Tennessee

Tennessee climbs. In the east, Great Smoky Mountains National Park fills the horizon, and much of its beauty shows from the car window. Drive the Cades Cove Loop past historic buildings in an open valley, or follow Newfound Gap Road up into the high country.

At Sugarlands Visitor Center, a paved nature trail loops along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Down the road in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood fills the hills with rides, theaters and shows.

South of the mountains, the Cherohala Skyway leaves Tellico Plains and climbs into the mountains toward Robbinsville, North Carolina. In Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium spreads across two buildings downtown, River Journey and Ocean Journey.

Fall brings color to the ridges, and winter brings the lights. Whenever you go, leave room in the day to stop and look.