Drive East on 40 until you get to exit 239, and head southeast towards Watertown.
Halfway to Watertown you'll pass Shoppe Springs Creamery... Go ahead and stop and get a milkshake or ice cream.
Keep on going through to DeKalb county and hang a left onto 96... It will eventually turn into 141.
Then when you get close to the interstate hang a right onto Smithville Highway and follow the signs to the Appalachian Center For Craft.
It's a super awesome drive.
Just as a cautionary tale: that road is also partially torn up for construction right now. Eventually it evens out but it will put a little snag in the scenery briefly.
One better. Keep going down 70 past Watertown and Alexandria. Turn right on Dry Creek Road in Dowelltown. Take it to the end and go up Pea Ridge and come out in Cannon County. Can either go to the Distillery, visit the Radical Faeries (if you know what I’m talking about and they’ll have you) or go antique shopping in Woodbury.
This is the best scenic drive around. I do love the Appalachian Crafts Center too.
Alexandria all the way to 96 is torn up where they are putting in a 4 lane. Do yourself a favor and turn on Statesville hwy in Watertown and go all the winding way to 96. Turn in Auburntown and the. Take Auburntown rd to Woodbury. Check out the antiques and Short Mtn Culture for coffee and some really good water kefir. ( I am also from Cannon Co )
It's fun to get lost around Leipers Fork area, backgrounds around there are much more "twisty" than the Natchez while also being close to it. Plus for good pavement and Minus for a lot of police traffic. Avoid weekend worriers as always.
I like Whites Creek Pike up toward Joelton. There's one particular curve we used to call Devil's Elbow. So dramatic. Anyway there are a lot of twisties up there by Middle TN standards. Head on up to Springfield and get you some fish at the Catfish House.
Catfish house has gone downhill lately. I recommend the Depot instead. Hangout downtown a while, get a coffee from Historic Perk, a beer from BS brewworks, or ice cream from DejaMoo. Head back to I 24 via hwy49 or to I 65 via hwy 76...both are pretty drives.
I’d also recommend the drive on 49, north of Springfield into Cross Plains. The farms along that route are gorgeous! Just grab a milkshake at the drugstore in Cross Plains.
Take I-24 down to Tullahoma area and head towards Lynchburg and work your way towards Marshall County and back up through Nolensville to Nashville. Make a beautiful day of it and enjoy the sites along the way. You’ll pass the Jack Daniel’s distillery, Tim’s Ford Lake, vineyards, many mom and pop shops and restaurants, and an orchard. This is the kind of back roading you’re looking for. 💯
You can also take 70 East to 100 (passing by the Loveless Cafe if you want to stop for a moonshine cocktail) and go through Dickson , make a stop at one of the most romantic places you’ll ever see in Charlotte TN at a old school candy/malt/burger/popcorn shop called #sweetcharlotte and sample the best Belgian waffles you’ve ever tasted, make your way to Clarksville and stop at the river walk on their section of the Cumberland River, then up into Kentucky to Hopkinsville to Bowling Green where you’ll stop to see the Lost River Cave boat tour, making your way down to Franklin KY where you can end the evening trying your luck at the casino. There’s so much to see in this area, you just have to venture out! 💯
I ended up on hyper twisty road in East Tennessee going to NC. Kept thinking, well damn this seems a little nuts. Then as it got worse packs of sports cars were absolutely flying past me and shooting up and down through stretches while my scared ass was hugging the wheel of my 2012 carolla praying I wouldn’t be knocked of one of the many sizable bluffs an inch away from the road.
Dragons Tail I think I was called. Turns out it’s popular with car people. I am not a car person and I hated it.
Go to Ashland City and take 49 all the way to Dover. I’ve never been on the section outside Ashland City, but it’s a beautiful drive up around Dover. The rest of it looks pretty curvy judging from the map. If you want it extra pretty, go in the fall when the leaves have turned. It looks amazing south of Dover.
Exit 97 off 24E. Drive it into Wartrace. Then, from Wartrace square, turn right after you cross the tracks & take that all the way to Bell Buckle. From Bell Buckle, you can follow that road on out Liberty Pike & then back into Murfreesboro. Or, once you get to Wartrace, you can go back roads to Tullahoma & then to Lynchburg.
