Road Trips from Johnson City, TN
Planning a weekend escape from Johnson City? You've got options for both quick day trips and more involved overnights. Most routes stick to gently rolling terrain, making for smooth drives. You're always close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and several routes also pass by Stones River National Battlefield, adding historical interest to your drive. If you're looking for a shorter outing, consider heading towards Lafayette; for a longer haul with an overnight stay, Union City or Troy are your furthest options.
Total Routes
30
Shortest
3.9h
With Parks Nearby
30
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
24 total in this range
Lynchburg, TN
5h 36m278.6 mi one way
This 5.6-hour drive is a solid choice if you want a longer day trip, covering 278.6 miles. It offers a similar 'mostly highway' profile to other destinations but is a bit shorter than the furthest options. You'll experience gently rolling terrain throughout.
Shelbyville, TN
5h 39m283.4 mi one way
A 5.7-hour drive covering 283.4 miles, this route is comparable in length to Lynchburg. It also includes access to Stones River National Battlefield in addition to the always-nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The terrain is gently rolling.
Sewanee, TN
5h 4m266.6 mi one way
This is your shortest option at 5.1 hours and 266.6 miles, making it ideal for a day trip. It maintains the 'mostly highway' profile and gently rolling terrain. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is accessible nearby.
Lafayette, TN
4h 7m221.1 mi one way
At 221.1 miles and 4.1 hours, this is the quickest drive on the list, perfect for a day trip. The terrain is gently rolling, and while it's a shorter distance, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is still within reach.
Medina, TN
7h 40m411.7 mi one way
This 7.7-hour, 411.7-mile trip offers a longer drive than most of the day trip options. It passes Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The terrain remains gently rolling.
Long-haul ideas
Memphis, TN
9h 6m496.1 mi one way
Union City, TN
8h 30m463.3 mi one way
This 8.5-hour, 463.3-mile route is one of the longest, making it a good candidate for an overnight stay. It includes access to Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Stones River National Battlefield, in addition to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The terrain is gently rolling.
Troy, TN
8h 40m472.9 mi one way
At 8.7 hours and 472.9 miles, this is the furthest option and recommended for an overnight trip. It offers access to Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Stones River National Battlefield, along with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The terrain is gently rolling.
Browse by Mood
Lynchburg, TN
5h 36m278.6 mi one way
Shelbyville, TN
5h 39m283.4 mi one way
Sewanee, TN
5h 4m266.6 mi one way
Lafayette, TN
4h 7m221.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With gently rolling terrain and access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spring drives offer pleasant scenery and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Summer
The 'mostly highway' routes are ideal for summer travel, with nearby parks like Great Smoky Mountains National Park providing cooler escapes.
Fall
Gently rolling terrain and the proximity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park suggest good fall foliage viewing opportunities on these drives.
Winter
While terrain is gently rolling, winter drives should consider weather, especially with nearby access to mountainous park areas.
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 Johnson City, TN city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.