Day Trips from Nashville: Distilleries, Small Towns, Waterfalls and Scenic Drives
- Jul 9
- 16 min read
Some Nashville trips are all Broadway, restaurants, and live music. But when you have an extra day, the better question is what kind of Tennessee you want to see next: waterfalls, whiskey, wine country, small-town squares, Civil War history, lakes, farms, or a slow scenic drive.
The best day trips from Nashville depend on the kind of traveler you are, and this guide is organized by trip type so you can choose quickly. Staying at Countrypolitan Nashville keeps you central to restaurants, museums, Broadway, Printers Alley, and live music, with day trips planned separately by rental car, rideshare, or guided tour.
Got a spare day? Read on for scenic drives, waterfalls, distilleries, small towns, farms, and history stops, sorted by interest and drive time so you can pick the right escape.
Key Takeaways
Choose by interest and drive time. Nashville's day trips split cleanly by mood, from waterfalls and hikes to whiskey, wine, small towns, and history, each with its own distance and effort.
Some trips need a car, some don't. Guided tours cover distilleries, wineries, and Franklin history without a rental, while waterfalls, farms, and lakes are far easier with your own wheels.
Franklin and Leiper's Fork are the easy wins. Both sit close to Nashville and pair naturally for a full day of small towns, history, food, and scenic roads.
Waterfalls take real planning. Trail conditions, permits, water levels, and closures all matter, so check state park pages before you go.
Far isn't always a day trip. Memphis, the Smokies, and Chattanooga are better as overnights than rushed same-day drives.
Nashville by the Numbers
Nashville makes a strong home base for exploring Middle Tennessee. According to Visit Music City, the city welcomed 16.9 million visitors in 2024, with visitor spending in Davidson County reaching a record $11.2 billion, and many of those visitors pair the city with at least one outing beyond it.
The region's scenic anchors are worth knowing. The National Park Service describes the Natchez Trace Parkway as a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail lists 30 distilleries across the state with a map-based trip planner. Drive times, tour hours, park alerts, trail closures, permits, and farm schedules all change, so verify the specifics before you go.
How to Choose the Right Day Trip from Nashville
Not every "near Nashville" attraction is equally easy, so the first step is matching the trip to your day rather than the map. A small-town square and a gorge waterfall are both nearby, but they demand very different amounts of time, effort, and planning.
Run through these filters:
Drive time: How far each way, realistically, with traffic.
Car or no car: Whether you need a rental or a guided tour works.
Tastings involved: Whiskey and wine trips need a sober-driver plan.
Kids coming: Some drives and trails suit families better than others.
The goal: Hiking, history, food, music, or scenery.
Half-day, full-day, or overnight: Whether it fits in a day at all.
Visitors staying downtown should sort out parking, rideshare, or a rental-car pickup before choosing a route.
For the in-city day, see our one day in Nashville itinerary.
Best Small Town Day Trips from Nashville
Small towns are the easiest day trips from Nashville, with historic squares, antique shops, local restaurants, and walkable main streets that make for a low-effort, high-reward day. Most sit close enough to combine or to pair with a scenic drive.
A few worth the trip:
Franklin: A historic downtown with Main Street shopping, restaurants, and deep Civil War history. The most complete small-town day trip from Nashville.
Leiper's Fork: A tiny, artsy village with galleries, antiques, and rural charm. Pairs perfectly with Franklin for a full day.
Columbia: A revitalized square with shops and cafes, a little farther south. Quieter than Franklin.
Bell Buckle: A postcard-small town known for its antique shops and festivals. A relaxed browse.
Gallatin: A historic square northeast of the city near Old Hickory Lake. Good to pair with lake time.
Granville: A restored historic town with a throwback feel. Best for a dedicated visit.
Franklin and Leiper's Fork work especially well together as a single full-day route.
For more on local character beyond Broadway, see our guide to unique Nashville experiences.
Franklin: History, Shopping, Food and Civil War Sites
Franklin is one of the easiest and most complete day trips from Nashville, combining a walkable historic downtown with serious Civil War history in one stop. It's close, it's polished, and it fills a full day without feeling rushed.
What to build the day around:
Historic downtown Franklin: Main Street shopping, cafes, and restaurants.
Carter House: A preserved Civil War site with a guided history.
Carnton: A historic home and battlefield with a moving story.
Lotz House: Another Civil War house museum downtown.
The Factory at Franklin: A converted industrial space with shops and food.
Civil War sites and house tours have set hours and ticketing, so check availability before you go. For history planning, the Battle of Franklin Trust or Visit Franklin are good official sources.
