The open road, a map, and a sense of adventure – the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable journey. If you're looking for a road trip that combines stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, then a 7-day drive from Cleveland to Atlanta is an ideal choice. This 760-mile journey will take you through the rolling hills of Ohio, the scenic landscapes of Kentucky and Tennessee, and the charming cities of the South. Buckle up, and let's embark on this exciting adventure!
Day 1: Cleveland to Columbus, Ohio
The first day of our road trip takes us from Cleveland to Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. The 140-mile drive should take around 2.5 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art, which features a collection of American and European art, or take a stroll through the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. In the evening, head to the Short North neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and boutiques.
Must-Visit Attractions in Columbus
Some of the top attractions in Columbus include the Ohio Statehouse, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, and the Center of Science and Industry, which offers interactive exhibits on science and technology. If you’re interested in sports, catch a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game at the Nationwide Arena or a Columbus Crew soccer match at Mapfre Stadium.
| Attraction | Location | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Museum of Art | 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 | 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday |
| Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203 | 10am-5pm, daily |
| Ohio Statehouse | 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215 | 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday |
Day 2: Columbus to Lexington, Kentucky
On the second day of our road trip, we’ll head to Lexington, Kentucky, a city known for its horse farms and rich equine history. The 210-mile drive should take around 3.5 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,200-acre park that showcases the history of horses in Kentucky, or take a tour of the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the childhood home of the wife of President Abraham Lincoln.
Exploring Lexington’s Horse Farms
Lexington is home to some of the most beautiful horse farms in the country. Take a guided tour of a working horse farm, such as the Calumet Farm or the Taylor Made Farm, to learn about the art of horse breeding and training. You can also visit the Lexington History Museum to learn more about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
| Horse Farm | Location | Tour Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Calumet Farm | 3300 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510 | 9am-5pm, daily |
| Taylor Made Farm | 2765 Union Mill Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356 | 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday |
Key Points
- The drive from Cleveland to Atlanta takes 7 days and covers over 760 miles of stunning natural beauty and rich history.
- Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, featuring attractions like the Columbus Museum of Art and the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
- Lexington, Kentucky, is a city steeped in equine history, with attractions like the Kentucky Horse Park and the Mary Todd Lincoln House.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Atlanta, Georgia, is a city with a rich history, featuring attractions like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Georgia Aquarium.
Day 3: Lexington to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
On the third day of our road trip, we’ll head to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a popular vacation spot located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 180-mile drive should take around 3 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing, or take a stroll through the charming downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. Take a hike on the Alum Cave Trail, which features stunning views of the surrounding mountains, or go fishing in one of the park’s many streams and lakes. You can also take a scenic drive through the park, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
| Trail | Location | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Alum Cave Trail | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN | Moderate |
| Laurel Falls Trail | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN | Easy |
Day 4: Gatlinburg to Knoxville, Tennessee
On the fourth day of our road trip, we’ll head to Knoxville, Tennessee, a city located on the Tennessee River. The 45-mile drive should take around 1 hour, giving us plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions. Visit the World’s Fair Park, which features a stunning sunsphere and a museum showcasing the city’s history, or take a stroll through the historic downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Tennessee Theatre.
Attractions in Knoxville
Knoxville is a city with a rich history and cultural scene, featuring attractions like the Knoxville Museum of Art and the East Tennessee History Center. You can also visit the Market Square, a vibrant public space that hosts events and festivals throughout the year.
| Attraction | Location | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| World's Fair Park | 1060 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916 | 9am-5pm, daily |
| Knoxville Museum of Art | 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916 | 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday |
Day 5: Knoxville to Chattanooga, Tennessee
On the fifth day of our road trip, we’ll head to Chattanooga, Tennessee, a city located in the southeastern part of the state. The 110-mile drive should take around 2 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions. Visit the Ruby Falls, a stunning underground waterfall, or take a stroll through the historic downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium.
Outdoor Activities in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a city surrounded by natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. Take a hike on the Lookout Mountain Trail, which features stunning views of the surrounding city, or go kayaking on the Tennessee River. You can also visit the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, which features a beautiful botanical garden and a nature preserve.
| Trail | Location |
|---|