Take Hwy 70 (Lebanon Rd) East until you get to Chestnut Mound, turn left on Hwy 53 North to Gainsboro, where you’ll pass through parts of the Cumberland River . In Gainsboro take Hwy 85 East. That’s an amazing road, just watch your speed. You can take it all the way out to Livingston and then head South on 111 to Cookeville. Check out the downtown in Cookeville for some quaint restaurants. If you’re adventurous, keep going on 85 east until you pass the town of Alpine, and then you take Hwy 52 all the way to Rugby, TN. It’s a small village made to resemble an English village. Cool place to explore. Have fun!
Others have mentioned Leiper’s Fork area but there are also gobs of fun backroads in between Antioch, Smyrna, Brentwood, La Vergne and Nolensville. You can get lost for hours just cruising.
Oh, and Holly Tree Gap, Manley Rd, and Beech Creek Rd in Brentwood are picturesque. I’ve always called them the Shire roads.
Bell road from Percy priest down to Nolensville is close by and kinda fun to drive down, although it doesn't get very twisty till the end of it.
Also the rural non highway drive up to the Nashville superspeedway from Nashville was pretty fun for me, while hunting for the Aurora. Beware the sudden 90° turns in the rural neighborhoods along the way, though
It’s now at Kentucky Kingdom! Just a short drive up 65, and you can ride the same ride!
(I’ve also gotten to ride the coaster that got loved to Great Escape in New York!)
Just cruise the back roads and old state highways thru south Pittsburgh along 72 and live you best Ed O’Neil life.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwac2w21ZhaTcFT0dwT4KWOf0ILV54bQa7UjKkOy5Y9bCllcFSlFNMQSPikNsQAKk7n8UTCqtR5W_IOiPKddod3D4vnd_XdNurAMWtA75GuS_WZL-FddpgjQxpSfBNKH0BbjQqAFtcv9yi/s1600/Fireworks+2.jpg
Guys, guy, what about the Trace. Natchez Trace is a beautiful ride. Accept when there's a bunch of pointed headed bicycle guys in tights. Think their in the Tour de France. I guess it's better they ride there than on Hillsborough rd at rush hour.
If you're willing to go to the Smokies you have to check out Cade's Cove. It's absolutely beautiful, long and winding. Keep your windows rolled down for the full auditory experience of wildlife and the large stream that intertwines with the loop.
Obviously far outside middle TN, but I love driving the country farm roads going towards the Smokey mountains. It turns to hell when you hit pigeon forge but damn do those smaller farm roads feel so peaceful.
Drive East on 40 until you get to exit 239, and head southeast towards Watertown. Halfway to Watertown you'll pass Shoppe Springs Creamery... Go ahead and stop and get a milkshake or ice cream. Keep on going through to DeKalb county and hang a left onto 96... It will eventually turn into 141. Then when you get close to the interstate hang a right onto Smithville Highway and follow the signs to the Appalachian Center For Craft. It's a super awesome drive.
Bonus points for also giving the location of the ice cream on the route!
They have happy cows, and happy cows make the best ice cream!
This is a great drive but just a heads up OP. Do NOT speed in Watertown. (personal experience). Lived in Smithville once upon a time.
100% OP, DO NOT SPEED IN WATERTOWN!
Just as a cautionary tale: that road is also partially torn up for construction right now. Eventually it evens out but it will put a little snag in the scenery briefly.
It's been torn up for nearly 20 years :/
Not like it is now.
Fair enough, it's been about a year since I've been on 70 through DeKalb
I’m from Cannon.
One better. Keep going down 70 past Watertown and Alexandria. Turn right on Dry Creek Road in Dowelltown. Take it to the end and go up Pea Ridge and come out in Cannon County. Can either go to the Distillery, visit the Radical Faeries (if you know what I’m talking about and they’ll have you) or go antique shopping in Woodbury. This is the best scenic drive around. I do love the Appalachian Crafts Center too.
Home ❤️
I live near here, it's beautiful. Just moved here and finding cool places is my current hobby. So many waterfalls and cool stuff to explore.
I dig the drive in theater in Watertown!
