to honor the goddess of Athena. Lots of lodging and restaurants. Get ready for an incredible journey into the Souths top attractions and best-kept secrets in this road trip that begins in Chicago and leads you to the nations most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-47930643', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cars Rust Lollapalooza. From Gatlinburg, take the US-441 south to Cherokee and then join the US-23 passing through Franklin and Tallulah Falls, continuing for 197 miles as you make your way into the Deep South and the city of Atlanta. We drove initial 50 miles very slowly as we tried to cross our way through Chicago downtown and skyway. Youll spot Cloud Gate, a kidney-bean-shaped sculpture thats 66 feet long and 33 feet high, from a distance as its metal gleams in the sunlight. There are a few war museums, a western/American Indian museum, and a general state museum. Along the way, you'll visit four national parks, see some of the Midwest . Don't know if using I 40 or I 24 but thought I would mention that. There are a few war museums, a western/American Indian museum, and a general state museum. . Each state has a DOT that gives a list of current construction projects. The Lewis and Clark Bridge (toll) is on I-265. During my years living in Illinois, I took numerous road trips from Chicago. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules . Rome2rio has everything you need to know about travelling with Amtrak, Rome2rios guide on the bus operator has all the information you need. 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. At 160 miles, this extension to the trip should take a little under 4 hours and 30 minutes, but there will be countless opportunities to stop and admire the stunning mountain vistas and the many fantastic places you will pass along the way. Another Tip: The Little River Scenic Drive is full of tiny little splash pods. From Nashvillehead toward Chattanooga then Atlanta. For the detail oriented folks, here is the link to know all about it. Indianapolis: Some museums in the downtown area might be of interest. At some point, you will be driving through mountains on the interstate. The Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip - National Geographic River Tubing at The River Rat Main Outpost. I've got some great ideas from all of the replies. 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. Simply click the "+" sign on the lower left side of the property you are interested in. But to truly experience Louisville, you need to go underground. 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. 12 Best Spring Break Road Trips from Chicago - LazyTrips Further east is Batesville, IN, and within miles a smaller city/town called Oldenburg. Neon signs on Lower Broadway Area of Nashville. 321 just west of Townsend 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain. Take in the great outdoors and stretch your legs with a trail walk, or visit the Wild Bear Falls Water Park. An important thing to know is the citys name is actually pronounced Luhlville by the locals and everyone else in Kentucky. If you're lucky you will see a truck unloading potatoes. On your return, head up 1-26 to I-40. Again, mostly a wilderness type area, which you could find in Great Smoky Mountains area. Tip: Rather than towing a ton of groceries from home, do it near the destination. Chicago to Naples Fl drive - Road Trips Forum - Tripadvisor Started in the 1960s, this parkway is still a work in progress with only sections of the 72 miles stretch completed. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip - Horizon Guides Road Trip from Chicago to The Great Smoky Mountains Your email address will not be published. Also has anyone stayed in Lexington, KY is it safe for an overnight visit Can anyone please shed light into which route can be best for us to take to avoid the smoky mountains but not added hours to our travel time.Thank you!!! 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. It's nothing but the quintessential American road trip. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the tunes (and the excellent people watching). However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. Take the Scenic Route on America's Prettiest Road Trips - MSN If you are into historical hotels, the Boone Tavern Inn and Restaurant would be worth a stop. Pass through the Woods Ferry conservation area before heading east onto the I-10 towards Jacksonville. It is close to all the restaurants and attractions that Pigeon Forge is known for. It was outlandish, insane and incredible trip all together. Thursday evening before the long weekend is always very heavy on traffic and we experienced thatpain. Your email address will not be published. There are several bridges in the Louisville area. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Chicago to Pigeon Forge - any stops? - Great Smoky Mountains National Wearing a face mask on public transport in Smoky Mountains is recommended. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The series is called If Trees Could Sing, and its the result of a Metro Parks and The Nature Conservancy partnership. We will be traveling with our dog near the end of March from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Once you get to Indy you really have two options: I-65S through Louisville or I-74E through/around Cinci and then south. The first stop was at a coffee joint at Lafayette, Indiana. Lexington is a nice town. Here is the other water drop, this needed a short climb downwards from the main fall. Chicago to Gatlinburg drive - plan a road trip March 5, 2020 Tori Peglar Explore these articles to learn more about fun e -, Make the most of your vacation in the Smoky Mountains with our tips and tricks! By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties. As a result, flying can be a cheaper, time-efficient way to get from Chicago to the Smokies. The cavern is actually man-made and offers experiences for the whole family. There are a few things to see in the Louisville/S. