Recommended Road Trips from the Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in 1926, is the most visited national park in the United States. It saw more than 14 million visitors in 2021 and is perched amongst the forests between North Carolina and Tennessee. Called the Smokies for its ever-present morning fog that settles across the mountain range, the park features hiking trails, valleys, waterfalls, and more, which range over 800 miles.
Old Tennessee Distilling Company’s tasting room in Kodak is located conveniently near many of the attractions in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. But if you want to venture out just a bit farther, you’ll find a wide range of options. After all, one of the reasons the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so popular is because more than 50% of the population of the US is situated within a day’s drive. You’ll find tourist attractions in Asheville, Knoxville, Townsend, and Douglas Lake along the way.
Foodie Fun in Asheville
Less than two hours’ drive from our tasting room, Asheville is a vibrant city home to the Biltmore Estate, stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, museums, theatres, and a growing food and beer scene.
Moonshine Tasting in Knoxville
Home to the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Volunteers, Knoxville has something for everyone. Between the sea of orange during football season, and the natural beauty of the lakes, rivers, and mountain foothills, Knoxville is a scruffy city with a ton of charm and local color. It’s also only 25 minutes from our tasting room and easily accessible as a gateway between other cities like Nashville and Chattanooga.
Tubing in Townsend
At the door to the Smokies and tucked in a beautiful valley, you’ll find Townsend, the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Hiking and tubing opportunities abound here, but Cades Cove provides the most well-known attraction. As an extensive valley in the Smokies, this 11-mile loop offers multiple locations to view wildlife like bears, deer, coyotes, turkeys, groundhogs, raccoons, and more.
Fishing in Douglas Lake
Welcoming more than 1.7 million visitors each year, Douglas Lake is surrounded by the mountains and hills of the Smokies. It’s well-known for its fishing and has been rated in the top five for crappie and top 10 for largemouth bass. It’s also an excellent place for boating and swimming.
The list above just starts to scratch the surface of all the opportunities available within 1-2 hours of our tasting room. Pop in for a visit and enjoy a FREE tasting. Let us know if we missed any of your favorites in the comments on our Facebook page.
