Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Tori Pines
If you’re anything like me, you love living in Nashville, but sometimes you just need a quick change of scenery and sense of adventure! Luckily, Tennessee and its neighboring states are packed with incredible day trip options that are just a short drive away. Whether you’re craving a day of hiking through waterfalls and mountain views, or you want to explore a charming small town with great food and boutique shopping, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite day trips from Nashville, broken into two sections: outdoor adventures for when you’re ready to get outside and breathe in that fresh Southern air, and towns to visit for when you’re in the mood to stroll, sip, and sightsee. These are all places I’ve personally loved exploring, and trust me, they’re worth the drive!
Why Trust Me?
Because I live in Nashville, TN and have for many years. My family and I love exploring the areas around us so taking day trips from Nashville is a common occurrence in our house. I’ve explored these places and love them, and know you will too!
Outdoors Adventures Near Nashville
1. Burgess Falls State Park, TN
Driving Distance from Nashville: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Visit: Summer
If you’re looking for a quick escape into nature, Burgess Falls State Park is one of my favorite day trips from Nashville! Just about an hour and a half east of the city, this park packs in serious wow-factor for such a short drive. The star of the show is Burgess Falls itself, a powerful, 136-foot waterfall that dramatically cascades into a limestone gorge. The hike to see it isn’t long (just under two miles round-trip), and is actually very easy for the average hiker! But it’s packed with beautiful scenery, smaller waterfalls, and forested trails that make it feel like a true adventure.
What I love about Burgess Falls is how easy it is to make a full day of it. You can bring a picnic, stop by the overlook for stunning photos, and cool off at nearby Center Hill Lake afterward. It’s a great spot for families, couples, or anyone who wants a mix of light hiking and big payoff views. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes since the trail can get slippery near the falls! I recommend hiking sandals here since you might want to go for a dip in the water too!
An added activity to make the hike even more fun for adults, but especially fun for kids, is to hunt for letterboxes along the way! Never heard of letterboxing? Read all about it here, but basically it’s a real-life scavenger hunt, and they’re hidden all over the world! During my sister’s bachelorette party, we planted 8 boxes along the trail, so go try to find them!
Visiting Burgess Falls State Park is completely free, but the parking lot is fairly small for the number of people who visit on weekends and in the summer months. So get there early or be prepared to circle a bit for a spot!
Alternatively, you can choose to kayak to Burgess Falls. This 3-hour tour is a great option if you don’t have your own kayak and would love to have a guide with you.
Looking for more hikes near Nashville? Read my full article for the best ones closer to the city!
2. Cummins Falls State Park, TN
Driving Distance from Nashville: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Best Time of Year to Visit: Summer
If you’re chasing waterfalls (and a little adventure!), Cummins Falls State Park is a must-do day trip from Nashville. It’s about an hour and forty five east of the city, near Cookeville, and it’s one of Tennessee’s most jaw-dropping natural spots. The 75-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning, and what makes this park so special is that you can actually hike down into the gorge and swim at the base of the falls.
But this isn’t your typical walk-in-the-park type of hike. The trail to the gorge is rugged, with steep sections and slippery rocks, so be prepared for a real adventure. You’ll need a free online gorge access permit from the Tennessee State Parks website if you plan to hike to the base of the falls, and they do limit the number of visitors each day, so definitely grab your permit ahead of time.
Parking is free, but the lot fills up fast on weekends, especially in summer. There are restrooms and picnic areas near the trailhead, and you’ll want to bring sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals since you’ll be wading through parts of the creek on the way down. The full hike is an adventure, but if you’re looking for something a little easier you can just do the one mile hike to the lookout instead.
For families with older kids or couples looking for something a little more exciting than your average nature walk, Cummins Falls delivers! Between the hike, the swimming hole, and the pure scenic beauty, it’s one of those places that offers Tennessee adventure.
3. Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN
Driving Distance from Nashville: 2 hours
Best Time of Year to Visit: Fall
If you only have time for one big outdoor adventure from Nashville, make it Fall Creek Falls State Park! About two hours east of the city, this park is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., a jaw-dropping 256-foot drop that’s absolutely worth the drive. The views from the overlooks are incredible, and if you’re up for exploring, there are miles of scenic hiking trails that pass smaller falls, swinging bridges, and lush forest views.
What I love about Fall Creek Falls is how easy it is to make it your kind of day trip. You can do a short walk to the main overlook for those postcard-perfect photos, or spend the whole day adventuring. There’s even a suspension bridge, swimming areas in summer, and a scenic drive that loops through the park. For a fun family outing, the nature center is a great stop to learn about local wildlife, and there are plenty of picnic tables scattered around for a picnic lunch.
The best short but steep hike takes you past the overlooks and down to the base of the falls and back up. My favorite longer hike here is the three mile trail taking you to the waterfall, over the suspension bridge, and past many overlooks.
The park is free to enter, and parking is available at multiple trailheads (though it fills up quickly on weekends). The main falls overlook is wheelchair accessible, and the facilities, like restrooms and snack shops, are well maintained.
4. Mammoth Caves National Park, KY
Driving Distance from Nashville: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Visit: All Year!
Just under 90 minutes north of Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park makes for one of the most unique day trips you can take from the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the longest cave system in the world. More than 400 miles of underground passageways have been discovered so far! Whether you’re into geology, history, or just want to do something totally different, Mammoth Cave is such a fun and memorable adventure.
There are several guided tours available, ranging from short and easy walks to more strenuous “wild cave” crawls (where you’ll actually climb and squeeze through tunnels!). My family loved the Historic Tour, it’s the perfect mix of fascinating stories, cool rock formations, and that eerie thrill of being deep underground. If caves aren’t your thing, don’t worry, the park also has miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic spots above ground.
Entry to the park is free, but cave tours require a ticket and advance reservation, especially on weekends and holidays. Prices vary depending on the tour, but most range from around $20–$30 per person. There’s plenty of parking near the visitor center, restrooms, and a small café for snacks and coffee before or after your tour.
Pro tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer, it stays around 54°F inside the caves. And definitely book your tour online ahead of time, they sell out fast!
5. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, IL
Driving Distance from Nashville: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Best Time of Year to Visit: Fall
If you’re up for a longer day-trip from Nashville (yes, it’s the only one I’ve included that’s over 2 hours away), consider this under‐the‐radar gem: the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois.
This spot delivers wild scenery without the crowds you might find in the better-known parks. The highlight is the scenic Observation Trail, a short half mile loop that takes you out among dramatic sandstone bluffs and offers sweeping views over the Shawnee Hills. Some of the rock formations even have fun names like “Camel Rock” and “Devil’s Smokestack.”
I’ll never forget the first time I heard about this park, it was in a Travel and Leisure magazine and I knew we had to check it out. We stopped here on our drive from Nashville to St. Louis for the weekend and it was the perfect midway point to stretch our legs and see some beautiful scenery.
The picnic areas and trail open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round. Access to the day-use trail is free. If you choose to camp, it’s $10 per night at the developed campground. Vault toilets and potable water are available at the campground/picnic area. Spring and fall are especially lovely (wildflowers, fall colours). Oh, and dogs are welcome here!
For my style of travel, action-packed but still relaxed, this place hits a sweet spot. You get unique scenery, a manageable hike, and a sense of “we went somewhere off the beaten path”.
Towns to Visit Near Nashville
6. Franklin, TN
Driving Distance from Nashville: 30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring and Summer
If you want an easy, charming, and downright delightful day trip from Nashville, head to Franklin, Tennessee. It’s probably the most popular spot of the day trips from Nashville. Just a quick 30-minute drive south, this historic small town has all the charm you could ask for: brick-lined streets, adorable boutiques, amazing restaurants, and a storybook town square that’s perfect for wandering. My mom and I take a day trip to Franklin every time she visits, so we are here several times each year!