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is great! Or check out Destination Delivery: Have an RV delivered directly to a campground or parking site to camp in style without having to get behind the wheel. Horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Best Road Trip Itineraries - Great Smoky National Park Trips But you can also get away from it all at a unique lodging option with Under Canvas. As far as bridges go, you will have to cross several on your route to and from Hilton Head. The Little River Scenic Drive was at a few minutes drive from Laurel Falls and it is best to visit them together. Additionally, the best way to get around the Smoky Mountains is by car since public transportation is lacking in this part of the country. The quickest way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains is to fly which costs $180-$650 and takes 6h 26m. Sunrise at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The citys Market Square is a fantastic place to spend some time as the restaurants and shops lining the area are great. Ticket fares are divided into five subclasses: Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Smoky Mountains? It turns out you dont have to head to Athens, Greece, to see the Parthenon, which was completed in 432 B.C. A good way to break up this drive is to stop for the night at a hotel along I-75 past Lexington, KY. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. There were less people in the bottom fall, which was a relief. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Smoky Mountains is 800-232-4636. Knoxville This is the last large city you'll pass through on your way to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Luckily, we found this hidden pearl called Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks. From here, head south and join Interstate 75 where you will arrive at Lexington, where our main route continues. 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. The sprawling landscape encompases lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. A third of the way into the journey, 472 miles from Chicago, Nashville is a fabulous place to visit. 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. Click here to skip back to the top. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. The quickest flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum Airport is the direct flight which takes 4h 3m. This one is technically outside smoky but quite adventurous. The top stops along the way from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with short detours) are Horseshoe Hammond, Louisville Mega Cavern, and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After a quick pit-stop at Louisville, KY to feed our V8 engine hauling us; we had lunch at Taco Bell in Lexington city. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. The 580-mile road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. It was supposed to be 3 and half hours of drive, but as we were nearing mountains, we noticed huge traffic again and it took us almost 5 hours to cover the 190 miles drive from our hotel to Smokey Mountains park. Sign up for our newsletter! See our recommendations for the best route, things to see, places to stay, and when to make this fantastic trip. Amtrak is a rail service that connects the US and three Canadian provinces. :). Next, stop by the mesmerizing Crown Fountain, which features the faces of 1,000 Chicago residents on two 250-foot glass towers, each one at the opposite end of a shallow reflecting pool. Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the towers feature water flowing out of an outlet, which gives the illusion that water is pouring out of the mouths of the faces appearing on each tower. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations to visit on a road trip from Chicago to Miami. 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. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. After spending few hours in Oakridge, we continued our driving and entered into Smoky Mountain park from the Gatlinburg side and drove around Gatlinburg city for some time before going to our rental home that we had booked up in the mountains. 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 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. 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. Indiana area. We have stayed in Antioch, a little south of Nashville for this purpose. I use AllTrails.com as my trail guide and have found their trail inventories well-equipped, here is the link to other hiking options at Smoky Great Smoky Mountain Road Trip : Where Are the Smoky Mountains : Travel A total of 2,448 miles (3,940km) weave, wind, rise and dip through . 