How to Have the Best Trip From Nashville, TN to Chimney Rock, NC

Escape the ordinary and treat yourself to a new adventure in Chimney Rock, North Carolina! This gorgeous city is widely known as the home of Chimney Rock State Park, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Lake Lure. For an experience like no other, a trip from Nashville, TN to Chimney Rock, NC, should be at the top of your list! The drive is just over five hours, and it’s jam-packed with beautiful sights and exciting attractions. Once you arrive in Chimney Rock, the fun begins! Use our complimentary Vacation Guide to find the best things to do in Chimney Rock, NC, and make your trip from Nashville, TN, unforgettable!

Get Your Guide to an Unforgettable Trip

Add These Stops to Your Trip From Nashville, TN to Chimney Rock, NC

Stop No. 1: A Peaceful Spot

143 miles from Chimney Rock 

With nearly 1 million visitors each year, Lakeshore Park is the most visited public park in Knoxville, TN. As you travel between Nashville and North Carolina, this gorgeous riverside park is a great spot for a picnic overlooking the beauty of the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, a short walk along the paved trails is the best way to stretch your legs before you hit the road again. 

Stop No. 2: Travel Through Time

56 miles from Chimney Rock 

For an experience like no other, you’ll have to stop at the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum, where you’ll find a collection of more than 350 rare motorcycles. Each extraordinary vehicle showcased at Wheels Through Time is representative of a particular era in motorcycle history. The collection includes at least a dozen exhibits that demonstrate how these spectacular machines have evolved over the years. As you explore the 38,000 square foot facility, you’ll come across at least 25 different makes of motorcycles and hundreds of unique motorcycle memorabilia.

Stop No. 3: A Breathtaking Sight

40 miles from Chimney Rock

Before you reach your final stop, enjoy a drive along Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll find gorgeous sites spread across this iconic roadway. One of our favorite spots is the Mills River Valley Overlook. This lookout point is located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers stunning panoramic mountain views at an elevation of 4,085 feet. 

Stop No. 4: You Have Arrived! 

Rocky Broad Cabin Bedroom

Now that you’ve traveled the distance between Nashville and Chimney Rock, you’ve got so much to discover, from hiking trails to National Parks; this quaint town has it all! But perhaps, the best part is The Esmeralda. Our serene spa is the perfect place to unwind after a road trip, and our in-house restaurant is the ideal spot for a bite after a day of exploring. Plus, when you stay in any of our cozy accommodations, you’ll have the best slumber you’ve ever had. Stay here as long as you like and take in all that this beautiful place has to offer.

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