One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend is just hopping in the car, rolling the windows down, and seeing where the road takes me. Middle Tennessee makes it easy, it's all rolling hills, winding backroads, lakes, and little towns that make you want to stop and stay a while. If you've been itching for a good drive, here are a few routes I always come back to.
Natchez Trace Parkway: The Classic Ride
I'll be honest, if someone asks me where to start, I point them straight to the Natchez Trace Parkway. There's nothing quite like cruising over the Double Arch Bridge in Franklin or pulling off at one of the overlooks to stretch your legs. I love that it's not just a pretty drive, it's dotted with trails and history, so you can really make a day of it.
Leiper's Fork Backroads: Slow and Sweet
When I need to slow down, I take the old Natchez Trace backroads that lead right into Leiper's Fork. It feels like a painting, farmland, white fences, wide-open skies. And once you roll into town? Well, I usually end up wandering through an art gallery, ducking into a little shop, or grabbing a bite at one of the local spots. It's small-town Tennessee at its best.
Highway 70 to Edgar Evins: For the Lake Lovers
If you head east on Highway 70, you're in for a treat. The road winds through hills and eventually opens up to Center Hill Lake. I love this drive in the fall, those reds, oranges, and golds reflecting off the water are breathtaking. Edgar Evins State Park is the perfect spot to get out, take some photos, or just breathe in that fresh air.
Highway 13: The River Road
Sometimes I just want something calm, and that's when I head for Highway 13 along the Tennessee River. The road curves alongside the water, and every so often there's a little river town or a quiet picnic area calling your name. It's not flashy, it's just peaceful. And honestly, that's what I love about it.
Monteagle Mountain: The Dramatic One
If you've ever taken I-24 up Monteagle Mountain, you know it's not just a drive, it's an experience. The views stretch forever, the cliffs are dramatic, and it feels like Tennessee showing off. I always make time to pull over at an overlook, just to take it all in. No matter the season, it never gets old.
Why These Drives Stick With Me
What keeps me coming back to these routes isn't just the scenery, it's how they make me feel. It's the way the sunlight hits the hills, the charm of the small towns, the surprise of stumbling on a view you didn't expect. These drives remind me to slow down and enjoy where I am, and I think that's what makes them so special.
Sources: VisitFranklin, TripAdvisor, SouthernLiving, TennesseeRiverValley