16 Ways to Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways

Ready to dive deep into the heart of Tennessee culture? The Jack Trail is your ticket! This spirited journey kicks off right on Nashville's famous Honky Tonk Highway before winding southeast into the state's storied countryside. This route is famous for three things: legendary music, Tennessee whiskey, and world-class horses. You'll have a chance to wet your whistle at global icons like Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg and George Dickel in Tullahoma, alongside stops at rising stars like Uncle Nearest. If you love equestrian history, you'll pass the Tennessee Walking Horse headquarters and the historic grounds of Belle Meade Site & Winery.

The Promised Land Trail is where the state's story as the "Wild West" began. This trail retraces the historic paths forged by the earliest settlers who bravely ventured into the Tennessee territory, finding a rich, untamed land. Today, this route highlights the fascinating transition from rugged wilderness to thriving communities. You'll drive through charming small towns such as Granville, Sparta and Monterey, and larger cities like Nashville and Cookeville that grew from those original homesteads, feeling the enduring pioneering spirit everywhere you stop. Explore historic sites, enjoy unique local dining, and discover natural areas that remain virtually unchanged from what those first settlers saw nearly 250 years ago.

Inspired by Johnny Cash’s famous song, the Ring of Fire Trail invites you to fall in love with the gorgeous landscapes and charming towns of northern Middle Tennessee. This route is a perfect mix of scenic beauty, spooky stories, and country music royalty. Drive through stunning scenery and along beautiful waterways, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities no matter the season. Along the way, you can investigate the haunting local legend of the Bell Witch in Adams and follow the historical footsteps of Victorian-era vacationers who visited the area's mineral springs in Red Boiling Springs.

Your journey on the Screaming Eagle Trail takes you straight from Nashville and heads west, offering a fantastic blend of history, natural beauty, and local charm. Named for the legendary 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, this route is packed with military history, including Civil War battlefields and monuments like Fort Donelson. Beyond the military landmarks, you'll discover charming small towns built in the 19th-century iron industry. The trail also highlights the powerful impact of Tennessee women, from basketball legend Pat Summitt to country music superstar Loretta Lynn. With plenty of wooded state parks and opportunities for water fun, this trail promises outdoor adventure and Tennessee's best just outside of Music City.

The 347-mile Tennessee River Trail is a natural paradise running through Middle and West Tennessee, urging you to "just go with the flow." Outdoor activities abound, from paddling on the Buffalo River and staying at the resort to boating at Paris Landing State Park. As you drive the scenic Land Between the Lakes via the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, keep an eye out for deer, wild turkey, and even bison! Beyond the nature, you'll uncover Civil War battlefields and Native American sites, plus historic districts and quaint town squares. Best of all, the trail is a culinary delight: don't miss the chance to feast on some of the best Southern cooking—especially the legendary local catfish at spots like Hagy’s Catfish Hotel Restaurant in Shiloh and Log Cabin Restaurant in Hurricane Mills.

Want to slow down and truly savor the moment? The Old Tennessee Trail invites you to travel back in time through Middle Tennessee's rich history. Starting just south of Nashville in charming Franklin, this 84-mile route winds through fascinating communities founded by the state's earliest settlers. This trail is perfect for history buffs and foodies alike. You'll uncover centuries of stories—from Native Americans and Civil War soldiers to pioneer families—while enjoying the best of modern small-town life. Stop to explore historic homesteads and farms like Carnton or the James K. Polk Home & Museum, browse unique local shops, and indulge in dining that ranges from classic scratch-made Southern cooking to modern, chef-driven cuisine. It’s an easy blend of history, hospitality, and a perfectly slower pace of life.

Get ready to trace the deep stories of West Tennessee, from rural farmland to the world's biggest music stages. The 320-mile Cotton Junction Trail is rooted in the history of pioneers, sharecroppers, and Civil War struggles that forged the region. Out of that rich past comes triumph: today, this trail is a journey through the birthplace of blues and rock icons like Tina Turner and B.B. King, defined by neighborly charm. You'll find plenty of roadside adventure, whether you're soaking up Southern hospitality or simply admiring the stunning landscape—it's an unforgettable trek through the Delta soil.

Ready for an exciting 360-mile trek through a land of legends, justice, and world-class barbecue? The Walking Trail is a tribute to the people of West Tennessee who stood tall and changed the status quo. The trail's name is a nod to famous figures like the late Sheriff Buford Pusser, but the route is lined with iconic names like Elvis, W.C. Handy, and Casey Jones, plus music pioneers like Sam Phillips. As you cruise, you'll uncover hidden treasures in small-town squares, explore eras from the Civil War to Civil Rights, and learn about the hitmakers who created blues and rockabilly. Just be sure to save room: this trail is arguably home to the best barbecue in the entire country, featuring iconic names such as Rendezvous in Memphis and B.E. Scotts BBQ in Lexington.

Launch your adventure from Chattanooga and soar through the breathtaking peaks and valleys of Southeast Tennessee on the Pie in the Sky Trail. This route offers incredible vantage points, starting with the iconic attractions of Lookout Mountain, and taking you to new lows as you explore beautiful underground caverns at Ruby Falls and new highs at Rock City and Incline Railway. You’ll weave along the Tennessee River, hitting historic districts, art scenes, and charming town squares. As the name suggests, food is a highlight: you'll savor everything from classic Southern "meat-and-threes" to upscale farm-to-table bistros. And don't forget the MoonPie—invented in Chattanooga—proving there’s always room for dessert on this unforgettable drive.

Up for a serious adventure that combines deep history with thrilling outdoor action? The Tanasi Trail invites you to trace the paths of Indigenous peoples and early settlers through the pristine natural beauty of Southeast Tennessee. The journey isn't limited to roads—it includes five major rivers! You can find sun-dappled spots perfect for quiet fishing and jumping rocks or test your courage on raging rapids like those on the Ocoee that demand a life jacket and a helmet. Every stop along this route helps shape the story of the land, from the early European settlers and copper miners to the original inhabitants like the Overhill Cherokee, whose history is profoundly tied to this region. Strike out on an unforgettable trek as you follow Tennessee's history back to its roots.

The secret's out! The Top Secret Trail is a fascinating journey that loops through Knoxville, the Upper Cumberland Plateau, and the Appalachian foothills, combining intrigue with idyllic countryside. The trail gets its name from the "Secret City" of Oak Ridge—the entire town was quietly built during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. Uncover that incredible history, then pivot to pure adventure: the route features nine state parks and hundreds of miles of shoreline along popular lakes like Norris and Dale Hollow. Appalachian heritage is on full display here, too, with plenty of opportunities to tap your toes to authentic Americana music and appreciate the skill of local artisans.

The White Lightning Trail stretches 200 miles from Knoxville along the Cumberland Gap, named for the legendary moonshine that was illegally transported across these mountainous, twisting roads during Prohibition. Those early outlaws, trying to outrun the police with their homemade corn whiskey, unknowingly laid the foundation for stock car racing in the South! Today, you’ll want to slow down and enjoy the journey. Discover historic sites, a rich arts and crafts scene, and quaint towns packed with delicious Southern dishes. This loop is filled with entertaining tales of the famous and the infamous, proving that some of the best stories came out of East Tennessee.