The Scenic Route: A Beautiful New Drive to Asheville from Tennessee
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, road conditions have shifted across the region, causing temporary closures and detours. For travelers heading to Asheville from Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, or other parts of North Georgia, the usual route via I-40 has reopened one lane near the NC/TN border in both directions with a reduced speed limit and narrowed lanes. But life's detours are full of silver linings. Try a new-to-you scenic route that only adds minimal time to your drive.
Several different driving options—averaging less than an hour extra of driving time—can lead you to hidden gems on the way to Asheville. And when you get here, take advantage of the articles below for added inspiration for your trip:
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- Places to Stay in Asheville
- Asheville's 2025 Bucket List
- Explore the Region
- 2025 Top Spring Events
The Journey: A More Beautiful Way to Asheville
Roadside Attractions & Scenic Stops
Instead of a quick highway drive, these routes offer plenty of opportunities to explore:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and wildlife viewing along US-441.
- Cherokee, NC – Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People or grab a bite at a local café before continuing to Asheville.
- Ocoee River Gorge – If you're coming from Chattanooga, enjoy the stunning riverside views and potential for outdoor adventure.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Access —Travel on America’s favorite scenic highway for breathtaking overlooks and iconic mountain vistas.
- Weaverville – This quintessential small town is filled with many popular restaurants, handcrafted art and provides easy access to some of the region's best outdoor experiences.
Knoxville to Asheville
- Start in Knoxville, TN
- Take I-40 East out of Knoxville
- Pass through Sevierville and Newport, TN
- Cross into North Carolina via the Pigeon River Gorge
- Stay on I-40 East until reaching Asheville, NC
Total distance: 120 miles
Estimated drive time: 2 hours
OR
- Start in Knoxville, TN
- Take US-441 South toward Sevierville, TN
- Continue through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN
- Drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Cherokee, NC
- Take US-19 North toward I-40 East
- Follow I-40 East to Asheville, NC
Total distance: 130 miles
Estimated drive time: 3 hours (scenic mountain route)
Nashville to Asheville
- Take I-24 East toward Chattanooga, TN
- Merge onto I-75 North near Chattanooga
- Take Exit 81 for US-321 North toward Lenoir City
- Follow US-321 through Maryville, TN, toward Pigeon Forge
- Take US-441 South through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Continue into Cherokee, NC
- Take US-19 North toward I-40 East and Asheville
Total distance: 320 miles
Estimated drive time: 5.5 to 6 hours (scenic route through the Smokies)
OR
- Take I-40 East out of Nashville
- Pass through Cookeville and Crossville in Tennessee
- Continue on I-40 East past Knoxville
- Cross into North Carolina and go through the Pigeon River Gorge
- Stay on I-40 East until reaching Asheville
Total distance: 290 miles
Estimated drive time: 4.5 to 5 hours
Chattanooga to Asheville
Instead of taking I-40, you'll follow a route through Sylva and the stunning Nantahala National Forest, offering sweeping mountain views, winding rivers, and cozy roadside stops along the way. This alternative drive transforms your road trip into part of the adventure, rather than just a means to an end.
- Start in Chattanooga, TN
- Take I-75 North toward Cleveland, TN
- Merge onto US-64 East toward Ocoee and Murphy, NC
- Continue on US-74 East through the Nantahala National Forest
- Pass through Bryson City, NC
- Merge onto US-19 North toward I-40 East
- Follow I-40 East to Asheville, NC
Total distance: 220 miles
Estimated drive time: 4 hours (scenic mountain route)
OR
- Start in Chattanooga, TN
- Take I-75 North toward Cleveland, TN
- Merge onto US-411 North toward Etowah, TN
- Continue on US-411 to Maryville, TN
- Take US-321 North through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN
- Drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Cherokee, NC
- Take US-19 North toward I-40 East
- Follow I-40 East to Asheville, NC
Total distance: 230 miles
Estimated drive time: 4.5 to 5 hours (scenic mountain route)
