sprawl, youll find the Will Skelton Greenway, the Urban Wilderness Corridor, Meads Quarry, and, of course, the nature center itself. Ijams Nature Center is one of the best things to do in Knoxville for nature-lovers, and its also completely free to explore. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public. 1720 Scenic Hwy to Pigeon Forge Route via Opryland Dr. 1720 Scenic Hwy to Pigeon Forge Route via Opryland Dr. a look at some of the most beautiful wildlife in Knoxville, head over to the Knoxville Zoo where you can find over 900 animals in one place. Super nice and clean little place. One staff member approached us multiple times to share anecdotes relating to Oak Ridge, which was nice and unexpected! 3/5/22. Over time, it has developed and grown into a well-rounded reserve featuring an environmental learning center. Hwy. Beautiful park with gorgeous trails! In 2014, USA Today named Ijams Nature Center one of Knoxvilles top three We made the two and a half hour drive from Huntsville for the day and absolutely loved all the hiking, playground and very well kept state park areas. There was 4 of us and it was nice to have the trundle bed. There were several other available activities in the area as well, but we didn't have the time to experience those. What is there to see between Gatlinburg and Nashville? Due to recent rains the water was high. The scenic driving tour through the Cades Cove Loop takes approximately two to four hours depending on traffic. We hiked some of the outer trails, but a recent prescribed burn left most of the scenery charred. You will have to cross the river twice when headed towards the falls and twice again while returning. We had a very nice time there and will return. Price was awesome, would suggest getting one of the paddles to help you control your tube, can't take anything as far as ice chest is just you on a tube that has 2 handles and the life jacket they require you have, you don't have to wear it but have to keep it with