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trails & byways

You can stumble upon a lot of hidden gems when you take the scenic route. Our 16 self-guided driving routes connect Tennessee's 95 counties so you can discover places you never knew you've always wanted to visit.

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Cotton Junction Trail map.
Cotton Junction Trail logo, for Trails and Byways.
Cotton Junction Trail
The sun sets behind the iconic Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The yellow electric guitar statue glows in the sunlight, beckoning you to start your music pilgrimage where the Million Dollar Quartet began. Stand and touch the same mic Elvis did. See the piano Jerry Lee Lewis played and listen to the iconic recordings of that fateful rock n' roll night.
Interactive, immersive exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis. One sign says: "I am a man".
Nighttime view of a large historic brick hotel building illuminated with warm lights, featuring a glowing rooftop sign reading The Peabody” against a deep blue evening sky.

Get ready to trace the deep stories of West Tennessee, from rural farmland to the world's biggest music stages. The Cotton Junction Trail is rooted in the history of pioneers, sharecroppers, and Civil War struggles that forged the region. Out of that rich past comes triumph: today, this trail is a journey through the birthplace of blues and rock icons like Tina Turner and B.B. King, defined by neighborly charm. You'll find plenty of roadside adventure, whether you're soaking up Southern hospitality or simply admiring the stunning landscape—it's an unforgettable trek through the Delta soil.

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