The Best Road Trip from Alpine, Texas to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Are you planning a road trip from Alpine, Texas, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and wondering what amazing places to visit? With a distance of over 1,100 miles, this road trip offers breathtaking views that you wouldn't want to miss. You will drive through different states and terrains, enjoying diverse cultures, and indulging in fantastic adventures. In this blog post, we have curated the top places to visit when driving from Alpine, Texas, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Exhilarating Sceneries
This stretch of road presents a diverse blend of landscapes, from desert and majestic mountains to rolling hills and lush forests. Here are some of the top scenic spots along the route.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is a historic place that offers scenic and serene views. With over 800,000 acres of land, you can enjoy an array of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting. The park has numerous trails that traverse the majestic mountain ranges and thickets of desert lavender. As you drive through this national park, be sure to stop and watch the roadrunners darting across the road.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a premier destination for nature lovers in Arizona. From towering red rocks to lush greenery, Sedona presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy scenic hikes, mountain biking, and leisurely drives. The town of Sedona is also renowned for its artistic community, and you can enjoy gallery walks or attend artistic events at the Sedona Art Center.
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
White Sands National Monument is a wonderland of white gypsum sand dunes that stretch out for miles around the Tularosa Basin. You can spend the day exploring the dunes, sledding or even take camping trips at night to enjoy the starry skies. Keep an eye out for the curious roadrunner and rattlesnakes in the area.
Historic Sites
This road trip presents great opportunities to indulge in American history. From colonial-era forts and Civil War sites to ancient Native American ruins, there is plenty to learn and admire. Here are some of the top historic sites to visit.
San Antonio Missions, Texas
The San Antonio Missions are a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking Spanish colonial architecture. There are five missions in total, each showcasing different aspects of Spanish colonial life in the 1700s. You can join a guided tour to learn about the life of the indigenous people and the impact of the Catholic Church on their lives.
Civil War Sites, Georgia and Tennessee
This road trip presents an ideal opportunity to explore Civil War sites in Tennessee and Georgia. You can visit Chickamauga Battlefield, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, and witness the National Park Service Rangers lead visitors to engaging educational programs. Additionally, you can explore the Kennesaw Mountain National Park and the Dalton, Georgia, intersection that marked the southern-most invasion of the North during the war.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park is home to ancient cliff dwellings, which showcases the architecture and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people. This site is one of the unique sites of ancient architecture in America. You can enjoy ranger-guided tours of the impressive cliff dwellings or hike through the stunning valleys around the area.
Fun Excursions
This road trip presents an array of fun excursions to take part in, from family-friendly water parks to outdoor adventures such as tubing, zip-lining, and hiking. Here are some of the best excursions to take part in along the way.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a cave formation that took over 250 million years to create. Inside the cave, you will find over 119 caves, which illuminate into a spectacular array of colors, offering breathtaking views. You can participate in guided tours inside the cave to learn about how it was formed or witness an underground bat flight.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and vast forest terrain. You can participate in a wide range of activities, from hiking to rafting, bird watching to fishing. The park is also home to an array of wildlife such as black bears, elk, and coyotes.
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood is a vibrant theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, crafted and owned by Dolly Parton. With over 40 thrilling rides, exciting events, and entertainment activities, you will have a blast with your family. There are also numerous restaurants, shops, and shows to explore during your visit.
Scrumptious Cuisines
This road trip also presents an array of diverse culinary experiences. You can indulge in classic Tex-Mex meals, savory BBQ plates, and Southern-style delights. Here are some of the top choices to indulge in when on the road.
The Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood, Texas
The Salt Lick BBQ is an iconic restaurant in Texas, renowned for its mouthwatering brisket, pork ribs, and sausage plates. Additionally, you can enjoy its famous sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, and beans. The restaurant has been cooking up these dishes since 1967 and serves portions to suit every taste.
Frontier Restaurant, Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Frontier Restaurant is a lively and bustling restaurant that provides you with a perfect breakfast and lunch setting. You will enjoy classic dishes such as homemade tortillas, breakfast burritos, and green chili stew. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options.
Biscuits and Gravy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Biscuits and gravy at the Gatlinburg Pancake Pantry is not to be missed. The restaurant has been serving breakfast since 1960, making them one of the oldest pancake houses in the area. You will enjoy warm, buttery biscuits smothered in thick country gravy.
The Conclusion
This road trip from Alpine, Texas, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers an exciting and adventurous experience that you wouldn't want to miss. You will enjoy a diverse range of cultural experiences, from history and art to nature and food. With these top places to visit and things to see and do, you can enjoy this iconic road trip and create unforgettable memories. Happy travels!