Road Trips from Cleveland, TN
Cleveland's location in Tennessee sets you up for a variety of drives, whether you're looking for a quick trip to a nearby town or a longer haul. You have options for short, 1-2 hour excursions with good drive scores, some of which even put you near national parks. For longer escapes, there are several routes stretching towards the 3-6 hour range, often focused on highways for efficiency, with a few offering more varied terrain.
Total Routes
28
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
19
Under 2 hours
12 total in this range
Fairview, TN
1h 31m71.7 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive is your closest option to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a mixed drive profile and a high drive score of 9, making it a solid choice for accessing outdoor recreation without a long commitment.
Collegedale, TN
25m17 mi one way
At just 17 miles and 40 minutes, this is the shortest drive from Cleveland. It has a high drive score of 8 and a mixed terrain profile, ideal for a brief outing close to home.
Dayton, TN
44m28.3 mi one way
Covering 28.3 miles and taking approximately 40 minutes, this drive scores an 8. It features a mixed terrain and is a manageable distance for a day trip.
Crossville, TN
1h 43m68.8 mi one way
This 68.8-mile drive to Crossville takes about 1.7 hours and boasts a high drive score of 9. It's a longer option than the immediate neighbors but doesn't feature parks directly.
Rockwood, TN
1h 24m60.2 mi one way
Full-day getaway
9 total in this range
Fayetteville, TN
2h 35m125.6 mi one way
Lewisburg, TN
3h 8m147.1 mi one way
This 147.1-mile drive to Lewisburg takes 3.1 hours and has a drive score of 9. It's a mostly highway route that passes by Stones River National Battlefield.
Cookeville, TN
2h 25m103.9 mi one way
A 103.9-mile route to Cookeville will take around 2.4 hours. This drive is highway-focused and scores a 9, offering a more direct path for a longer day out.
Nashville, TN
3h 12m162.9 mi one way
The 162.9-mile drive to Nashville takes 3.2 hours. This highway-focused route scores an 8 and also provides access to Stones River National Battlefield.
Franklin, TN
3h 12m161.1 mi one way
This 161.1-mile trip to Franklin takes 3.2 hours. It's a highway-focused drive with a score of 8, and Stones River National Battlefield is accessible along the way.
Weekend trip
7 total in this range
Memphis, TN
6h 53m368.9 mi one way
This 368.9-mile drive to Memphis is the longest option at 6.9 hours. It's a highway-focused route scoring an 8, with Stones River National Battlefield accessible en route.
Humboldt, TN
5h 38m296.9 mi one way
The 296.9-mile drive to Humboldt takes 5.6 hours and features gently rolling terrain. This highway-focused route scores an 8 and is near Stones River National Battlefield.
Milan, TN
5h 38m289.2 mi one way
Lexington, TN
5h 5m267.9 mi one way
Atoka, TN
6h 42m343.7 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Fairview, TN
1h 31m71.7 mi one way
Fayetteville, TN
2h 35m125.6 mi one way
Lewisburg, TN
3h 8m147.1 mi one way
Memphis, TN
6h 53m368.9 mi one way
Fayetteville, TN
2h 35m125.6 mi one way
Memphis, TN
6h 53m368.9 mi one way
Nashville, TN
3h 12m162.9 mi one way
Franklin, TN
3h 12m161.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good driving conditions for the nearby mixed-terrain routes, with opportunities to visit parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Summer
Summer is ideal for the longer, highway-focused drives to destinations like Nashville or Memphis, with parks accessible along the way.
Fall
Fall foliage might enhance the mixed-terrain drives, especially routes closer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Winter
Winter weather generally favors the highway-focused routes for consistent travel, though rolling terrain options are also viable.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Cleveland, TN city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.