Things to do between Great Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave: A Road Trip Guide

Knock out two amazing national parks and experience Kentucky and Tennessee a little more in-depth with TWO different road trip options.

We flew our family to Nashville over a fall break from school to visit our 19th and 20th national parks as a family. Our route first took us east to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, followed by a trip northwest to Mammoth Cave, and then a quick drive south back to Nashville. We were crunched for time and only had one day to explore as we traveled between the two national parks, but we were pleasantly surprised with how pleasant the drive was. When traveling in the area, take a day to make your way from one park to the other and enjoy some of the smaller parks and sites along the way.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are about 255 miles apart, which takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to drive, depending on the route and traffic. I highly recommend combining these two parks into one trip if you are traveling from Knoxville or Nashville as there is plenty to do in-between the two parks and both are definitely worth a visit.

Our chosen route took us through Knoxville and then north and west through the Daniel Boone National Forest. Eventually, we headed almost due west towards Mammoth Cave. Along the way we stopped in Knoxville, at Cumberland Falls State Park, and at the Natural Arch Scenic area before checking in to our hotel in Bowling Green, KY. It was the perfect amount of stops and while it was still a long travel day, we felt like we were also exploring along the way.

Alternatively, you can take a second route where you head west out of Knoxville and then slowly start to head northwest. Here you can still stop in Knoxville, followed by a visit to Ozone Falls State Natural Area, Standing Stone State Park, and the Old Mulkey Meetinghouse. While we didn’t have a chance to explore these stops, I’ve included a short guide to help you decide which of the two routes is best for your next trip between the Great Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave National Parks.

Fort Kid at Worlds Fair Park – Knoxville, Tennessee

This park was the site of the 1982 World’s Fair and is still used today as a gathering place for many. If you have the time, walk around the iconic Sunsphere and enjoy views of the city from the 4th floor observation deck. Cost for the observation deck is $5/adults and $1/children (12 and under).

About a 5-10 minute walk from the Sunsphere is the Fort Kid playground. We opted to stop at Fort Kid to let the kids run around and burn off some energy. It was the perfect first pit stop for our trip. It’s important to note that there are no bathrooms at Fort Kid, but we had access to a porta-potty, and there are other bathrooms elsewhere in the park. We visited on a Wednesday morning in October and had the playground almost all to ourselves. It’s a great spot for kids of all ages, with a smaller area for littles and a giant climbing/obstacle tower with a long slide for older or more adventurous children. We’d recommend it to anyone!

Why we loved Fort Kid:

• Variety of playground equipment for all ages
• Right next to a parking lot
• Small enough to be able to have eyes on your kids, but enough equipment to keep them entertained.

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• No bathroom on site, but public restrooms nearby
• There are a few houses that look out onto the playground. There is not a lot of privacy for them or you. It wasn’t a problem for us.

Price: Free entry. Parking is free up to 4 hours.

Best For: Those looking for something to do with kids in Knoxville, but can’t spend a lot of time.

Location: Google Map location

Helpful Tips: Have some snacks packed and help keep your car a little cleaner by having the kids chow down while you play. In our experience, they will still want more snacks the second you buckle up again…but it’s worth a shot!

The Knoxville Museum of Art is across the street from Fort Kid and offers free admission. Fill out the registration form here before heading over. They are open Tuesday – Saturday 10 am-5 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm.

Have more time in Knoxville? Consider this 2 hour food and hidden gem tour!

Cumberland Falls State Park, Kentucky

Cumberland Falls State Park is another gem along your route, known for its impressive waterfall, the “Niagara of the South.” The falls cascade over a 68-foot drop and are especially famous for producing a rare moonbow on clear nights during a full moon. However, it is pretty stunning during the day and worth a visit even if you can’t experience the moonbow. Visitors can take short hikes (more like strolls) to viewpoints for stunning views of the falls and surrounding forest.

Cumberland Falls, located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, really left an impression on me. When you have long travel days with young kids, you still want to experience and explore as much as possible, but don’t usually have the time or energy to do much. This stop was just what we needed along the drive – we could see the highlights in a short amount of time, but we had room to explore if we wanted more time.

