Scenic Roadways
Michael McClanahan
Scenic Roadways Coordinator
Michael.McClanahan@tn.gov
(615) 741-0803
Tennessee’s collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Roadways in this collection are often the road less travelled, have unmatched intrinsic qualities, and have a regional or national significance. Learn more about these routes, and their designations, by viewing Tenneessee’s Scenic Handbook, Mountain Byways of Tennessee and North Carolina, or the Scenic Roadway Program Summary Memorandum.
1 - Great River Road
The is the oldest scenic byway in North America. Tennessee's section offers beautiful views of the Lower Mississippi River from the Chickasaw Bluffs to Memphis. CMP
3 - Tennessee River Trail
With 440 miles of scenic roadway through countryside shaped by the Tennessee River travelers have access to significant wildlife areas. The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake provide perfect locations for birding, fishing and boating. CMP
5 - Cumberland Historic
Follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, Native Americans, and Tennessee Wildlife across the Cumberland Plateau from the Cumberland Gap to Dale Hollow Lake. CMP
7 - Ocoee River Byway
Travel the nation's first scenic byway through the Ocoee River Gorge. While hiking and mountain biking opportunities are plentiful, nothing beats the world-class whitewater rafting. CMP
9 - Cherohala Skyway
Travel the original overland route used by Native Americans and pioneers. The "Mile High Legend" passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. CMP **UPDATE**
11- Smoky Mtn Byway
There is no better way to explore one of our nation's most ecologically diverse biospheres- the Great Smoky Mountains. This 200 mile route provides access to the mountains across seven counties. CMP
13- East TN Crossing
Connecting the Cumberland Gap National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cherokee National Forest with Appalachian history and culture. CMP
2 - Woodlands Trace
Visit the Land Between the Lakes on this National Scenic Byway. The Woodlands Trace also has hiking, camping, boating and wildlife encounter opportunities along the way. CMP
4 - Natchez Trace
One of Tennessee's 3 All American Roads, The Trace offers a beautiful drive through more than 10,000 years of interpreted history. CMP
6 - Historic Walton Road
By combining native trails and early explorer traces, Revolutionary War veteran Capt. William Walton created the first wagon trail across the Cumberland Plateau. Follow this early route from Knoxville to Nashville across the northern plateau. CMP
8 - Sequatchie Valley
This scenic valley on the west side of the Cumberland Plateau contains four state parks, three state forests, and two state natural areas. Scenic drives abound as visitors explore this dramatic landscape. CMP
10-Norris Freeway
This Art Modern classic was built in 1934 as a supply route for TVA's first hydroelectric dam. The winding wooded route provides access to hiking trails, and Norris Lake. CMP
12- Newfound Gap
Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this 31 mile byway that includes numerous pull-offs, stopping point, and scenic opportunities. CMP
