Road Tools
Downloadable Maps
Download high-resolution PDF maps of Tennessee below.
TDOT
Tennessee's Department of Transportation makes your driving experience safe and convenient with SmartWay. TDOT provides information on construction zones and weather-related interstate highway conditions on its website.
Scenic Detour Route to Northeast Tennessee
Temporary I-40 Closing in North Carolina
While no one likes to be re-routed on a road trip, sometimes the detour can be rather pleasant. That's what we believe travelers to Tennessee will discover on the alternate route around the I-40 closure.
Traveling along I-26 includes a trip through beautiful Asheville, NC, home of the Biltmore Mansion. Autumn in Tennessee and North Carolina reveals breathtaking fall foliage, especially the drive through the Cherokee National Forest.
Just across the border, you will arrive in Unicoi County and Erwin, known as "The Valley Beautiful." If you are ready for lunch or dinner, stop at the Choo Choo Café or check-out any number of other eateries.
Traveling on to Johnson City, Bristol and Kingsport is worth an overnight, just to take in the spectacular scenic beauty. All three cities have historic downtowns with boutique and antique shopping and great restaurants.
Visit the Historic Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City or have a casual lunch or dinner at Cootie Brown's.
Take 11E, the scenic route, from Johnson City to Jonesborough for a visit to Tennessee's oldest incorporated town and named a "Distinctive Destination" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Don't miss Jonesborough's historic main street and the International Storytelling Center.
Travel along hwy. 321 to Greeneville and stop at Davy Crockett's Birthplace State Park on the scenic Nolichucky River or visit the home of President Andrew Johnson. For overnight, the General Morgan Inn is world-class.
From Greeneville, travelers can drive 11E to I-81 or continue down 321 to experience more of Tennessee's off-the-beaten-path attractions.
For travelers headed to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, I-81 will take you right back to I-40. Or hwy 321 will provide a scenic drive through Newport, Cosby and Pittman Center.
Make your way to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville – all mountain towns just on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don't miss Dollywood, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Sevierville's Wilderness at the Smokies Resort.
For travelers staying on I-26, your next stop is Gray, Tennessee and the Gray Fossil Site and Museum, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Eastern United States.
From Gray, follow I-26 North to Kingsport for a visit to Bay's Mountain Park and the newly renovated planetarium. Dine at Chop House or Creekside Café or any one of dozens of locally-owned restaurants.
If you prefer, take I-81 North to Bristol, where the downtown scene is vibrant with music venues, eateries and shopping. Bristol is the "Birthplace of Country Music” and marks this important milestone with a downtown mural and a 20-foot guitar sculpture. Bristol also boasts the Bristol Motor Speedway, home of the fastest half-mile track.
From Kingsport and Bristol, you can easily get back on I-81 South which will provide an easy interstate route right back to I-40.
You've chosen your destinations in Tennessee; now organize all the driving details. Driving into Tennessee is just as convenient as flying from one of our six major airports. If you choose to drive, help keep Tennessee's environment clean by using one of our alternative fuel stations. Tennessee has 13 welcome centers at major borders across the state. Stop in or contact them for travel advice. Make traveling easier by downloading one or all of the nine maps available for each region of the state and by checking road conditions.
Add some extra excitement to your next Tennessee vacation with our word search travel game provided by opry.com. For more fun travel games and to plan your Tennessee adventure, visit the Trip Planner found exclusively at opry.com.
Quick Driving Tips
Interstate ramps and medians contain small blue signs as emergency reference markers. These signs provide location information and, in the case of an emergency, motorists should provide this information to emergency personnel. more >
upcoming events
Nov 6, 2009 - Nov 8, 2009
Tennessee Numismatic Society Fall Coin & Currency Show
Chattanooga, TN
Nov 7, 2009 - Nov 8, 2009
Dickson's Christmas in the Country
Dickson, TN
Nov 7, 2009 - Nov 8, 2009
Christmas in the Country
Dickson, TN
Nov 7, 2009 - Nov 8, 2009
Holiday Bazaar
Greeneville, TN
Nov 8, 2009
Music City Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony
Nashville, TN
