English Mountain Fall Driving Tour
A cavern tour, Civil War site, and mountain charm

Explore an 18th century cemetery, tour Forbidden Caverns (once a hideout for both moonshiners and native Americans), and visit a Civil War battleground on this spectacular drive to English Mountain.

Historic Highlight: Built in 1880, Blowing Cave Mill will soon be back in business milling corn and flour, and welcoming guests to fill their pantries with traditional mountain goods.

Bean Break: When you complete the tour, turn right and roll that beautiful bean footage at Bush’s Visitor Center and Museum just two miles away in Chestnut Hill, TN. Discover the original family-owned country store, farmhouse, and land where this nationally-known bean brand was born.

Middle Prong Fall Driving Tour
Rustic barns, historic bridges, and a musical love story

The remnants of a swinging bridge, a home constructed by famed African-American carpenter Lewis Buckner, and historic cantilever barns are standouts on this scenic fall drive.

Historic Note: On December 17, 1936, Lydia Franks and Frankie King of Louisville, KY were the first couple to wed at Old Richardson Cove Baptist Church. Later, Frankie (better known as Pee-Wee King) went on to write the music for “Tennessee Waltz”, which became an official state song.

Homemade Heaven: A drive through the country calls for a country meal. Order one up at Chubby’s Restaurant on Dolly Parton Parkway. Grab breakfast before you set out or stop for lunch or dinner when your drive is finished. Either way, you’ll leave stuffed!

Boyd’s Creek Fall Driving Tour
Railroad history, Revolutionary battles, and rolling farmland

Traverse the rolling hills and fertile river bottoms where the Knoxville, Sevierville & Eastern Railroad (later called the Smoky Mountain Railroad) once ran. Along the way, spot a historic home that was once a temporary train station, find a “See Rock City” barn, snap photos of an idyllic, two-room 1918 school house, and view a granite marker commemorating the 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Boyd’s Creek.

Historic Venue: Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of both the mountains and the Little Pigeon River Valley, Swann Stables was originally known as the Murphy-Swan House when built in 1883. An example of tripartite-style Victorian architecture, the home and grounds are now a venue for weddings, receptions, and corporate events.

Take a “Break”: East Tennessee Billiards is a great place to eat while enjoying the Boyd’s Creek area. This family-friendly pool hall serves up everything from pub food to poutine and the six Diamond pool tables give everyone a chance to play.

Douglas Lake Fall Driving Tour
Art, agriculture, and lakeside serenity

Visit the historic farmhouse gallery of local artist Robert A. Tino, wander through a corn maze, and enjoy a picnic overlooking scenic Douglas Lake, created during WWII by the construction of Douglas Dam.

Historic Highlight: During World War II, Douglas Dam was a major part of the United States war effort. Completed in just 12 months and 17 days, this hydroelectric facility produced power to create aircraft aluminum in nearby Alcoa, TN. At 201 feet high and 1,705 feet wide, it dams the French Broad River to produce 182 megawatts of net power on an average day.

Art Meets History: Stop by the historic Robert A. Tino Gallery to browse his original artwork and appreciate the century-old work of historic African American artisan Lewis Buckner who carved both the historic home’s gingerbread wood trim and the mantles within.

Bluff Mountain Fall Driving Tour
Panoramic views, historic churches, and off-road adventures

Wind your way up Chilhowee Mountain (better known as Bluff Mountain to locals) for spectacular views and adventure. Along the way make stops to stroll through Burchfiel Grove & Arboretum, enjoy viewing historic churches, and take in sweeping views near the Bluff Mountain Fire Tower.

Historic Highlight: Battle Hill Road is the sight of a crucial confrontation between the White Caps and Blue Bills White Caps and Blue Bills in 1894. From 1892-1899, a violent vigilante group known as the White Caps sought to rid Sevier County of individuals (mostly women) deemed lewd or adulterous. The Blue Bills, a citizen posse, formed to oppose them and protect those targeted within the community.

Side Quest: Book a professionally guided ATV trail ride to the top with Bluff Mountain Adventures Rides are available for all skill levels - as well as longer tours for more experienced riders.

Rocky Flats Fall Driving Tour
Quiet roads, covered bridges, and local legends

Head east to explore the quietest and most scenic countryside in Sevier County. Enjoy vibrant fall color accentuated by picturesque churches, walk through a historic cemetery with a century-old mystery, and visit a small bridge dedicated to the Jenkins sisters, U.S. Army nurses who received a hero’s welcome after returning home from service in 1945.

Historic Highlight: Drive through one of the few remaining covered bridges in Tennessee, the Harrisburg Covered Bridge. Built in 1875 by the Early brothers (and continually maintained by the county) this is a treasured community landmark.

Pit Stop: Nino’s Pizzeria is a great place to begin or end your drive and offer salads, pizzas, pasta, and submarine sandwiches.

Steeples & Farmsteads Fall Foliage Tour
Downtown charm and Echoes of the Civil War

This drive along Sevierville’s winding backroads begins downtown. Stroll through quaint shops and snap photos at vibrant murals before heading out to view historic homes and churches reaching back to the 19th century.

Historic Highlight: The story of Sevier County’s largest Civil War battle, the Battle of Fair Garden, is highlighted on the grounds of Walters State Community College Sevierville Campus. After Confederate Gen. James Longstreet ordered Gen. William T. Martin to rout the Union cavalry from Sevier County, a Union stronghold, a battle ensued costing the lives of nearly 100 Confederate and 65 Union soldiers. Read more about Sevier County’s Divided Loyalties prior to the Civil War.

Pit Stop: Getting hungry? Grab a snack at Red’s Soda Fountain and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Sevierville’s own Dolly Parton before heading out on the road!

North of the River Fall Driving Tour
Birding, paddling, and powerful stories

This scenic country drive will keep you busy all day - particularly when you take time to explore open-to-the-public points of interest along the way. Plan a hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park, bring along kayaks and paddle along the French Broad River, or book reservations to tour the American Eagle Foundation and even feed these powerful birds of prey.

Historic Highlight: Pay your respects at Henry’s Crossroads Cemetery. William and Laura Whaley, whose 1896 murders unraveled the White Caps’ reign of vigilante terror, are among those buried here.

Pit Stop: One of the world’s largest Buc-ee’s stores is less than two miles from the start of this drive. Make a stop early on to fill up your tank and grab snacks to enjoy along the way.