Major Highways & Driving Tips in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1. I-40
A major east-west interstate connecting Knoxville with cities like Nashville and Oklahoma City. Known for its scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful vistas of the Smoky Mountains, perfect for photos.
- Easy Access: Provides easy access to other cities and attractions along its route.
- Construction Updates: Awareness of potential construction zones can help avoid delays.
2. I-75
A north-south interstate connecting Knoxville with Atlanta and cities in the midwest. Notable for its proximity to Chattanooga and Atlanta.
- City Access: Offers easy access to larger cities like Atlanta and Chattanooga.
- Toll Roads: Includes sections with toll roads, so plan accordingly.
- Rest Stops: Has well-maintained rest areas for long drives.
3. I-640
A beltway surrounding Knoxville, providing convenient access to various cities and attractions within the metropolitan area.
- Circumferential Beltway: Allows easy travel around Knoxville without entering downtown.
- Interchanges: Features multiple interchanges connecting to other major highways and local roads.
- Rush Hours: Traffic congestion can be heavy during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
4. I-275
A spur of I-640 connecting the downtown area with I-40 and I-75. Notable for its efficient connectivity to major highways.
- Efficient Connectivity: Connects downtown Knoxville with other major interstates efficiently.
- Construction: Be aware of ongoing construction projects that may affect traffic flow.
- Downtown Access: Provides easy access to downtown Knoxville and its attractions.
5. US-129
A major east-west route connecting Knoxville with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its scenic beauty and motorcycle riders' paradise.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Motorcycle Friendly: Popular among motorcyclists for its winding roads and scenic vistas.
- Parking Availability: Limited parking spots along the route, so plan accordingly.
6. US-25W
A westward extension of US-25, connecting Knoxville with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Notable for its historic significance and natural beauty.
- Historic Significance: Follows the Wilderness Road, which played a significant role in America's westward expansion.
- Natural Beauty: Provides stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Gap.
- Wildlife Encounters: Offers opportunities for wildlife sightings, such as deer and black bears.
7. US-411
A north-south route connecting Knoxville with Morristown. Known for its connection to the Historic Native American Trail and Appalachian Trail.
- Historical Significance: Follows a historic Native American trail, offering insights into the region's past.
- Appalachian Trail Access: Provides easy access to the Appalachian Trail for hikers.
- Rural Scenery: Features beautiful rural scenery, perfect for a scenic drive.
8. SR-16
A major east-west state route connecting Knoxville with Kingston. Known for its picturesque views of the Tennessee River.
- Tennessee River Views: Offers stunning views of the Tennessee River.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides easy access to recreational areas like Davy Crockett State Park.
- Scenic Drive: Makes for a pleasant and scenic drive along the Tennessee River.
9. SR-95
A north-south state route connecting Knoxville with Lenoir City. Known for its connection to the Tellico Reservoir and scenic beauty.
- Tellico Reservoir Access: Offers access to Tellico Reservoir, a popular fishing spot.
- Scenic Drive: Provides beautiful views of the Tennessee Valley and Tellico Mountains.
- Local Attractions: Passes by various attractions like Fort Loudoun State Historical Area.
10. SR-70
A north-south state route connecting Knoxville with Clinton. Known for its proximity to the Clinch River and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
- Clinch River Access: Offers easy access to the scenic Clinch River.
- Oak Ridge National Lab: Passes by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a significant scientific research facility.
- Rural Scenery: Features beautiful rural scenery, including the Cumberland Plateau and Clinch Mountains.
11. SR-11
A north-south state route connecting Knoxville with Maryville. Known for its connection to the University of Tennessee and scenic beauty.
- University of Tennessee: Connects to the campus of the University of Tennessee.
- Scenic Drive: Features a scenic drive through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Local Attractions: Passes by various attractions like Dollywood and the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.
12. SR-63
A west-east state route connecting Knoxville with Rockford. Known for its connection to the University of Tennessee Space Institute and scenic beauty.
- University of Tennessee Space Institute: Connects to the campus of the University of Tennessee Space Institute.
- Scenic Drive: Provides a scenic drive through rolling hills and farmland.
- Local Attractions: Passes by various attractions like the Knoxville Zoo and Ijams Nature Center.
13. SR-97
A north-south state route connecting Knoxville with Oak Ridge. Known for its connection to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and scenic beauty.
- Oak Ridge National Lab: Connects to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a significant scientific research facility.
- Scenic Drive: Provides a scenic drive through the Clinch Valley and the Cumberland Plateau.
- Local Attractions: Passes by various attractions like the American Museum of Science and Energy.
14. SR-71
A north-south state route connecting Knoxville with Kingston. Known for its connection to the Tennessee River and scenic beauty.
- Tennessee River Access: Offers easy access to the beautiful Tennessee River.
- Scenic Drive: Provides a scenic drive through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Local Attractions: Passes by various attractions like Norris Dam State Park and the Museum of Appalachia.
15. SR-98
A west-east state route connecting Knoxville with Louisville. Known for its connection to the University of Tennessee at Martin and scenic beauty.
- University of Tennessee at Martin: Connects to the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin.
- Scenic Drive: Provides a scenic drive through the foothills and farmland of western Tennessee.
- Local Attractions: Passes by various attractions like Reelfoot Lake State Park and the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.