is a state made for the open road. The Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways program links together 3,800 miles of scenic rides across the state. These routes sing with legendary music, fascinating history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Each trail tells a different story, weaving through charming small towns, iconic landmarks, and winding backroads.
Start your journey in West Tennessee, where the Great River Road Trail follows the mighty Mississippi from Memphis to Reelfoot Lake. Along the way, high bluffs and verdant bottomlands unfold around you. Visit the boyhood home of Roots author Alex Haley in Henning, or spot bald eagles at Reelfoot Lake State Park. In Selmer, stop at Hockaday Handmade Brooms to see craftsman Jack Martin at work before heading to Pat’s Cafe for a classic slugburger.
Follow the Walking Tall Trail deeper into small-town history, Civil Rights landmarks, and world-class barbecue joints. You’ll pass through towns that raised rockabilly legends and inspired the grit and soul of West Tennessee music.
In Middle Tennessee, the Promised Land Trail celebrates the state’s pioneering spirit, tracing early settler paths through rolling farmland and riverside communities. Explore Burgess Falls, Rock Island, and Edgar Evins State Parks for outdoor adventures before winding down in Granville for live bluegrass or a drive-in movie in Watertown. For a taste of true Tennessee flavor, stop at the Foglight Foodhouse or sip a local vintage at one of the area’s wineries.
The Tennessee River Trail offers a slower pace, where canoeing the Buffalo River or boating at Paris Landing State Park connects you with Tennessee’s wilder side. Nearby, the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills celebrates one of the state’s most famous voices, while Hagy’s Catfish Hotel in Shiloh serves dinner with a view of the Tennessee River…