Discover the White Lightning Trail

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville is a premier stop, easily recognized by the World’s Largest Basketball—a 30-foot, ten-ton sphere visible from the highway. This international museum is the only facility of its kind dedicated to celebrating all levels of the women’s game, from the trailblazers of the past to the champions of today. Visitors can honor the legacy of legends like Pat Summitt, view the Ring of Honor featuring jerseys from top players, and test their own skills on the indoor courts and timed dribbling course.

The Winery at Seven Springs Farm in Maynardville offers a delightful detour from the high-octane history of the trail, establishing a new tradition on the famous “Thunder Road.” Located on a 370-acre family farm named for its seven artesian springs, the state-of-the-art facility features a custom timber-frame building and a walnut slab tasting bar. Here, visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines crafted from estate-grown grapes, relax on the porch, and explore the on-site farm store, making it a perfect, tranquil pause along the route.

The Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton preserves a profound chapter in the history of the Civil Rights movement. Located in the former segregated Green McAdoo schoolhouse, the museum tells the compelling story of the Clinton 12, the twelve brave teenagers who were the first African-American students to desegregate a state-supported high school in the South in 1956. Visitors can explore a 1950s period classroom and follow the detailed narrative, culminating in the life-size bronze statues of the students outside, which overlook the path they walked into history.

A Smithsonian Affiliate, the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton provides a powerful and authentic look at the everyday life and ingenuity of the mountain people, perfectly complementing the trail's cultural focus. Spanning 65 picturesque acres, the museum is a living history village featuring over 30 authentic log structures, including cabins, barns, a schoolhouse, and even a still built by legendary moonshiner "Popcorn" Sutton. Visitors can explore three massive display buildings housing over 250,000 pioneer relics, folk art, and musical instruments, lending voice to the stories and heritage of the region's resourceful founders.

Located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University and in the shadow of the historic Cumberland Gap, the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum houses one of the largest and most diverse private collections of Lincoln and Civil War material in the world. Visitors can explore more than 35,000 artifacts across several galleries, including incredibly rare items such as the silver-topped cane Lincoln carried the night of his assassination, the tea set used by the Lincoln family in Springfield, and two of his life masks. The museum also details the compelling story of how the university was founded as a living memorial to the 16th President at his request, to aid the loyal mountain populace of Appalachia.

A must-stop on the White Lightning Trail for history and views, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park marks the legendary mountain pass that served as the first great gateway to the West. This historical notch in the Appalachian Mountains was traveled by Native Americans, blazed into the Wilderness Road by Daniel Boone, and later became a strategic stronghold during the Civil War. Visitors can drive the winding road up to the Pinnacle Overlook for a breathtaking panoramic view where the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia converge, or explore the rugged 85 miles of trails and guided tours of the ancient Gap Cave.

The centerpiece of Downtown Morristown, Tennessee, is its Main Street Historic District, which features the nation’s only remaining system of overhead sidewalks, famously known as the Sky Mart. This unique elevated walkway shields storefronts and gives pedestrians a distinct, second-story view of the bustling streetscape. Anchored by the Rose Center for the Arts on one end and the Downtown Green and Farmers Market Pavilion on the other, the area is a walkable hub of activity, offering antique shops, local boutiques, diverse dining options, and the popular "First Fridays" concert series.

A thrilling pause on the trail's historical journey, whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River near Hartford provides an exhilarating mountain adventure near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river caters to all levels: while families can enjoy scenic floats on the Lower section, adrenaline seekers race down the Upper Pigeon River, tackling guided trips through guaranteed Class III and IV rapids. This is a must-stop for anyone looking to trade the high-speed thrills of the old bootleggers for the high-octane rush of mountain whitewater.

The beautiful Douglas Lake in Dandridge is known as the "Lakeside of the Smokies," offering a perfect, tranquil counterpart to the trail's high-speed heritage. Formed by the TVA during World War II, the reservoir boasts over 500 miles of shoreline set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Smoky Mountain foothills. This site is a premier destination for water recreation: fishing enthusiasts know it as one of the nation's best for largemouth bass and crappie, while visitors can enjoy countless hours boating, jet-skiing, swimming, or simply relaxing at a lakeside cabin with panoramic views.

The Clinch Mountain Veterans Overlook in Rutledge is a solemn tribute blending historical reverence with breathtaking natural beauty. Perched atop the majestic mountain, this memorial honors the bravery and sacrifice of Grainger County veterans and all who have served. The location is unforgettable, offering panoramic views of the Appalachian landscape, winding rivers, and the expansive Cherokee Lake—a peaceful moment of reflection after tracing the fast-paced history of the White Lightning Trail.