If you're weaving in antiques, see our guide to vintage shopping in Nashville.
Leiper's Fork and the Natchez Trace Parkway
Leiper's Fork is a strong romantic and scenic day trip, a tiny rural village of galleries, antique shops, and music history just off the Natchez Trace Parkway. It moves at a slower pace than downtown, which is exactly the point.
The pieces of the day:
Galleries and antique shops: The heart of the village.
Rural backroads: Quiet, scenic driving in every direction.
Music history: A surprising amount for such a small place.
Leiper's Fork Distillery: A local whiskey stop, when it fits your plans.
Natchez Trace Parkway access: The scenic drive runs right nearby.
This is a strong option for couples, photographers, and anyone who wants a slower pace than downtown. Use the Natchez Trace Parkway NPS page for the scenic-drive planning.
For couples, see our guide to romantic things to do in Nashville.
Scenic Drives Near Nashville
Scenic drives are the low-pressure day trip, best for visitors who want overlooks, short walks, and historic stops without a fixed agenda. The Natchez Trace is the standout, but several routes make for an easy, pretty day.
A few route ideas:
Natchez Trace Parkway: The 444-mile scenic road, best sampled in a stretch near Nashville.
Nashville to Leiper's Fork: A short, rural drive to a scenic village.
Nashville to Franklin via backroads: A slower alternative to the interstate.
Nashville to Center Hill Lake: A longer drive to lake overlooks.
Nashville to Sewanee and Monteagle: A full-day scenic run toward the plateau.
The Natchez Trace is best for a low-pressure drive with overlooks and short walks, and some routes shine in spring or fall. Use the Natchez Trace Parkway NPS page to plan stops.
For couples, see our guide to romantic things to do in Nashville.
Best Waterfall Day Trips from Nashville
Waterfall day trips take more planning than a small-town stroll, but they deliver Tennessee's best scenery. Trail conditions, permits, water levels, and weather closures all matter, so these are trips to research before you drive out.
A few to consider:
Cummins Falls State Park: A stunning gorge waterfall with a swimming hole. Gorge access has permit and safety considerations.
Burgess Falls State Park: A series of falls along a scenic trail. Great payoff for the effort.
Fall Creek Falls State Park: One of the tallest falls in the eastern US, and a full-day outing.
Rock Island State Park: Waterfalls and gorge scenery farther east.
Machine Falls at Short Springs Natural Area: A shorter, closer waterfall hike.
Greeter Falls in the Savage Gulf area: A rugged, scenic option for a longer day.
Cummins Falls has permit and access rules for gorge access, so verify through Tennessee State Parks before you go. Check the official pages for Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls.
For closer outdoor time, see our guide to outdoor things to do in Nashville.
Best Day Trips from Nashville for Scenic Nature Hikes
Not every scenic hike needs to be a major waterfall trip. Several state parks near Nashville offer trails and nature without the drive or the permits, which makes them easier to fit into a day.
A few hiking-friendly spots:
Radnor Lake State Park: Close-in nature with easy trails and wildlife. The nearest option.
Harpeth River State Park: River trails and paddling west of the city.
Montgomery Bell State Park: Forested trails and lakes, about an hour out.
Long Hunter State Park: Trails along Percy Priest Lake.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park: Cedar-glade trails east of the city.
South Cumberland and Savage Gulf: Longer, more rugged hikes for a full day.
Radnor Lake and Long Hunter are the closest, while Fall Creek Falls or Savage Gulf take most of the day. Verify trail closures, weather, parking, and difficulty before going.
Distillery Day Trips from Nashville
Whiskey day trips are a Tennessee classic, but they come with one non-negotiable rule: someone sober has to drive. Book tours ahead, plan the transportation, and treat the tasting as the centerpiece rather than the whole day.
A few distillery options:
Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg: The iconic Tennessee whiskey experience, about 90 minutes out.
Leiper's Fork Distillery: A small, scenic distillery near the village.
George Dickel at Cascade Hollow: A classic Tennessee whiskey stop near Tullahoma.
Nelson's Green Brier: More of an in-city visit than a true day trip, if you're staying close.
Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville: Honoring the man who taught Jack Daniel, about an hour out.
Book tours ahead, mind age restrictions, taste responsibly, and never drink and drive. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail map and planner is the best route-planning tool.
For an in-city version, see our guide to bourbon tasting in Nashville.
Wine Country and Tasting Day Trips from Nashville
Wine day trips are the softer, slower alternative to whiskey, and they suit couples, friend groups, and easy scenic afternoons. Most sit within an hour of the city, with room to picnic and linger.