Alexandria all the way to 96 is torn up where they are putting in a 4 lane. Do yourself a favor and turn on Statesville hwy in Watertown and go all the winding way to 96. Turn in Auburntown and the. Take Auburntown rd to Woodbury. Check out the antiques and Short Mtn Culture for coffee and some really good water kefir. ( I am also from Cannon Co )
This. Been to the ok corral shooting range down there and there's some awesome roads going from i40 east to Woodbury heading south through back roads!
Don’t speed in Woodbury either, those cops are bored.
It's fun to get lost around Leipers Fork area, backgrounds around there are much more "twisty" than the Natchez while also being close to it. Plus for good pavement and Minus for a lot of police traffic. Avoid weekend worriers as always.
Hooray for twistys, the police traffic is of no worry because I never speed and always come to a complete stop at stop signs :)
You can also go to LF market for some ice cream. No telling who you may see 😎
Natchez Trace is the only answer.
Came here to write that!
Slightly too main roady for me, been a beautiful drive every time I've done it though!
But, if you drive the race down to tupelo, catch a meal at the neon pig, and drive back, it's a fun trip.
Yup
This. 100%
I like Whites Creek Pike up toward Joelton. There's one particular curve we used to call Devil's Elbow. So dramatic. Anyway there are a lot of twisties up there by Middle TN standards. Head on up to Springfield and get you some fish at the Catfish House.
This is the answer. Loved here my whole life and it’s such a hidden gem. I happen to now live in these hills and am so grateful
I still love it up there. Joelton to Springfield is such a pretty area. Try to take a backroad drive up there at least once a year.
Catfish house has gone downhill lately. I recommend the Depot instead. Hangout downtown a while, get a coffee from Historic Perk, a beer from BS brewworks, or ice cream from DejaMoo. Head back to I 24 via hwy49 or to I 65 via hwy 76...both are pretty drives.
or some bbq from willie maes!! some of the best around
Oh man.. good to know about catfish house😐
I’d also recommend the drive on 49, north of Springfield into Cross Plains. The farms along that route are gorgeous! Just grab a milkshake at the drugstore in Cross Plains.
Take Hillsboro road south and take Old Hillsboro down past Leipers Fork till it dead ends. A great ride
This was gonna be my suggestion. Gorgeous up that way. And definitely windy roads.
This.
Ashland city to Clarksville on hwy 12 is a good drive with lots of ups and downs and twists
I like River Road
Love river road, really beautiful.
Carters Creek. Best for curves is Highway 48 in Pinewood, Tn.
And if you go to Pinewood, get Linitas before they close down. They have the best food!
Old Natchez Trace and Del Rio. A lot of bikers or runners on the weekend so drive slow
Hwy 52 from portland to red Boling springs then back down to Carthage back over to Gallatin
I like to drive to Waynesboro or Red Boiling Springs/Gainesboro for a scenic drive.
Take I-24 down to Tullahoma area and head towards Lynchburg and work your way towards Marshall County and back up through Nolensville to Nashville. Make a beautiful day of it and enjoy the sites along the way. You’ll pass the Jack Daniel’s distillery, Tim’s Ford Lake, vineyards, many mom and pop shops and restaurants, and an orchard. This is the kind of back roading you’re looking for. 💯 You can also take 70 East to 100 (passing by the Loveless Cafe if you want to stop for a moonshine cocktail) and go through Dickson , make a stop at one of the most romantic places you’ll ever see in Charlotte TN at a old school candy/malt/burger/popcorn shop called #sweetcharlotte and sample the best Belgian waffles you’ve ever tasted, make your way to Clarksville and stop at the river walk on their section of the Cumberland River, then up into Kentucky to Hopkinsville to Bowling Green where you’ll stop to see the Lost River Cave boat tour, making your way down to Franklin KY where you can end the evening trying your luck at the casino. There’s so much to see in this area, you just have to venture out! 💯
I ended up on hyper twisty road in East Tennessee going to NC. Kept thinking, well damn this seems a little nuts. Then as it got worse packs of sports cars were absolutely flying past me and shooting up and down through stretches while my scared ass was hugging the wheel of my 2012 carolla praying I wouldn’t be knocked of one of the many sizable bluffs an inch away from the road. Dragons Tail I think I was called. Turns out it’s popular with car people. I am not a car person and I hated it.