When you visit, take a minute to stop at the Visitors Center where you can chat with a representative about what to do with the time you have. We met a lovely woman who was focused on helping us have a great experience. She took the time to talk to our kids, and you could tell she loved this area.

Opposite the trail that follows the falls and river, is another hiking trail in a more wooded area. I believe it was a portion of the Moonbow Trail which is actually 10.8 miles long. We loved exploring as far as we wanted and then turned back to the car to continue our journey. If (when?!) we come back, I’d love to hike the Eagle Falls Trail which runs along the opposite side of the Cumberland River and provides views of Cumberland Falls and another much smaller waterfall called Eagle Falls. This hike is less than 2 miles and looks both engaging and rewarding.

The park also offers camping, gem mining, and even guided rafting trips.

Why we loved Cumberland Falls:

• Easy to access
• Stunning views
• Great place for a break with bathrooms, a gift shop, and room to move around

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• For those with strollers or wheelchairs, you may not get to access every viewpoint of the falls, but you will still have plenty of opportunities to get a peak and enjoy the beauty.

Price: Free entry

Best For: Those looking for a quick stop to break up the drive or nature lovers who may want to stay and explore longer.

Location: Google Maps Location

Helpful Tips:
If you are looking to stay a little longer, consider spending a few nights at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park which offers easy access to the falls, hiking trails, a playground, and additional paid activities available seasonally. It’s a great choice for those wanting to take their time exploring Kentucky on their way between Mammoth Cave and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Natural Arch Scenic Area, Kentucky

Natural Arch, also located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is a natural wonder worth a visit. This sandstone arch stands as one of the largest in the state of Kentucky, offering a picturesque backdrop after a short hike (walk) along the Natural Arch Scenic Overlook Trail. The trail leading to the arch is relatively easy, making it suitable for families with kids and those using mobility devices. The arch itself is a great spot for photos and nearby is a pavilion and small playground where you can have a picnic lunch and play. It’s a peaceful stop where you can appreciate the beauty of nature without straying too far from your route.

Why we loved Natural Arch:

• The Scenic Overlook Trail was simple, but very pretty.
• Plenty of space to have a picnic and play around.
• Pretty drive through the national forest as you get there.

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• I wouldn’t plan to be there very long if you are just doing the overlook. You can walk, take photos, and be back to the car within 30 minutes.

Price: $5 entrance fee – but it is free with a National Parks Interagency Pass (or your Annual 4th Grade Pass if you are lucky enough to have one, which we did!)

Best For: A quick stop to get out

Location: Google Maps Location

Helpful Tips: This document HERE, has a trial map and map of the pavilion/rest area.

Route Option #2:
Ijams – Ozone Falls – Standing Stone – Old Mulkey

Ijams Nature Center – Knoxville, Tennesse

With a population of almost 200,000, Knoxville is no small town. But despite its decent-sized population that can easily turn the area into just another city of commercial buildings and parking lots, it prides itself in its urban wilderness, and rightly so.

One area that piqued my interest was the Ijams Nature Center & Ijams Quarry. Ijams has options for every type of outdoor enthusiast – hiking, biking paths, canoeing or kayaking, and more. For those looking for a quick, but beautiful, stop consider the River Trail Loop that starts near the visitor center and takes you along a branch of the Tennessee River. If you have young ones in tow, they can also explore nearby Jo’s Grove – a small, natural playground created with kids in mind. Find more information about trails and a downloadable map here.

If you have more time, consider renting kayaks or canoes and/or letting your kids enjoy the Nature Playscape. closer to the Mead’s Quarry section of the park. Here your kids can explore, unencumbered, and burn some of their energy off before hopping back in the car and driving more.

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• You can easily spend 30 minutes or 3+ hours or more, so make sure to budget the time you want to spend before visiting.
• Adults or teens who want to join in the fun, but feel like the natural playgrounds aren’t for them, can try the Primal Playground. This area is designed as an area to work out while using nature. This site provides suggested exercises.

Price: Ijams is free to visit. Rentals will have a fee.

Best For: Those who love to be outside and explore. It’s a great stop for all ages as there are lots of activity options available.

