There and Back Again: Boone to Knoxville
Journey the Great Smoky Grand across North Carolina and Tennessee
Backroads transport us to the places in between. This regularly occurring feature written by the Backroad Portfolio staff takes you to and from two southeastern destinations via winding rural roads lined with rustic country stores, captivating overlooks, natural hot springs, and majestic waterfalls. Take one route there and another back to experience two unique journeys.
Our summer excursion travels down rural North Carolina and Tennessee backroads mapped out by two brothers, Chris and Bryan Shugg. Inspired by a Michigan-based driving tour for auto enthusiasts organized by their uncle, the brothers created the Great Smoky Grand. We’ve added stops along the way we think you’ll love.
Start your journey in beautiful Boone, North Carolina, then end the first half of your trip in Knoxville, Tennessee’s pastoral suburbs. The drive to Knoxville takes approximately four hours and thirty-six minutes, while the return trip back to Boone takes different roads in exactly the same amount of time. We recommend booking an overnight stay so you can stretch out the experience and fully enjoy each stop.
At the end of this post, our Explorer and Voyager subscribers will find Google Maps links from Boone to Knoxville, then back again from Knoxville to Boone, plus bonus info about unique accommodations so you can book an overnight stay to break up your trip.
GET THERE:
Boone, North Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee
BACKROAD ROUTE:
4 hours and 36 minutes; 188 miles • 7 stops
Boone > Sugar Grove > Banner Elk > Roan Mountain > Jonesborough > Sevierville > Knoxville
STARTING POINT:
Hickory Ridge History Museum
591 Horn in the West Drive; Boone, North Carolina
horninthewest.com
Discover what life was like during the settlement of Western North Carolina’s high country at Hickory Ridge Museum, where you can tour six historic cabins, complete with artifacts and furnishings. Don’t miss your chance to watch Horn in the West, the outdoor drama that portrays Daniel Boone’s adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains as he and other settlers fight to preserve their freedom before and during the Revolutionary War.
The Original Mast General Store
3565 Highway 194 South; Sugar Grove, North Carolina
mastgeneralstore.com/original-store
North Carolina’s first rural historic district, Valle Crucis, is also home to the original Mast General Store and Mast Store Annex in Sugar Grove. Slip into a timewarp as you step across creaking floorboards and are greeted by the store’s friendly staff. Inside, you’ll discover an old-fashioned community post office still in operation, 5-cent coffee, cast iron cookware, gourmet food, old-fashioned candy, a knife shop, and much more.
Kettell Beerworks
567 Main Street East; Banner Elk, North Carolina
kettellbeerworks.com
Take a beer break at Avery County’s sole brewery, where you can experience three tiers of ABVs and IBUs, as well as a pleasing variety of seasonal brews. Add some wings, pizza, pretzels, or other snacks and soak up the atmosphere at this relaxing brewery, recently purchased by Joe and Susan Royall.
Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center
527 Highway 143; Roan Mountain, Tennessee
tnstateparks.com/parks/roan-mountain
Rhododendrons bloom across Roan Mountain around the third week of June, luring visitors to explore its 2,000 acres of hardwoods, hollows, and ridges. The Doe River, a tributary of the Watauga River, flows through the park’s center. Catch glimpses of wildflowers and wildlife as you hike one of the park’s eleven trails, totaling 12.67 miles.
H&H Whiteway Grill and Country Store
7317 Highway 19 East; Roan Mountain, Tennessee
handhroanmountain.com
While you’re on Roan Mountain, stop by H&H Whiteway Grill and Country Store for a bite to eat, or to shop for groceries, gear, or gifts. The grill serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Veterans and on-duty first responders get 10 percent off.
Persimmon Ridge Park
1523 Persimmon Ridge Road; Jonesborough, Tennessee
jonesborough.com/locations/persimmon-ridge-park
Stretch your legs or take your four-legger for a walk at Persimmon Ridge Park, which offers plenty of greenspace and hiking trails—including the Lost State Scenic Parkway. There’s also an 18-hole disc golf course, family-friendly water park, playground, picnic spots, and more.
Tennessee Museum of Aviation
135 Air Museum Way; Sevierville, Tennessee
tnairmuseum.com
This 50,000-square-foot facility located at Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport showcases vintage aircraft, military vehicles, helicopters, jets, and aircraft exhibits that help tell the story of aviation history. Admission ranges from $9.75 to $15.75.
Check out the bonus content at the end of this post containing additional accommodations in the Knoxville area, from boutique hotels to unique resorts that will add even more charm to your trip.
AND BACK:
Knoxville, Tennessee to Boone, North Carolina
BACKROAD ROUTE:
4 hours and 36 minutes; 186 miles • 7 stops
Knoxville > Hot Springs > Newland > Linville Falls > Blowing Rock > Boone
STARTING POINT:
Accommodations of your choice in Knoxville
Seven Islands State Birding Park
2809 Kelly Lane; Kodak, Tennessee
tnstateparks.com/parks/seven-islands
Start your return trip immersed in 416 acres of aquatic and grassland habitats at Seven Islands State Birding Park, a premier birding destination that’s home to more than 190 species of birds. The park is located along the French Broad River and offers over 8 miles of natural trails, in addition to magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains.
Hot Springs Resort & Spa
315 Bridge Street; Hot Springs, North Carolina
nchotsprings.com
Take a hot soak at this world-famous resort and spa, where crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters are piped into jetted hot tubs. Since 1778, Hot Springs’ mineral baths have provided health-giving properties, reduced stress, and relieved fatigue. It’s the perfect way to relax after your hike through Seven Islands State Birding Park.
Spring Creek Tavern
145 Bridge Street; Hot Springs, North Carolina
thespringcreektavern.com
Stop for lunch at Spring Creek Tavern, where you can dine on “world famous hand-rolled cheese sticks,” as well as a variety of salads, pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, or burgers. The tavern offers three nightly rentals atop the restaurant—a great overnight option if you want to extend your trip another day to enjoy Hot Springs. Check for availability and prices on the tavern’s website.
Linville Falls
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.3–317
Linville Falls, North Carolina
nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-mp-316.htm
Stretch your legs with a hike to North Carolina’s iconic Linville Falls. The Linville River headwaters descend nearly 2,000 feet down the slopes of Grandfather Mountain to create these famous cascades. Parking is available at Warrior Lane in Marion.
Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls Highway; Newland, North Carolina
linvillefallswinery.com
Treat yourself to award-winning wines surrounded by majestic views at this family-owned and -operated winery named for nearby Linville Falls. Drive over from the falls, or hop off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 317, and order a flight or two. Purchase bottles of your favorites to enjoy later.
The Blowing Rock
432 The Rock Road; Blowing Rock, North Carolina
theblowingrock.com
North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, the Blowing Rock, is located in Watauga County and overlooks the Johns River Gorge. What makes it unique is that wind currents from the gorge often blow vertically and force light objects near the rock—like leaves or snow—to flow upward. The Blowing Rock Observation Tower trail is only .5 miles and handicap accessible, so everyone can experience this natural wonder for themselves.
The Pedalin Pig
2968 NC-105 A; Boone, North Carolina
thepedalinpig.com
Our journey ends at the perfect spot for North Carolina barbecue and southern sides. The Pedalin Pig in Boone serves up all your barbecue favorites—pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken, pork shoulder—plus smoked chicken wings, barbecue tacos, a variety of burgers, and a wide selection of sides like collard greens, baked beans, and hush puppies. Check out the full menu online.
BONUS CONTENT
Below the paywall, upgraded subscribers can access Google map links to both journeys and view our recommendations for where to stay in the area.
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