A Secret City with Adventure: Explore the Top Secret Trail

The story of the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge includes historic sites, community centers and museums. 

The American Museum of Science and Energy has permanent and rotating exhibits, live demonstrations, evening events and more. 

The K-25 History Center contains more than 250 original artifacts from the Manhattan Project through interactive galleries that take you through what life was like working and living during that time. 

The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a touch-museum for kids with 20,000 artifacts and includes exhibits on the Manhattan Project as well as a simulated Amazon Rainforest, Appalachian cabins and interactive activities, a century of toys and dolls from 1900-1999, a 1930s schoolroom and more. 

The Oak Ridge History Museum offers a unique local perspective on the Manhattan Project.

One of the South's largest lakes, Watts Bar Lake is 39,000 acres and offers excellent fishing and water sports like recreational boating, waterskiing and more. Hike to a scenic overlook near the dam for a beautiful, panoramic view of the lake and surrounding countryside. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the views, 722 miles of shoreline and grab your swimsuit or fishing rod for fun on the water.

The historic Princess Theatre celebrates the vibrant arts community in South Pittsburg. The Carter Sisters, Bill Monroe and numerous other musical legends have graced its stage since its opening in 1921. Here, you can see classic movie showings, live music performances and comic standup. 

Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary was a prison started in 1896 as a jail and a coal mine for Tennessee. Some of the nation's most dangerous prisoners came to Brushy including James Earl Ray, Paul Dennis Reid and others. Today, the penitentiary is open for self-guided daytime tours, but also paranormal tours where visitors may hear footsteps, disembodied voices and see apparitions. Have a meal at The Warden's Table and take home a bottle or two of the double barrel whiskey, vodka and moonshine from Brushy Mountain Distillery, the world's first (legal) prison distillery.

Right outside of the 1880s town of Rugby, an historic Victorian English village, is Grey Gables Bed & Breakfast & Inn which has 10 bedrooms decorated in Victorian antiques that reflect the grace and comfort of the English countryside. Enjoy lodging, an evening meal and a country breakfast during your stay. Explore the nearby town, rich with history, and the many hiking and biking trails around the B&B.

Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is a sprawling 20,887-acre park with forest hiking trails, fishing on the 12-acre Arch Lake, recreational boating, swimming and interactive educational experiences. The Pickett CCC Museum has interpretive exhibits and artifacts, showcasing the Civilian Conservation Corps' contributions to Tennessee's parks and natural areas. Fifteen cabins and 26 campsites are available to rent.

Sunset Marina & Resort is located on beautiful Dale Hollow Lake. The resort has cabin chalets and cabins for rent, perfect if you're traveling with your family or friend group. If you're on a solo vacation, opt for the one-bedroom cottage equipped with a full kitchen and plenty of living space. Sunset also has  a full-service marina, boat rentals and fishing, personal watercraft rentals and a dockside restaurant.

Huntsville is home to the unique Museum of Scott County. Comprised of 14 buildings on the Scott High School campus, the complex features a complete frontier village, WWII Memorial Museum, Learning Lodge Children’s Museum and other historical offerings. Totally built, furnished and operated by students, the museum is open during school hours and most weekends during the summer.

Take the roads less traveled to Rickard Ridge BBQ in Caryville, boasting gorgeous Cove Lake and Cumberland Mountain views. Savor appetizers like potato cakes with cheddar cheese and a spicy mango habanero sauce and the sausage and smoked pimento cheese served with flatbread bites. Order the Hog Heaven for an out-of-this-world experience featuring sliced fried potatoes topped with pulled pork, cheddar jack cheese, onions, tomatoes, sour cream and chives all drizzled with barbecue sauce. Or, dig into a rack of ribs, smoked chicken thighs, fried catfish and even pulled pork pizza.

Cap off your trip before finishing the loop back in Knoxville with a craft beer from Clinch River Brewing in Norris. The local brewery, located about 20 minutes near Knoxville, expertly pairs craft beer with mouthwatering comfort food. Located near the Clinch River, you can enjoy live music while you sip local beer. If you're traveling with your dog, spend some time on the dog-friendly patio, taking in the serenity of the massive rainbow trout and Koi pond.