A few wineries to consider:
Arrington Vineyards: The best-known, co-founded by Kix Brooks, with rolling views. Popular for a reason.
Beachaven Vineyards & Winery: A longtime winery near Clarksville.
Natchez Hills Winery: A scenic option in the Hampshire area.
Grinder's Switch Winery: A relaxed tasting room west of the city.
Amber Falls Winery: A hilltop winery near Hampshire with a view.
Confirm hours and tasting reservations, check whether picnics or live music affect your visit, and plan transportation if everyone's tasting. It's a good softer alternative to a distillery run.
Family-Friendly Day Trips from Nashville with Animals and Farms
Farms and animal encounters are reliable family day trips, giving kids space to move and something hands-on to do. Most are seasonal, so checking calendars before you drive out matters more than usual.
A few family options:
Lucky Ladd Farms: A large farm with animals, play areas, and seasonal events. A dedicated family day.
Nashville Zoo: A closer option that isn't a true out-of-town trip but suits the same crowd.
Walden Pumpkin Farm: A seasonal fall favorite.
Honeysuckle Hill Farm: Another seasonal farm with family activities.
Noble Springs Dairy: A goat dairy near Franklin with tours.
Tennessee Safari Park: A drive-through animal park for a longer day.
Farms are seasonal, so check calendars before you go. Bring snacks and water, confirm stroller access, check animal-encounter times, and avoid overbooking the day after a farm visit.
For in-city family ideas, see our guide to things to do in Nashville with kids.
Lake and Boating Day Trips Near Nashville
Lakes give you a break from the city without a long drive, and a few sit close enough for an easy half-day. Boat rentals and marina operations change, so confirm directly before building the day around the water.
A few lake options:
Percy Priest Lake: The closest major lake, with beaches, boat ramps, and marinas.
Old Hickory Lake: A close option northeast of the city near Gallatin.
Center Hill Lake: A scenic full-day escape to the east with clear water.
Tims Ford Lake: A longer drive south for a quieter lake day.
Harpeth River: River paddling west of the city for a low-key outing.
Percy Priest and Old Hickory are the closer choices, while Center Hill feels like a full-day scenic trip. Check boat rentals, marina hours, water conditions, and safety rules directly, since these change with the season.
Music-Themed Day Trips from Nashville
Country fans can take the music beyond Broadway, though some music destinations are easy day trips and others really want an overnight. Knowing which is which keeps the day realistic.
A few music-themed routes:
Lynchburg: Jack Daniel plus classic country-road scenery. An easy full day.
Leiper's Fork: Live music and rural Tennessee atmosphere. A short, scenic trip.
Franklin: Music venues and history in a walkable downtown. Close and easy.
Hurricane Mills and Loretta Lynn's Ranch: A country-music-history day, about 90 minutes out.
The Caverns in Grundy County: Underground concerts in a unique venue, better timed to a show.
Muscle Shoals: A legendary music-history trip, but far enough to lean overnight.
Lynchburg, Leiper's Fork, and Franklin are realistic day trips, while Muscle Shoals is better as an overnight. For the in-city side, see our guides to authentic live music in Nashville, the Nashville live music calendar, and Grand Ole Opry tickets.
Civil War History Day Trips from Nashville
Franklin is the most natural full-day Civil War history route from Nashville, with several preserved sites clustered close together. History buffs and school-age families can build a meaningful day around them.
The key sites:
Franklin: The anchor, with a downtown and multiple historic sites.
Carter House: A preserved battle site with a guided history.
Carnton: A historic home and battlefield with a powerful story.
Lotz House: A Civil War house museum in downtown Franklin.
Stones River National Battlefield: A National Park Service battlefield in Murfreesboro, east of the city.
Fort Negley: An in-city Civil War site rather than a day trip, if you'd rather stay close.
House museums and battlefield tours may require tickets or guided-tour timing, so check ahead. The Battle of Franklin Trust and the Stones River National Battlefield NPS page are good official sources.
Guided Bus Day Trips from Nashville
Guided trips are the answer for visitors who don't want to rent a car, especially for distillery tours, history tours, and longer outings. The tradeoff is less flexibility, so the details matter.
Common guided categories:
Whiskey and distillery tours: Popular, and they solve the sober-driver problem.
Franklin history tours: Civil War and downtown history without driving.
Wine tasting tours: A relaxed group day.
Nature and waterfall tours: Access without navigating trailhead parking.
