The Ultimate Road Trip: Blacksburg, VA to Knoxville, TN

Are you ready for an adventure? The drive from Blacksburg, Virginia to Knoxville, Tennessee is a beautiful way to see the scenery of the south. Let's go through some of the best routes and the time it takes to enjoy the journey.

Route 1: The Blue Ridge Parkway (214 miles, 5 hours)

Starting in Blacksburg, take the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is one of the most scenic drives in America. The parkway runs through the Appalachian Mountains and offers incredible views of the valleys below.

As you drive the parkway, consider stopping at Mabry Mill (milepost 176), which is a great spot for picnics and historic viewing. Also, be sure to take in the amazing views at the Craggy Gardens (milepost 364).

At the southern end of the parkway, you will hit Asheville, North Carolina where you can stop and take in the culture of the city before continuing on to Knoxville.

Route 2: I-81 South (221 miles, 3.5 hours)

If you are in a hurry but still want to enjoy the drive, take I-81 South. It's a straight shot that will take you through the beautiful valleys of Virginia and Tennessee.

If you're looking for a spot to stretch your legs, consider stopping at Natural Bridge State Park, which is home to a stunning geological formation of a natural stone arch. If you have time, you can also try the on-site trails.

Route 3: Virginia 80 to I-77S (203 miles, 4 hours)

The third option is to take VA-80, which is another scenic drive through Virginia to Bluefield where you can jump onto I-77 S. This is an excellent route if you want beautiful scenery and challenging driving.

A place you could stop along the way is Hungry Mother State Park, which has an impressive lake surrounded by dense forests. It's an excellent spot for hiking and water sports activities.

Route 4: US-11 S to I-81 S (232 miles, 4 hours)

If you want to add unique destinations to your itinerary, take US-11 S before joining I-81 S. The route will take you through towns like Wytheville, where you can explore small town America and enjoy the slow-paced life.

In Saltville, you can visit the Salt Lick Trail, which is a pleasant hike that showcases the salt mining history of the local people. And, if you're feeling peckish, be sure to try the salted popcorn which is a local favorite.

Route 5: I-64 W to I-81 S (297 miles, 5 hours)

For those who like to drive on open highways, then I-64 W is the way to go. This highway cuts through the heart of Virginia and offers incredible views of the mountain ranges on both sides of the road.

If you need a break, stop by Shenandoah Caverns, a famous underground cave complex that's home to some of the oldest formations in the world. If you're traveling with kids, they'll love the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several routes you can take to get from Blacksburg, Virginia, to Knoxville, Tennessee each with unique experiences and opportunities to explore along the way. Regardless of which route you take, be sure to stop and relish some of the unique sites the South has to offer.