Start your day exploring Main Street, where you’ll find a mix of local shops, antique stores, and cozy cafés. Our absolute spot for lunch is the Franklin Mercantile. It’s right in the center of downtown and has the BEST food. We come here almost every time we are in town, it’s a ritual at this point. Everything on the menu here is delicious, you really can’t go wrong. I usually get a sandwich and pasta salad in the warmer months, and a sandwich and soup in the colder months. Their tomato soup is SO good, and nothing like the canned version you might eat at home.
If you love history, visit Carnton or the Lotz House to learn about Franklin’s Civil War past. They’re beautifully preserved and offer guided tours that bring the history to life.
In the afternoon, head just outside town to Arrington Vineyards, one of my favorite spots to relax with a glass of wine and a picnic while overlooking the rolling Tennessee hills. It’s the perfect way to unwind before heading back to Nashville. They often have live music here, and there’s so much space for kids to run around if you’re bringing them along!
Street parking in downtown Franklin is free, though it can get busy on weekends, especially during festivals or farmers markets. Most attractions are walkable once you park, and the town has a super friendly, laid-back vibe.
For me, Franklin is the definition of an easy Nashville getaway, it’s small-town cozy, full of great food and shopping, and packed with Tennessee charm. Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a romantic outing, or a family adventure, Franklin is perfect for a day trip from Nashville.
7. Cookeville, TN
Driving Distance from Nashville: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Best Time of Year to Visit: Summer
Just about an hour and twenty minutes east of Nashville, Cookeville, Tennessee is one of those small towns that totally surprises you in the best way! It’s got a fun mix of outdoor adventure, local charm, and great food, making it an easy and super rewarding day trip from the city.
Start your day by grabbing coffee and breakfast downtown, Poet’s Coffee or Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House are both local favorites. Then stroll around Cookeville’s historic downtown square, where you’ll find cute boutiques, antique shops, and murals perfect for snapping photos. If you’re traveling with kids (or just a kid at heart), check out the Cookeville Depot Museum, it’s small but charming and right in the heart of town.
The best part? Cookeville is surrounded by some of Tennessee’s prettiest natural spots. You’re just minutes from Burgess Falls State Park and Cummins Falls State Park, so you can easily pair your downtown exploring with a waterfall hike. It’s the perfect balance of outdoorsy and relaxing.
For a more relaxing way to spend the day, head to nearby Center Hill Lake, rent a boat and get out on the water! This is by far once of the most beautiful lakes in the area due to the dramatic cliffside mountains surrounding it! We loved spending a day on the lake at my sister’s bachelorette party.
End the day with a stop to DelMonaco Winery where you can pickup some bottles to go or stay for a tasting and meal! We loved our tasting here, the wines were delicious.
8. Chattanooga, TN
Driving Distance from Nashville: 2 hours
Best Time of Year to Visit: All Year Long!
For a family-friendly day trip that’s packed with adventure, Chattanooga is hard to beat! It’s hands-down my favorite place for a day trip from Nashville, and we go a few times each year to spend time with our best friends and explore the city more and more each time!
About two hours southeast of Nashville, this scenic city sits right along the Tennessee River and has that perfect blend of outdoor beauty, hands-on attractions, and amazing food. It’s one of those places where everyone, from toddlers to teens to adults, can find something to love.
Start your day with breakfast at The Daily Ration, where the chicken and waffles are seriously next-level. They’re the best I’ve ever had! Then head to the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the best in the country! It’s huge, beautifully designed, and features both a River and Ocean building, you can see everything from playful otters to giant sea turtles. We loved this aquarium, and the penguins were our favorite part!
