Top Five Popular Attractions on a Road Trip Between Chesnee, South Carolina and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Are you planning a road trip between Chesnee, South Carolina and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Then you're in for a treat because there are five popular attractions along the way that you won't want to miss. From natural wonders to cultural heritage sites, there's something for everyone. So buckle up and let's hit the road!

The Route and Halfway Point: Pigeon Forge, TN

The road trip from Chesnee, South Carolina to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a scenic one that will take you through the rolling hills and quaint towns of the southern Appalachians. It's about a 3-hour drive one way, so you might want to consider spending at least a night in Pigeon Forge to give yourself more time to explore the area.

Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination in the Smoky Mountains with a variety of attractions, such as Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and dozens of restaurants and shops. It's a great place to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, and enjoy some family-friendly entertainment. But we're here to talk about the places that are worth a detour on your way to or from Pigeon Forge, so let's get started.

Top Five Places to See List

1. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is a natural wonder that will take your breath away. Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge near Lake Lure, it features a 315-foot granite monolith that towers over the surrounding forests and streams. You can hike to the top of Chimney Rock and enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont. The park also has several other trails, a waterfall, a cave, and a nature center. If you're a fan of the movie "Last of the Mohicans," you might recognize some of the scenery from the film.

2. Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the most grandiose mansions in America. Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century, it boasts 250 rooms, a 70-foot-tall banquet hall, a library with 10,000 books, and extensive gardens and grounds. You can take a self-guided tour of the mansion, visit the winery and the farm, and dine at one of the on-site restaurants.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, and for good reason. It encompasses over 800 square miles of forests, waterfalls, peaks, and valleys on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can drive on the scenic Newfound Gap Road, hike on the Appalachian Trail, see wildlife like black bears and elk, and learn about the history and culture of the mountain people at the park's historic buildings and museums.

4. Dolly Parton's Hometown

If you're a fan of country music or just curious about how a small town in Tennessee produced a superstar like Dolly Parton, you should visit Sevierville, the birthplace of the Queen of Country. You can see the statue of Dolly in front of the courthouse, visit her childhood home and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and check out the local shops and restaurants.

5. World's Fair Park

Knoxville, Tennessee, hosted the 1982 World's Fair and created a park to commemorate it. The World's Fair Park is a 70-acre urban oasis that features a 265-foot-tall gold-colored sunsphere, a man-made lake, a fountain, and several green spaces. You can walk around the park, take a paddleboat ride, or visit the Knoxville Museum of Art, which is adjacent to the park.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top five popular attractions on a road trip between Chesnee, South Carolina and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a music fan, you'll find something to enjoy along the way. To make the most of your trip, we recommend taking the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee, which will add about an hour to your drive but reward you with stunning views of the mountains and valleys. From Cherokee, you can drive to Pigeon Forge on US-441, which is also a picturesque route. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure on the southern Appalachians!