SCENIC DRIVES IN ANDERSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
Scenic drives along the back roads of East Tennessee are a favorite past-time any time of the year, but it’s particularly beautiful in the fall. Back roads surrounded by mountain views with a full array of fall colors, twists, and turns that only East Tennessee roads can deliver and the quiet solitude that we all crave is what awaits you on these recommended scenic drives.
Devil’s Triangle
Distance: 45-mile loop
Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Experience Level: Advanced
Highlights:
- Winding mountain roads
- Panoramic views of the Cumberland Plateau
- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (tour & restaurant)
- Coal Creek Mining History
Description:
The Devil’s Triangle takes you through the mountains of the Cumberland Plateau and offers plenty of East Tennessee beauty along the way. This 44-mile loop has sweeping curves and tight twists, including three of the tightest switchbacks you’ll probably ever encounter. Along the way, you can discover the mining history of Coal Creek and see the Buffalo Mountain Windmill Farm located at Windrock Park. One popular stop along the way is the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. Brushy Mountain housed James Earl Ray, the assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King, until his death in
1998. The prison is also the only prison to have a natural wall, the side of the mountain, as one of the prison walls. Today you can take a tour of the prison, grab a bite to eat at the Warden’s Table, sample some spirits at the distillery, and maybe even catch an outdoor concert or event.
Click here for a map of the Devil’s Triangle.
Southern Settlement Trail
Distance: 150-mile loop
Drive Time: 4 hours
Experience Level: Easy
Highlights:
- Historic settlements
- Civil War landmarks and Coal Mining History
- Cumberland Gap National Park and Four State Parks
- Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
Description:
The Southern Settlement Trail highlights the Cumberland Gap, a narrow pass through the long ridge of the Cumberland Mountains. The Cumberland Gap was the first gateway to the west. Many buffalo, Native Americans, long-hunters, pioneers, and civil war soldiers traveled this route through the mountains to get from the north to the south. This scenic drive will take you by the Museum of Appalachia where the story of the early pioneers comes to life throughout the grounds of the museum. Other highlights include Norris Dam State Park, McCloud Mountain, the Elk Viewing Tour, Cumberland Gap National Park, Abraham Lincoln Museum, and Big Ridge State Park. Don’t forget to stop in the Appalachian Arts Craft Center for a handcrafted keepsake.
Click here for a map of the Southern Settlement Trail.
White Lightning Trail
Experience Level: Moderate
Highlights:
Appalachian heritage
Rolling hills and farmland
Museum of Appalachia
Description:
Named after East Tennessee’s moonshining legacy, the White Lightning Trail leads you through scenic countryside and historic towns like Clinton and Norris. This drive is ideal for travelers interested in local culture, antique shopping, and peaceful rural views. Click here to find out more.
Top Secret Trail
Experience Level: Easy
Highlights:
Manhattan Project history
Oak Ridge museums and landmarks
Scenic views of Melton Hill Lake
Description:
Step into the past with a drive through the “Secret City.” The Top Secret Trail highlights Oak Ridge’s role in World War II and the atomic age. Visit museums, explore riverside trails, and learn the story of one of the most important scientific efforts in U.S. history. Click here to find out more.
Coal Creek Motor Discovery Trail
The Coal Creek Motor Discovery Trail is a self-guided driving tour through the historic coal mining region of Rocky Top, Tennessee. This free trail offers visitors a chance to explore the area’s rich history and scenic beauty. Key sites along the route include the Fraterville Miners’ Circle in Leach Cemetery, where 89 miners from the 1902 Fraterville Mine Disaster are buried, and the Cross Mountain Mine site, the location of a 1911 disaster that claimed 84 lives. These events were pivotal in raising awareness about mining dangers and led to significant safety reforms. The trail also features natural landmarks like the Wye Gap in Walden Ridge, named by Welsh miners after the River Wye in Wales. The Coal Creek Miners Museum serves as the starting point, providing context and artifacts related to the area’s mining heritage. Open year-round, the trail is a tribute to the miners who lived and died in Coal Creek, aiming to improve the quality of life today.
Driving Trails that Feature Stops in Anderson County