Kids will also love the Creative Discovery Museum, a children’s museum packed with interactive exhibits and art areas that keep little ones entertained for hours. We spent a whole day here recently and still didn’t get to see everything so we can’t wait to come back soon. If you’ve got time, swing by the Chattanooga Zoo, it’s the perfect size for a relaxed stroll and has some surprisingly cool animals (hello, red pandas!).
When lunchtime rolls around, don’t miss Agave & Rye, located right on the river. Their tacos are absolutely out of this world, creative, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. My current favorite tacos here are the coconut shrimp tacos. Afterward, take a walk along the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, for gorgeous views of the city and the river.
And of course, no trip to Chattanooga is complete without a stop at Ruby Falls. This stunning underground waterfall, located inside Lookout Mountain, is 145 feet tall and absolutely magical to see in person. You can take a guided cave tour to the falls and even add on a visit to Rock City for those classic “See Rock City” views and sweeping mountain overlooks.
With its mix of adventure, family fun, and incredible food, Chattanooga is one of my favorite day trips from Nashville. It’s the kind of place that keeps everyone happy, and makes you wish you could stay just a little longer.
Want to spend a weekend in Chattanooga? It’s one of my favorite weekend trips from Nashville!
9. Huntsville, AL
Driving Distance from Nashville: 2 hours
Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring
Just under two hours south of Nashville, Huntsville, Alabama is an out-of-this-world day trip (literally!). Known as “Rocket City,” Huntsville is where space history meets Southern charm, and it’s packed with fun, educational, and family-friendly things to do.
The star attraction is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where you can see real rockets, touch moon rocks, and even experience a simulator that lets you feel what it’s like to be an astronaut. It’s such a cool stop for both kids and adults, whether you’re a space nerd or just love a good hands-on museum.
After you’ve explored space, head downtown to Big Spring International Park, a peaceful green space surrounded by walking trails, koi ponds, and quirky art installations. From there, it’s an easy walk to Huntsville’s historic downtown, where you’ll find local boutiques, cafés, and craft breweries. For lunch, check out Commerce Kitchen for upscale Southern comfort food (I love their fried green tomato BLT and shrimp and grits!) or The Poppy & Parliament for a fun British-style pub vibe (get the classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie!).
If you’re visiting with kids, the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum and Huntsville Botanical Garden are both fantastic stops, the gardens especially shine in spring when everything’s in bloom. Parking is free and easy across most of the city, and everything is close enough that you can explore several spots in one day without rushing.
10. Bowling Green, KY
Driving Distance from Nashville: 1 hour
Best Time of Year to Visit:
Just about an hour north of Nashville, Bowling Green, Kentucky is one of those perfect day trips that packs in way more fun than you’d expect. It’s got caves, cars, and small-town charm.
Start your adventure underground at Lost River Cave, where you can take a boat tour through a real cave system right in the middle of town. It’s such a cool experience, and the tours are easy enough for kids, making it great for families. If you’re more into engines than stalactites, head to the National Corvette Museum, where you can see dozens of shiny Corvettes (and even peek into the famous sinkhole that swallowed a few cars back in 2014!).
Downtown Bowling Green is super walkable and full of great restaurants and shops. Grab lunch at Gerard’s 1907 Tavern for a casual yet yummy lunch or swing by Spencer’s Coffee for a pick-me-up before exploring Fountain Square Park. And if you’ve got a little extra time, stop by Beech Bend Park for old-fashioned amusement park fun in the warmer months.
Parking around downtown and the major attractions is free and easy, and everything is close enough to explore without a lot of driving once you’re there.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a small-town escape, or a little bit of both, there’s no shortage of amazing day trips from Nashville. That’s what I love about living here, within just a couple of hours, you can go from exploring underground caves to sipping wine in the countryside to chasing waterfalls through the Tennessee hills. Each of these spots offers something totally unique, but they all have that same Southern charm that makes Tennessee and the surrounding states so special. So pack your day bag, grab your favorite road trip playlist, and hit the road, your next adventure from Nashville is closer than you think!
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