Roadtrip with RVshare Atlanta to Gatlinburg

You will travel past some exciting attractions and memorable locations on your next Atlanta to Gatlinburg road trip. Atlanta is Georgia's capital, and it is filled with historic spots tied to the Civil War and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. While on the road, you will not want to miss your chance to visit Chattanooga and Knoxville. Gatlinburg is a mountain town, and it is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With this road trip itinerary from Atlanta to Gatlinburg, you will have the vacation of a lifetime. 

Nearby National Parks

If you need to break up your road trip, then you should visit a national park. With a stop at these parks, you can spend some quality time in the great outdoors. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located between Tennessee and North Carolina. It is also one of the largest parks in the United States. There are about 500,000 acres of land for you to explore, and the Great Smoky Mountains provide plenty of opportunities for some recreational fun. Biking, hiking, and camping are a few activities you will want to enjoy with the family. Many people love watching the wildlife in the park. If you keep your eyes open, you might see squirrels, white-tailed deer, chipmunks, wild turkeys, and groundhogs. If you are a bear fan, take a drive to Cades Cove. This spot is known for its large population of bears, and the best times to visit are in the early morning or evening. Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the park. When you climb to the top of the observation tower, you can get some spectacular views of the mountains. For those who want to explore by vehicle, several driving loops travel throughout the park.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky, and it is home to the world's longest cave system. The caves are open to the public, and you can sign up for a guided tour. While you are there, you should check out Gothic Avenue. This cavern has a ceiling that is covered in 19th-century signatures. In addition to the caves, there are trails for hikers and horseback riders.

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is a few hours from Atlanta. In this national park, you can find the tallest trees in the area. Many of these trees were spared from the lumber industry in the late 1880s. From the Congaree River to the forested plains, this national park covers a large portion of land. There are many ranger-led programs available for visitors, including the popular Owl Prowl. If you are ready to explore, you might want to grab a canoe and check out the riverways.

Nearby State Parks

While you are on this exciting adventure, you might want to take a break from the road. This Atlanta to Gatlinburg RV road trip journeys past several fascinating state parks.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

If you want to check out the famous Tallulah Gorge, then you need to visit Tallulah Gorge State Park. Most visitors admire its beauty from one of the overlooks. If you want to hike to the bottom, you need to get a permit from the ranger's office. Another popular spot is the park's suspension bridge. This location is the perfect way to get a birds-eye view of the waterfalls and rivers. If you are up for a challenge, hiking is a great way to check out the park. 

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Black Rock Mountain State Park is the perfect location to get the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You will want to grab a camera and capture some shots of the forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Black Rock Mountain State Park makes an excellent place to hike the trails. 

Cumberland Mountain State Park

Cumberland Mountain State Park covers over 1,700 acres of countryside. You will want to explore the area around the scenic Byrd Lake. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at this location, including hiking and camping. Since this state park includes a beautiful lake, you can find ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. This park is a great spot for bird watching. Belted kingfishers, herons, and ducks all flock to this location in the winter. Along with the beautiful offerings from nature, there are many amenities in this park. Make sure to stop by the restaurant, golf course, or picnic pavilion. 

Frozen Head State Park

Located in the Crab Orchard Mountains, Frozen Head State Park covers over 24,000 acres of land. It also contains some of the highest mountain peaks outside of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can see the Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, and the Tennessee Valley at the park's highest point. If you love to hike, there are 50 miles of trails. You can enjoy other recreational opportunities in the park, including camping, horseback riding, fishing, and bird watching.

Along the Way

During your road trip from Atlanta to Gatlinburg, you should check out these excellent points of interest. 

The World of Coca-Cola

While you are in Atlanta, you might want to visit the World of Coca-Cola. This museum opened to the public in 2007. It is the perfect spot to learn about the history of the drink and the company. At the end of your tour, you can even taste some flavors of Coke from all over the world. 

Rock City

Rock City is a tourist attraction located on Lookout Mountain. This spot is known for its "See Rock City" barn advertisements that can be found for hundreds of miles throughout the Southeast and Midwest. Rock City claims that you can see seven states from one of the park's overlooks. Along with that, the park is home to some unique rock formations and interesting sculptures. 

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

If you want to get a unique view of the mountains and city, then you should take a ride on the SkyLift. This park is the perfect way to relax as you travel up a chair lift to the top of the mountain. While you are there, you may want to walk across the longest suspension bridge in North America.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Your Atlanta to Gatlinburg road trip will take you past some major cities. Many of these cities feature relaxing campgrounds and clean dump stations so that you can stay happy and healthy on the road. 

Marietta, Georgia

Marietta is just northwest of Atlanta. This town is filled with history, and there are several spots that you should check out, including the Marietta Museum of History and the Gone with the Wind Museum. In the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, you can see some relics from an 1864 Civil War battle. If you want a place to rest, then make sure to book a campground near the town. 

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The Incline Railway scales the steep Lookout Mountain. At the top of the mountain, you might want to visit Rock City or Ruby Falls. Another great place is Point Park. This mountaintop park was the site of a Civil War battle. If you want to spend the night, you can find a great campground in this city. There are also sanitary dump stations located throughout the area. 

Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is located on the Tennessee River. The downtown Market Square district is filled with 19th-century buildings. If you want to learn about the local history, plan a visit to the Museum of East Tennessee History. History fans will also want to check out James White's Fort. This building is a reconstructed 1786 log cabin that was Knoxville's first permanent building. Knoxville is the perfect stop between Atlanta and Gatlinburg. You will have no trouble finding a campground or dump station.

Find Adventure from Atlanta to Gatlinburg

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Atlanta to Gatlinburg, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Atlanta or Gatlinburg.