12 Best Day Trips From Nashville, Tennessee - Updated 2024

day trips in nashville
Victor
Victor 
Updated
| 5 min read

Regardless of your preferences for adventure and budget, Nashville boasts of diversity when it comes to the things you can do and see. Apart from luxury hotels and resorts, there are also homey vacation rentals for tourists to stay. Nashville has one of the most spectacular networks of caves, deep gorges, and waterfalls, and there is no better way to immerse yourself in this outdoor diversity than go for the numerous day trips from Nashville. Whether you are interested in a tour of historical sites, rock climbing, a visit to the parks, or you want to go zip lining in the deep gorges, Nashville day trips are not going to disappoint you. For maximum fun and thrill, read on for the best day trips from Nashville, Tennessee.

1. Dollywood Theme Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dreaming of sunnier days with Dragonflier

Posted by Dollywood on Friday, March 17, 2023

Dollywood Theme Park is a family-friendly destination that offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. There’s something for everyone here, from favourites such as the Wild Eagle and Thunderhead to family-friendly rides such as the Dollywood Express steam train and the River Rampage water ride.

For a taste of Southern cuisine, visit one of the park’s many restaurants, which serve everything from classic barbecue to Southern-style fried chicken. End your trip by visiting the park’s many gift shops, which offer a variety of unique gifts, crafts, and souvenirs.

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2. Mammoth Cave National Park (from USD 15.25)

One of the best places to visit near Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park promises a unique and unforgettable underground adventure for all. It is home to the world-renowned Mammoth Cave system, the longest-known cave system in the world. A guided tour of the cave will lead you through twisting tunnels, massive chambers, and stunning underground formations.

Don’t miss out on exploring the park’s above-ground attractions, including hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the Green River, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. For a taste of local culture, visit nearby communities like Cave City and Glasgow, where you can explore historic sites, sample regional cuisine, and shop for local crafts.

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Mammoth Cave Self-Guided Audio Tour in Margaret River

7 reviews

3. Dunbar Cave State Park

Posted by Dunbar Cave State Park on Wednesday, 13 March 2019

Dunbar State Park is the home to the Dunbar Cave – a prehistoric site, and also prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art that date back to the 14th century. Currently, the cave art scenes are protected and only seasonal tours from May to September are allowed. If you cherish history and you would like to appreciate some of the strides made by Native Americans over the years then this is a significant day trip is one you must not miss.

Dunbar Cave State Park Day Trip

Address: 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road, Clarksville, Tennessee 37043

Website: Dunbar Cave State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 5 - 10 USD

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4. Carter House and the Carnton Plantation (from USD 101.0)

The Carter House is a centerpiece of the Franklin Battlefield – the last battle during the American Civil War. This was the refuge for the Carter family while they waited for the second Battle of Franklin to end. It is a National Historic Landmark and in it, you will come face to face with thousands of bullets holes and also have a glimpse of the relics of the Civil Wars so that you can recount some of the consequences of the deadly confrontation. Carnton Plantation also has a history to tell as far as the second Civil War is concerned. It was the field hospital during the battle and it is where hundreds of troops were treated. It is also where four of the top generals lost their lives due to the wounds they got in the battlefield. Through the guided tours, you will see blood stains and some of the actual burial sites for some of the troops. This is an exciting tour that you should strongly consider if you love history and you would like to appreciate the strides that the United States have made as a country.

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Civil War Tour with Lotz House, Carter House & Carnton Admission from Nashville

Duration: 7 hours

313 reviews

5. The City of Gallatin

Gallatin Tennessee Town Square
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ichabod used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Gallatin is about 40-minute drive northeast of Nashville. It was founded in 1802, and it is the home to Trousdale Palace – the oldest mansion in Nashville. The simple two-story brick home has been in the list of the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. A visit to this place will expose you to the fine collection of furniture as well as a humongous library of documents and books that relate to the Confederacy. It is also home to the Summer Country Museum where you will find over 250,000 artifacts featuring displays by both Native Americans and African Americans. You will love the sites of antique toys, various settler goods, and a variety of various tools of trade that were used back then.

The City of Gallatin

Address: Gallatin, TN

Website: The City of Gallatin

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6. Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch

One of the most popular photo spots in Tennessee. Right on the steps of the Loretta Lynn's homeplace! Did you ever take a photo here? If so than share it with us :D

Posted by Loretta Lynn's Ranch - Campground, Tours, Concerts & Events on Thursday, 1 November 2018

If you are a huge fan of country music, then the name Loretta Lynn should not surprise you. If you are visiting Nashville, Tennessee, then you have every reason to check out the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch. It is an 18,000-square foot (1,672 square meters) museum located in Hurricane Hills and the home of the legendary country musician. It features a huge number of memorabilia, her personal items, gifts from her friends, and the various awards she has bagged in the course of her career. This day trip outside Nashville gives the chance to have a glimpse of Loretta Lynn’s personal and career life and also appreciate the journey she has made as a country singer.

Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch Tour

Address: 8000 TN-13, Hurricane Mills, TN 37078, USA

Website: Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch

Opening hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm (daily)

Price: 20 - 25 USD

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7. Memphis and Graceland (from USD 328.0)

Memphis and Graceland, also known as Home of the King, Elvis Presley, is another rather long day tour worth taking when in Nashville. This is a trip that will open the state-of-the-art Elvis Presley Mansion so that you can have a glimpse of his life including his private jets and luxury car collection, his famous costumes, personal items, gifts, and awards among other items that were the hallmarks of his career. You will also get to visit the Sun Studio where the King and many other artists recorded some of their hit songs.

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Nashville to Memphis Daytrip with Graceland VIP Tour and Sun Studio Admission

Duration: 15 hours

313 reviews

8. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Posted by Fall Creek Falls State Park on Sunday, 24 January 2016

Fall Creek Falls State Park is about two hours’ drive from Nashville, and approximately 11 miles (17.7km) and 18 miles (29.0km) from Spencer and Pikeville respectively. It is a 26,000-acre (10,521.8 hectares) park on the rugged eastern top of the legendary Cumberland Plateau. It is not just the largest state park in Tennessee but also the home to magnificent waterfalls, gorges, cascades, streams, and thick stands of primary hardwood timber. It is ideal for those who long for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or bike riding.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA

Website: Fall Creek Falls State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: From 5 USD

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9. Knoxville day trips

Posted by knoxville.com on Wednesday, 18 April 2018

The historic Knoxville is another great day trip you don’t want to miss when in Nashville. Knoxville is about three hours away from Nashville and highlights of this trip will include a visit to the iconic Sunsphere Tower where you will be treated to amazing observation deck views and a tour of the Confederate Memorial Hall. Other historic sites featured in this tour include a tour of the Museum of East Tennessee and the Market Square. The Market Square was established in the mid-1800s and it is currently being used as a market center, a live entertainment center, and a farmer’s market on certain days of the week.

Knoxville

Address: 301 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Website: Knoxville

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10. Downtown Franklin

Get your dose of history at the Carter House! #dfamemberspotlight ?: @boft1864

Posted by Downtown Franklin on Friday, 3 May 2019

Downtown Franklin is another site of great historical influence that you should never miss if you are a passionate student of history. This is one of the most famous places when talking about the American Civil War given that it is where one of the bloodiest battles of the war took place. It has lots of beautiful Civil War-era mansions where you can gather lots of insights about how the war came about. You will also experience fast-hand some of the direct impacts of the war as shall be displayed by the bullet holes on the walls as well as the cannonballs left behind by the soldiers.

Downtown Franklin

Address: P.O. Box 723, Franklin, Tennessee 37065, 615-905-8937

Website: Downtown Franklin

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11. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg View
Source: Photo by user Eoin McNamee used under CC BY-ND 2.0

No visit to Tennessee will ever be complete if you fail to take a day trip to Gatlinburg and the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Start the trip from the small town of Gatlin then makes your way through the scenic routes to the Smoky Mountains. At the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will fall in love with the expanses of the tall forests, the springs, and the over 900 miles (1,448.4 km) of trails. The peace, tranquility, and flora in this place are incredible, and it is an experience you must never miss when in Tennessee.

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12. Bucksnort Trout Ranch

Posted by Buck Snort Trout Ranch on Wednesday, 9 January 2019

The ranch was established in a 62-acre (25-hectare) property in 1966 and it is one of the best places for trout fishing in the country. Additionally, the ranch offers pond stocking services as well as wholesale trout deliveries for local dealers. Though trout fishing is closed to the public at the moment, it is a nice tour to consider if you are passionate about fishing and also to have a chance to enjoy the natural set-up of the ranch, featuring the beautiful Sugar Creek, with great rock formations and a natural swimming hole for an affordable fishing experience.

Bucksnort Trout Ranch

Address: 622 W Sugar Creek Rd McEwen, Tennessee 37101

Website: Bucksnort Trout Ranch

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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It is not just about country music in Nashville

Nashville may be known for its prowess in producing country musicians but it has a lot more to offer its visitors. Irrespective of your preferences, you will always find something fun and enjoyable to do. Looking for day trip ideas near Nashville? Consider your options keenly and enjoy the best Nashville, Tennessee has to offer with these day trips.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Nashville, Tennessee

1. What day trips are within one hour of Nashville?

If you don’t want to spend too much time on the road, some ideal day trips to take near Nashville are to the City of Gallatin and Downtown Franklin. These places can be reached within one hour of Nashville.

2. What day trips from Nashville are ideal for families?

Dollywood Theme Park is one of the top destinations for families, featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. Families can also join a tour in Dunbar State Park and go camping in Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Victor firmly believes that writing is a skill anyone can develop, and he is a living testament to that philosophy. With a genuine love for writing, he finds it to be a powerful means of sharing...Read more

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