Road Trips from Memphis, TN
Memphis opens up a lot of driving possibilities for you. You've got quick hops under an hour to nearby parks, plus longer hauls across the state for a more involved trip. The terrain is mostly flat near the city, but opens up to gently rolling hills as you head east. With several routes featuring parks, you can easily build a day trip or a multi-day adventure around nature stops. If you're looking for a short escape or a longer drive to explore Tennessee, Memphis is a solid starting point.
Total Routes
65
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
57
Under 2 hours
Ripley, TN
1h 16m53.1 mi one way
Elmore Park, TN
23m14.7 mi one way
This is your closest option, just 0.4 hours and 14.7 miles away. It's a quick drive on mixed highway and surface roads with a good drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat, making it an easy day trip. Since it's not recommended for overnight, plan for a few hours of exploration.
Henderson, TN
1h 59m88.4 mi one way
Williams Chapel, TN
29m20.6 mi one way
Another short trip, this one is 0.5 hours and 20.6 miles. Primarily on surface roads, it offers a drive score of 6. The mostly flat terrain makes for a straightforward drive. Like Elmore Park, it's not set up for overnight stays, so it's best suited for a brief outing.
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
50 total in this range
Benton, TN
7h 10m382.1 mi one way
This route covers 382.1 miles and takes 7.2 hours, mostly on highways. It has a solid drive score of 8 and features gently rolling terrain. A key feature here is Stones River National Battlefield nearby, offering a historical stop. It's not recommended for an overnight trip.
Decherd, TN
5h 16m259.7 mi one way
A longer drive at 259.7 miles and 5.3 hours, primarily on highways with a drive score of 8. You'll encounter gently rolling terrain on this route. While it has park access indicated, it's not recommended for an overnight stay, suggesting a focused day trip.
Pigeon Forge, TN
7h 48m421.9 mi one way
This is one of the longest options at 421.9 miles and 7.8 hours, mostly on highways with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling. Notably, this route offers access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Stones River National Battlefield. It’s not recommended for overnight.
Plainview, TN
4h 37m249.1 mi one way
This highway-focused trip is 249.1 miles and takes 4.6 hours, featuring a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat. Stones River National Battlefield is a potential stop on this route. It is not recommended for an overnight visit.
Murfreesboro, TN
4h 25m238.6 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
9 total in this range
Morristown, TN
8h431.4 mi one way
At 431.4 miles and 8 hours, this is a long highway drive with a drive score of 8 and gently rolling terrain. Stones River National Battlefield is accessible. This trip is recommended for an overnight stay, making it suitable for a longer exploration.
Banner Hill, TN
9h 14m492.1 mi one way
This extensive route spans 492.1 miles and takes 9.2 hours, primarily on highways with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling. You'll have access to Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An overnight stay is recommended.
Tazewell, TN
8h 16m435.2 mi one way
This journey is 435.2 miles and takes 8.3 hours, mostly on highways with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling. This route provides access to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Stones River National Battlefield. An overnight stay is recommended.
Jonesborough, TN
8h 55m483.1 mi one way
Clocking in at 483.1 miles and 8.9 hours, this route is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling. You can visit Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This destination is recommended for an overnight stay.
Oak Hill, TN
9h 35m510.9 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Ripley, TN
1h 16m53.1 mi one way
Nashville, TN
3h 54m212.1 mi one way
Benton, TN
7h 10m382.1 mi one way
Decherd, TN
5h 16m259.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The gently rolling terrain and park access are pleasant in spring, especially with Stones River National Battlefield offering historical context.
Summer
With several routes featuring national parks, summer is ideal for exploring mountainous terrain and extensive natural areas.
Fall
The transition to gently rolling terrain makes fall drives appealing, particularly routes offering access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Winter
While not explicitly detailed, the highway-focused routes offer consistent travel, with overnight options allowing for longer exploration of the gently rolling landscapes.
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 Memphis, TN city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.