Location: Google Maps Location

Helpful Tips: Take a look at the hikes and activities offered at Ijams before going so you have a plan for what you want to do – there’s so much to explore! Take a stop in the visitors center to get recommendations if you are unsure of the best way to spend your time.

Ozone Falls State Natural Area

About an hour’s drive from Knoxville, Ozone Falls is a must-see natural wonder. This stunning waterfall cascades 110 feet into a pool below, creating the perfect setting for a family photo op, or simply a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty. don’t expect to spend much time here, but for those who like a moderate challenge and a big payoff when hiking, this is the stop!

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• While the hike down to the falls is short, it is steep, rocky, and can be slippery. Proceed with caution and think twice before going down with young children.
• This isn’t a large area, so don’t plan on spending a long time here.

Price: Free

Best For: A quick stop to a stunning fall.

Location: Google Maps Location

Helpful Tips: Wear good shoes and make sure your hands are free as you climb down. Check the status of the hike by reading recent reviews on All Trails.

Standing Stone

Drive just over an hour from Ozone Falls and you will come to Standing Stone State Park. It is named after the large rock formation found that was initially within its borders and thought to be a marker that indicated the border between the Cherokee and Shawnee lands. If you stop here, you can enjoy scenic hiking trails, fishing in the park’s lake, or playing on the playgrounds next to several pavilions. The park also offers camping facilities and cabins to rent for those who wish to stay a little longer.

Day passes at the seasonal swimming pool are available for a fee and you can also rent kayaks, paddleboats, and more to use out on the water. If you want to hike, the Standing Stone Lake Trail is a great option, but I would suggest making it a shorter out-and-back trail rather than the entire 4.4 mile loop if you are crunched for time.

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• The stone that the park is named after is no longer there, but located in Monterey, TN which is between Ozone Falls and Standing Stone if you want to take a look. Only a fragment remains, but if you are history buffs a quick stop might be worth it!
• Check out the event page to see if there are any offerings you are interested in that line up with when you are stopping by.

Price: Free to enter, but fees for swimming and rentals

Best For: Those wanting to spend a little longer at a brake or who want to participate in lake activities

Location: Google Maps Location

Helpful Tips: Here is a map of the trails in the area to enjoy. And here is a park map to help find bathrooms, playgrounds, and more.

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site, near Tompkinsville, Kentucky, is steeped in history and charm. This site is home to the oldest freestanding log church in Kentucky, dating back to the late 18th century and visitors can explore the well-preserved meetinghouse, as well as the surrounding cemetery and picnic areas. The site offers a glimpse into the region’s past and provides a peaceful setting for a break during your journey between Great Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave. It is about 40 minutes from Standing Stone and just over an hour from Mammoth Cave, making it a perfect last stop on your trip (or first stop if going the opposite direction).

There are a lot of activity options for families to spend a little more time before getting back into the car. Down the hill from the meetinghouse, near a seasonal creek, is a clearing with rocks covered with moss that jut out and create a whimsical area for kids to make believe they are in a fairy garden. You can also search for “Kentucky Rock” which is exactly what it sounds like – a rock shaped like the state! If you need help locating it, check in at the visitors center and someone will be happy to point it out.

The site also offers several scavenger hunt types of activities. One such activity is the “View from the Pulpit” Park Quest. Targeted for visitors ages 10 and up, participants can grab a copy of the quest from the park office and then follow clues throughout the property to complete the task. Plan on about 45 minutes, and be prepared to use your brain! There is a more basic quest for younger children, as well as several self-guided activities that may be a little shorter if you’re crunched on time or have kids with short attention spans.

Things to keep in mind when visiting:

• The volunteers and workers at Old Mulkey love this site and will be happy to help you discover the right activities for you to participate in.
• While this can be a quick stop, I recommend planning at least an hour so you can complete the Park Quest and explore the grounds.

Price: Free

Best For: History buffs, and anyone wanting to enjoy a more peaceful stop with options to get out and move a little

Location: Google Maps Location

Helpful Tips: The opening hours can get tricky outside the peak travel season. From Apil 1st – Nov 15th it is open daily from 9-5. Outside of that (Nov 16th – Mar 31st), it is open from 8 am – 4 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, AND the 1st Saturday of the month.

Here is a map of the area and amenities.