Time Crunched? Here are 3 Quick Getaways from Nashville

If you’re looking for a quick escape from Nashville, there are plenty of great options within reach. Just a short drive from the city, you can find stunning natural scenery, quaint small towns, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you want to drive your car to explore cities or bring an RV for a nature-filled vacation, here are some of the best quick getaways from Nashville.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance from Downtown Nashville: 133 miles/ 2 hours 30 minutes

Just 2.5 hours’ drive from Nashville, Chattanooga is the perfect destination for a quick getaway. The city has a lively downtown area with a great selection of bars and restaurants, as well as a vibrant music scene. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and biking in the nearby mountains to exploring the Tennessee Aquarium. The Chattanooga Zoo, and Aquarium are not only for kids but for adults as well.

A trip to Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls is a must-do for nature lovers! Lookout Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tennessee. The mountain provides a 360-degree view of the Tennessee River. It is also home to Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States. Visitors can join a guided cave walk to the falls. You will take the glass-front elevator 260 feet down into the mountain and explore the cavern trail. Ruby Falls is open year-round, remember to buy tickets online in advance to visit this attraction.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, put Raccoon Mountain Caves and Campground on your list! The caverns there are some of the most popular in the State. The caves are full of beautiful sights and fun things to do. One of the highlights of a visit to the Raccoon Mountain Caves is the opportunity to look for gemstones. There is a vast array of gems you could find, including rubies, raspberry topaz, sapphires, emeralds, and so many more.

In addition to gemstone panning, you can also enjoy exploring the caverns, picnicking, or camping in the Raccoon Mountain Campground. The campground has sites for RVs and tents, and it is open all year round. Reservations are required for campsites. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled adventure or a relaxing place to spend a few days, the Raccoon Mountain Caves and Campground are sure to please.

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Distance from Downtown Nashville: 66 miles / 1 hour 30 minutes

History and archaeology fans will love this old Native American site. The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park spans 400 acres and includes a variety of hiking trails, a theater, and a museum. The main attraction is the Old Stone Fort, a Native American site that was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500–2,000 years ago, and has been well-preserved. You can explore the fort and learn about the history of the area.

There are many things to do in the park. The main hiking trail goes along the wall of Old Stone Fort, which Native Americans used as a place to hold ceremonies. On the trail, you can see the original entrance to the fort, which was built so that it faced the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises on the summer solstice. On this hike, which has 12 informational panels, people can learn about the Old Stone Fort and enjoy the 3 beautiful waterfalls in the area.

If you want to camp at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, there are 50 available campsites with water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, grills, and hard surface pads. The campsites are spread out and have a lot of trees between them. RVs and tents/pop-ups are both popular ways to camp. Even though the campground feels like it is in the middle of nowhere, there are several restaurants within 10 minutes. Also, a public pool in Manchester is less than a mile from the campground.

Standing Stone State Park

Distance from Downtown Nashville: 80 miles / 1 hour 55 minutes

For those who are looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet, Standing Stone State Park is just the place for you. Situated on the Cumberland Plateau, the park covers more than 1,000 acres, and it’s surrounded by 10,000 acres of state forest land, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors.

Within the confines of the park, the 69-acre Kelly Lake, commonly known as Standing Stone Lake, is a great spot for fishermen of all levels. The most popular catches are trout, black bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout.

The park offers boat rentals for those who want a fun water activity. For swimmers, you can take a dip in the seasonal pool or one of the three lakes on-site. On land, you can hike over 8 miles of trails, have a picnic at one of the pavilions, or even go to the marble yards.

Kelly Lake is abundant in nature, you will see many red-eared sliders and painted turtles, great blue herons, and migrating waterfowl. Barred owls are a common sighting (or rather, hearing) around the cabin area.

For overnight visitors, you can rent a cabin or one of the 36 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. The sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups, a picnic table, and a grill.

Are you ready to pack up and have a quick getaway from Nashville now? Did you find a reason to travel in a trailer or an RV? Check out these Nashville RV rentals and book one for your mini-vacation!

FAQs

How far is Chattanooga, TN, from Nashville?

Chattanooga, TN, is 133 miles away from Nashville. It would take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive there. It’s a popular and quick getaway destination for those who live in or near Nashville! 

When is the best time to go to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park?

The best time to go to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is during the spring or fall. The weather is milder, and the crowds are smaller. You can also see the magnificent foliage change in the fall. If you don’t mind the crowds, summer is the best time to enjoy all the water activities the park has to offer. 

Is Burgess Falls State Park good for families?

Burgess Falls State Park is a great place for families to visit. There are plenty of hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The waterfall is also a big hit with kids. Keep in mind that the parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early.