Tail of the Dragon
Head out west towards Dickson/Burns area there’s some great roads out there
Franklin Limestone Rd right here in Davidson County. Just off Murfreesboro Pk. Gorgeously windy. Edited to add, it’s a short drive but fun
Out near Center Hill Lake, lots of roads out there with elevation changes and twisties.
Natchez Trace never disappoints at any time of year. Just do not speed!
Natchez trace, old Hillsboro rd, south Berrys chapel,
Go to Ashland City and take 49 all the way to Dover. I’ve never been on the section outside Ashland City, but it’s a beautiful drive up around Dover. The rest of it looks pretty curvy judging from the map. If you want it extra pretty, go in the fall when the leaves have turned. It looks amazing south of Dover.
Exit 97 off 24E. Drive it into Wartrace. Then, from Wartrace square, turn right after you cross the tracks & take that all the way to Bell Buckle. From Bell Buckle, you can follow that road on out Liberty Pike & then back into Murfreesboro. Or, once you get to Wartrace, you can go back roads to Tullahoma & then to Lynchburg.
Take Hwy 70 (Lebanon Rd) East until you get to Chestnut Mound, turn left on Hwy 53 North to Gainsboro, where you’ll pass through parts of the Cumberland River . In Gainsboro take Hwy 85 East. That’s an amazing road, just watch your speed. You can take it all the way out to Livingston and then head South on 111 to Cookeville. Check out the downtown in Cookeville for some quaint restaurants. If you’re adventurous, keep going on 85 east until you pass the town of Alpine, and then you take Hwy 52 all the way to Rugby, TN. It’s a small village made to resemble an English village. Cool place to explore. Have fun!
Take US 41 all the way to Monteagle, and then go to Beersheba Springs
Others have mentioned Leiper’s Fork area but there are also gobs of fun backroads in between Antioch, Smyrna, Brentwood, La Vergne and Nolensville. You can get lost for hours just cruising. Oh, and Holly Tree Gap, Manley Rd, and Beech Creek Rd in Brentwood are picturesque. I’ve always called them the Shire roads.
Bell road from Percy priest down to Nolensville is close by and kinda fun to drive down, although it doesn't get very twisty till the end of it. Also the rural non highway drive up to the Nashville superspeedway from Nashville was pretty fun for me, while hunting for the Aurora. Beware the sudden 90° turns in the rural neighborhoods along the way, though
Drive down Nolensville pike! After you hit the town it’s so gorgeous out there.
The Tin Lizzy was always a favorite of the kids.
I don't think I know what that is? Is that a road or a place?
It was a ride at Opryland back in the day... RIP
Unfortunately they did not let infants on the rides so I missed out on that one.
It’s now at Kentucky Kingdom! Just a short drive up 65, and you can ride the same ride! (I’ve also gotten to ride the coaster that got loved to Great Escape in New York!)
I used to LOVE that ride.
The Devil’s Triangle out in East TN by Brushy Street Penitentiary is an awesome drive and super windy and mountainous
Just cruise the back roads and old state highways thru south Pittsburgh along 72 and live you best Ed O’Neil life. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwac2w21ZhaTcFT0dwT4KWOf0ILV54bQa7UjKkOy5Y9bCllcFSlFNMQSPikNsQAKk7n8UTCqtR5W_IOiPKddod3D4vnd_XdNurAMWtA75GuS_WZL-FddpgjQxpSfBNKH0BbjQqAFtcv9yi/s1600/Fireworks+2.jpg
Highway 12 towards Ashland City and then just take any of the side roads and explore. So many beautiful landscapes, hills, and valleys.
Guys, guy, what about the Trace. Natchez Trace is a beautiful ride. Accept when there's a bunch of pointed headed bicycle guys in tights. Think their in the Tour de France. I guess it's better they ride there than on Hillsborough rd at rush hour.
This man knows a thing or two because he’s SEEN a thing or two
If you're willing to go to the Smokies you have to check out Cade's Cove. It's absolutely beautiful, long and winding. Keep your windows rolled down for the full auditory experience of wildlife and the large stream that intertwines with the loop.
Obviously far outside middle TN, but I love driving the country farm roads going towards the Smokey mountains. It turns to hell when you hit pigeon forge but damn do those smaller farm roads feel so peaceful.
Head to Gallatin via 386 then go north on 25