Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - Travelers on a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, are in for a real treat. This scenic route offers amazing vistas, historic sites, and plenty of entertainment and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights of this trip is Commerce, GA, the halfway point between Charlotte and Chattanooga. Once a sleepy cotton town, it has transformed into a bustling commercial center where visitors can shop, dine and enjoy various attractions.

Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

1. Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate, built for George Vanderbilt in 1895, is a must-visit destination in Asheville, North Carolina. With over 250 rooms, it is the largest privately-owned home in the United States. The estate features breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, beautiful gardens and hiking trails.

Interesting Fact: The Biltmore Estate is home to a winery that produces award-winning wines.

2. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bordering Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States. Visitors can explore 800 square miles of diverse plant life, wildlife, scenic drives, and hiking trails. Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop road from the 1800s, is a popular stop in the park that features historic homes and churches.

Interesting Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains have the world's largest variety of salamanders, with more than 30 species.

3. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River

The Ocoee River, located between Chattanooga and Blue Ridge, Georgia, is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the country. Experienced guides take visitors through Class III and IV rapids in a breathtaking valley that was the site of the 1996 Olympics kayak competition.

Interesting Fact: The Ocoee River was originally named the Toccoa River until the TVA dammed it in 1910, changing its name to Ocoee.

4. Visit Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia

Rock City Gardens, located atop Lookout Mountain, Georgia, is a wonderland of unique rock formations, beautiful gardens, and views of seven states. Known for its sheer cliffs that mark the start of the Appalachian Mountains, visitors can explore trails that lead to a 140-foot waterfall and panoramic views.

Interesting Fact: The famous saying "See Rock City" was first painted on barns in the early 1930s as part of a barn advertising campaign.

5. Tour the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Tennessee Aquarium, located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, is home to over 12,000 animals and 800 species. Visitors can explore two buildings that showcase animals from around the world, including penguins, otters, sharks, and colorful fish.

Interesting Fact: The Tennessee Aquarium is home to the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.

Conclusion

The road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers outstanding natural beauty, cultural and historic sites, and outdoor activities for families and solo travelers alike. Travelers can complete the 397-mile journey in approximately seven hours and enjoy a wealth of attractions on the way. So pack your bags, gas up your car, and start your journey through the beautiful American South.