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. Just two and a half hours southwest of Louisville lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. We did not see many vegetarian options there. Newfound Gap. Most of the folks in our raft had little to no experience as well and this trip was a great way to expose them to the world of white-water rafting. The 1,385-mile journey from Chicago to Miami takes 21 hours and 10 minutes of pure driving, passing Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Montgomery, Orlando, Tampa, and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Finally, before heading to Miami, take a trip to Tampa and witness the wonderful museums, historic Ybor City neighborhood, and the fabulous Busch Gardens. The hotel puts you right in the heart of the action. Key stops are Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg as well as Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since it looks like you're a baseball fan, you might enjoy the Louisville Slugger museum and factory. Road Trip from Chicago to Asheville - LazyTrips The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains is to train and bus which costs $200-$290 and takes 42h 55m. Re: Chicago to Naples Fl drive But kids had the most fun as they were allowed to go on zipline. We are stopping in Nashville, TN on the way there and sleeping overnight and then stopping in Lexington Kentucky to stay overnight on the way back. Your email address will not be published. Both with directions , distance calculation and estimated travel time, all described in the route planner. Leaving Louisville, take the Interstate 64 E into the heart of Bluegrass Country, and after 80 miles, you will arrive at Lexington. The country music capital of the world, with an incredible food and drink scene, a thriving art movement, and wonderful architecture. Sun Valley is a resort city in Blaine County in central Idaho, in the western United States. chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops 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. The Lincoln Bridge handles northbound traffic. Its Luhville to you. Currently, there is no shuttle service that connects to Gatlinburg. Continue your journey past the Gold Mine Trail, before reaching Melrose, where you will take the US-321, passing Townsend and Wears Valley before arriving back at Pigeon Forge. Enjoy these scenic drives and road trips to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other spots in Tennessee and North Carolina. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA Gatlinburg. I've never really stopped anywhere along the way, though I've done some research on the areas and might visit them in the future. You can also catch Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, a festival of Bavarian food, drink, and music accompanied by the fabulous Smoky Mountains Oompah band. Geez, some people are easily amused. Passing many fantastic towns and cities, discover the home of country music, gorgeous national parks, and the homes of some famous US icons. Bad part Every one of them was brimming with people. Start in Chicago and head down along the historic Route 66 to reach St. Louis, the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways, and the Ozarks Mountains. If you plan to see the annual Kentucky Derby, the hotel is close to Churchill Downs, home to the racecourse and also the Kentucky Derby Museum where you can learn all about the history of the world's most famous race. Most of the trip will be on the Interstate-65, a perfect road for such a journey. From here you are just 18 miles from Maryville in Blount County, one of the gateway counties to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The resort is adjacent to the city of Ketchum and within the greater Wood River valley. The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains will be memorable whichever time of year you decide to go, which is all dependent on your preferences for the weather and the season. The 1,385-mile journey from Chicago to Miami takes 21 hours and 10 minutes of pure driving, passing Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Montgomery, Orlando, Tampa, and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you're going on a road trip from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Chicago, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pigeon Forge . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Situated right in the heart of downtown, you'll be within walking distance to the Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, and much more. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago to Smoky Mountains via St Louis, Denver, Twin Falls, and Ketchum, ID in around 46h 9m. Why Smoky? Smoky Mountain Vacation: A Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip We dont mind passing by mountains in the view on interstate but correct we want to avoid smaller roads through mountains. Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. To make it easier for your plan, we have compiled this list of our favorite attractions along the way: The beauty of a road trip from Chicago to Miami is that you can do it at any time of the year. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Michael Jackson's childhood home and after that there is not much to see except ground hogs on the side of the road when you hit the Tennessee border. There are many hotels and resorts in Louisville, but none beats the elegance and beauty of Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection. Heading onwards, take the I-85 east to Albany then join the US-82 heading south towards Florida. You can click this minus sign to "unselect" this property from your favorites list. 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. After a filling continental breakfast, we left for Gatlinburg to visit the Skylift, one of the most coveted places in Smoky. Alternatively, you may use. Places to Visit on a Smoky Mountains Road Trip | Marriott TRAVELER Greyhound is a leading bus company based in Dallas, Texas, serving over 3800 destinations across North America, Mexico and Canada. The best way to get from Chicago to Chicago O'Hare Airport is to subway which takes 43 min and costs $1-$5. My main concerns are construction/traffic as well as we have a major concern of wanting to avoid windy, bridges/single roads in the Smoky Mountains as we both are anxious of heights/bridges. Connecting Midwesterners to a world full of road-trips, hikes, nature and adventure. The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are world-famous for their beautiful views, impressive forests, lovely waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and historic sights. Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta and United Airlines offer flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum Airport. . Being 2 blocks south of Broadway, the Hyatt Centric is just steps away from fabulous honky-tonk bars and a vibrant local music scene. And you can now go glamping near Gatlinburg, Tenn. Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip. 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. Road Trip from Chicago to The Great Smoky Mountains So, it took us couple of hours to have lunch. Heres the Google Timeline chronicling our ride back home. See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. Next 2 days that we spent in Smoky mountains were all fun, as went on doing lot of outdoor activities like zip line, horse riding, helicopter trip etc. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. The state capital of Georgia also boasts awesome food, culture, and nightlife scene. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. However, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. He knows his home well -, Planning adventures in the great outdoors? As you wander around, be sure to see these three architectural attractions. With only 48 hours in Gatlinburg, you'll need to optimize your time to keep the fun going. Please be patient, this may take a minute. Through rolling hills and glorious mountain landscapes, this road trip has something for everyone. Road trip loop from Chicago to the Carolinas. The 31 Most Awesome Road Trips From Chicago: Day Trips, Weekend The best way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains is to fly which takes 6h 26m and costs $180-$650. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Take as many days as you can allow to cover this impressive journey and look forward to a truly memorable road trip of a lifetime. There are a few log cabins and churches too which were constructed in the 1800s. If you're looking for some unique food to try along the way, Skyline Chili is a fast casual restaurant chain that's only based in the Ohio River valley. We parked at Gatlinburg Skylift Park itself to save time (20$ a day parking) and hobbled over to the ticket counter. We are stopping in Nashville, TN on the way there and sleeping overnight and then. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/laurel-falls2. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. Stay If you are in that area, do visit this museum. The main route is red, while the alternative route is in blue. Nonstop chatter, loud music, late night dance and songs, and variety of food, at the rental home that we bookedin Smoky Mountains National Park. The direct route is about 20 hours without stops. It is currently 23:08 in Chicago and 22:08 in Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. Its the first public outdoor work of British artist Anish Kapoor to appear in the United States. You will cover a distance of 657 miles should you choose to drive without making a stop. The River Rat Water Tubing Outpost river tubing, swimming and cliff jumping, highly recommended. Visit the Indianapolis Speedway Museum and take a tour of the Brickyard, host to the most exhilarating event in the motorsport calendar, the Indy 500. We started on Thursday evening before the long weekend, and we had threecars carrying the group of 12. If you are a music lover, head to a show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. 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. At Louisville Mega Cavern, youll have an adventure like none other, exploring some of the 17 miles of corridors beneath the city. 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. Want to receive up to date information on cabin specials and events in the Smokies? Traffic on I 24 near Chattanooga has been awful for past 3 or 4 months. Take a walk and explore the historical Whiskey Row area with its fabulous selection of restaurants, urban distilleries, and shops. Would highly recommend carrying picnic chairs and some water floats for kids to enjoy the stream. Be sure to check out the upscale restaurants in Market Square or enjoy a stroll along Gay Street. View all posts by Amit Sharma, Your email address will not be published. Stops and things to do on Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Making the trip in the winter months will make for stunning viewing with the mountain peaks covered in snow. In fact, the nearby park entrance at Townsend is closer to Cades Cove, a preserved pioneer community, than the Gatlinburg entrance (7.3 vs. 27 miles). Hello my husband and I will be traveling with our 11month old from Chicago to Hilton Head Island on Saturday, May 14th and trekking back on Saturday, May 21st. The direct drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Chicago is 600 mi (966 km), and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic. Here are five reasons why you should. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Smoky Mountains right here. Pass Gary then take the I-65 and head south, through endless fields of windmills, before arriving at Indianapolis. 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. Chicago is 587.3 miles away from the Smoky Mountains by car. They have a very, very small air museum that I've only driven by. 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.