Memphis or Graceland-style full-day tours: Long but doable with a guide.
Before booking, verify the pickup location, what's included, tasting fees, the cancellation policy, and whether the drive time leaves enough time at the destination. Avoid unclear third-party ticketing.
Day Trips from Nashville Without Renting a Car
Many day trips are easier with a car, but a good number work without one if you book a guided tour. The split is mostly about how structured the destination is.
Good without a car:
Guided Franklin tours: History and downtown covered.
Guided distillery tours: Transportation and tastings handled.
Guided wine tours: A relaxed group outing.
Some shuttle-style attraction packages: Depending on the operator.
Harder without a car:
Waterfalls, farms, lakes, and marinas: Remote and trailhead-dependent.
Scenic drives: The drive is the point.
Multiple small towns in one day: Too much ground to cover by rideshare.
For the car-free city plan, see the no-car section of our one day in Nashville itinerary.
When a "Day Trip" Is Better as a Weekend Trip
Some destinations are technically possible in a day but not worth forcing, because the drive eats the experience. If a place is 2.5 to 4 hours each way, it's usually better as an overnight.
Better as a weekend:
Memphis and Graceland: About three hours each way.
Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg: Roughly 3.5 hours east.
Chattanooga: About two hours, doable but tight for all it offers.
Muscle Shoals: A music-history trip better with a night.
Mammoth Cave: Depends on your tour time and drive tolerance.
Don't sacrifice your whole Nashville stay trying to force a too-long day trip. For overnight planning, see our guide to where to stay for a long weekend.
Where to Stay When Planning Day Trips from Nashville
Downtown is a smart base if your trip is mostly Nashville with one day out of town, because it keeps the city's restaurants, museums, nightlife, and live music within reach on either side of your escape. You rent a car or book a tour only for the day trip itself, then come back to the walkable core.
The Countrypolitan works as a stylish downtown base near Broadway, Printers Alley, restaurants, museums, and live music. Return downtown for dinner, Printers Alley, or a slower evening after your day out.
For more, see our guides to the walkable areas to stay in downtown Nashville and where to stay for a long weekend.
Best Day Trips from Nashville by Interest
The fastest way to choose is to start with what you're in the mood for. The table below matches interests to the trips that deliver them.
Interest | Best Day Trip Ideas | Best For | Planning Note |
Small towns | Franklin, Leiper's Fork, Columbia, Bell Buckle | Couples, shoppers, relaxed travelers | Great for walking, lunch, and antiques |
Scenic drives | Natchez Trace, Leiper's Fork route, Center Hill Lake | Couples, photographers, slow travel | Keep stops flexible |
Waterfalls | Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Rock Island | Hikers, nature lovers | Check permits, closures, and conditions |
Distilleries | Jack Daniel, Leiper's Fork, Nearest Green, George Dickel | Whiskey fans, adult groups | Book ahead and plan sober transport |
Wine tasting | Arrington, Beachaven, Natchez Hills, Grinder's Switch | Couples, friend groups | Confirm hours and transportation |
Farms and animals | Lucky Ladd Farms, seasonal farms | Families with kids | Seasonal calendars matter |
Lakes and boating | Percy Priest, Old Hickory, Center Hill, Harpeth River | Families, groups, outdoors | Verify marina hours and rentals |
Civil War history | Franklin, Carnton, Carter House, Stones River | History buffs, families | Check tour times and tickets |
Music history | Leiper's Fork, Lynchburg, Loretta Lynn's Ranch, The Caverns | Country fans | Some are full-day or overnight |
Guided tours | Distillery, Franklin, wine, Memphis tours | No-car tourists | Check pickup, inclusions, terms |
Pick the interest first, and the destination sorts itself out.
Best Day Trips from Nashville by Drive Commitment
Distance decides whether a trip is a relaxed half-day or a full commitment. The table below sorts options by how much of the day the drive will eat.
Drive Commitment | Good Options | Best For | Notes |
Under 45 minutes | Franklin, Leiper's Fork, Radnor Lake, Arrington, Percy Priest | Easy half-day or relaxed full-day | Best if you want to return for dinner |
Around 1 hour | Columbia, Bell Buckle, Murfreesboro, Old Hickory Lake, Harpeth River | Small towns, history, casual outdoors | One main stop and lunch |
1 to 2 hours | Lynchburg, Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Center Hill, Rock Island | Distilleries, waterfalls, scenic escapes | Start earlier, check conditions |
2+ hours | Fall Creek Falls, Mammoth Cave, The Caverns, Loretta Lynn's Ranch | Full-day travelers | Better when the destination is the event |
3+ hours | Memphis, Smoky Mountains, Chattanooga, Muscle Shoals | Ambitious travelers | Usually better as an overnight |
Match the drive to the day you have, and don't over-schedule the far ones.
