Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chattanooga to Knoxville
A road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Knoxville, Tennessee takes about two hours on the scenic route via TN-58 N and I-75 N. The drive is about 112 miles long and surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning countryside landscapes. If you've got the time, this route offers a great chance to explore some small towns, eat delicious food, and to soak in the natural beauty of Tennessee. Here are five unexpected places to stop:
Halfway Point: Athens, TN
Athens, TN is a quaint little town located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It sits neatly halfway between Chattanooga and Knoxville, making it an excellent resting place for the road-weary travelers. Athens is well-known for its vibrant downtown area lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Take a stroll to the Athens Regional Park, a 250-acre green space with playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pond.
Favorite food to eat in Athens: For delicious southern cuisine, stop at The Western Sizzlin Steakhouse for its signature steak dinner.
1. Watts Bar Lake
Watts Bar Lake is a splendid dammed reservoir on the Tennessee River that stretches for about 72 miles. The beautiful lake is nestled in the heart of East Tennessee and offers numerous recreational activities like boating, fishing, and water skiing. Take a guided fishing tour, rent a houseboat, or simply sit back to admire the stunning scenery.
Favorite food to eat in Watts Bar Lake: Head over to Grogan's Trailhead Grill for an excellent plate of grilled shrimp served with their delicious garlic butter sauce.
2. The Lost Sea Adventure
The Lost Sea Adventure is a natural wonder housed in Sweetwater, Tennessee, about 20 miles off the I-75 N. It is the largest underground lake in America and is an impressive spectacle created by nature over thousands of years. Take a guided tour through the cave system on foot and down to the lake, where you can take a glass-bottomed boat ride. The whole experience lasts about an hour.
Favorite food to eat in Sweetwater: One of the best places to eat in Sweetwater is at the locally owned and operated Bar-B-Cutie. The restaurant serves delicious barbecue, fried chicken, coleslaw, and other southern comfort foods.
3. Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is a stunning little town surrounded by the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. The town is famous for its outdoorsy reputation, with its endless hiking trails, backpacking routes, and cycling paths that cater to adventurers. Take a stroll downtown for its quaint specialty shops featuring handcrafted goods, pottery, and antiques.
Favorite food to eat in Tellico Plains: A must-visit for pizza lovers is the Tellico Grains Bakery, for their freshly made artisanal pizzas.
4. Roane County Park
Roane County Park is a recreation park nestled on the shores of Watts Bar Lake. The park has plenty of picnic areas, hiking trails, volleyball courts, and a disc golf course, making it a perfect place to stop for an active break. The beauty of the park rests in its lakefront location, and the panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
Favorite food to eat in Roane County Park: The Snack Bar at the park serves up delicious classic American fare such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, and ice cream.
Conclusion
A Chattanooga-Knoxville road trip is full of opportunities for adventure, discovery, and indulgence. Traveling through Eastern Tennessee rewards visitors with magnificent natural scenery, unique local attractions, and tasty southern cuisine. These five unexpected places to stop along the route are just a small selection of the exciting sights worth checking out. So, pack up your car, hit the road, and see what treasures await you.