Best Day Trips from Nashville by Traveler Type
The right day trip depends as much on who you are as on how far you'll drive. The table below matches a traveler type to a trip that tends to land well.
Traveler Type | Best Day Trip | Why It Works |
First-timer with one extra day | Franklin plus Leiper's Fork | Easy drive, small-town charm, history, food, scenic roads |
Couple | Natchez Trace plus Leiper's Fork | Romantic drive, galleries, food, countryside |
Family with kids | Lucky Ladd Farms or Nashville Zoo plus a nearby meal | Animals, room to move, lower-pressure day |
Whiskey fan | Jack Daniel Distillery or a Tennessee Whiskey Trail route | Iconic Tennessee whiskey experience |
Wine lover | Arrington Vineyards or a regional winery route | Scenic, slower-paced tasting day |
Hiker | Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, or Fall Creek Falls | Waterfalls and outdoor scenery |
History buff | Franklin sites or Stones River | Civil War history and guided tours |
No-car tourist | A guided Franklin, distillery, or wine tour | Easier logistics without a rental |
Budget traveler | Natchez Trace drive, state parks, small-town walks | Flexible and less attraction-heavy |
Long-weekend visitor | One full nature or whiskey day | Adds variety to a downtown-focused stay |
Pick the row that sounds like your group, and you've got a starting point.
Nashville Day Trip Planning Checklist
A little planning is the difference between a smooth day out and a scramble. The table below covers the details worth sorting before you go.
Planning Item | Why It Matters | What to Do |
Drive time | Some destinations are farther than they look | Check the round trip before committing |
Reservations | Distilleries, wineries, tours, and farms may require booking | Reserve ahead where needed |
Weather | Waterfalls, lakes, farms, and drives are weather-sensitive | Check the forecast and park alerts |
Transportation | Tastings and guided tours need extra planning | Don't drink and drive; book transport if needed |
Footwear | Waterfalls and trails can be muddy or uneven | Wear appropriate shoes |
Food plan | Rural areas may have limited restaurant hours | Plan lunch stops in advance |
Return timing | Downtown dinner or music may still be part of the day | Leave enough time to get back and reset |
Seasonality | Farms, wineries, and outdoor spots vary by season | Verify hours and events before you go |
Kids | Some drives and tours aren't ideal for young children | Choose shorter routes and flexible stops |
Sort these before you leave, and the day mostly runs itself.
Quick Planning Tips for Nashville Day Trips
A few habits keep a day trip from turning into a slog. Run through these before you head out.
Choose one main destination: Not three.
Check drive time both ways: Round-trip, with traffic.
Start early: For waterfalls, hikes, lakes, and longer drives.
Book ahead: For distilleries, wineries, farms, and guided tours.
Don't drink and drive: After any tasting.
Confirm park alerts and permits: Especially for waterfalls.
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and good shoes: The basics.
Have a rain plan: For outdoor trips.
Use a guided tour: If you'd rather not rent a car.
Finding the Best Day Trips from Nashville with Countrypolitan
The best day trips from Nashville come down to the kind of Tennessee you want to see: waterfalls, whiskey, wine, history, small towns, farms, lakes, or a slow scenic drive. Pick one, plan the drive, and leave the rest of the trip for the city.
Downtown can still be the best base even with a day out of town, because you get Nashville's energy at night and one well-planned escape by day. Staying at Countrypolitan keeps restaurants, live music, Printers Alley, and Broadway close, so your day trip is an addition to the trip rather than a replacement for it.
Ready to plan the rest of the trip?
Stay central between day trips, so the city is waiting when you get back.
Find dinner and drinks downtown, so your evenings have an easy anchor.
See what's on around town, so your nights stay full of live music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Nashville?
The best day trips from Nashville depend on the kind of trip you want. Franklin and Leiper's Fork are great for small towns, the Natchez Trace works for scenic drives, Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls are strong waterfall options, and Lynchburg or Leiper's Fork suit whiskey-focused days. Match the trip to your interest and drive tolerance.
What are good waterfall day trips from Nashville?
Popular waterfall day trips from Nashville include Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Rock Island, Machine Falls, and Greeter Falls. Always check state park alerts, trail conditions, permits, and weather before heading out. Cummins Falls in particular has gorge-access rules worth confirming first.
What small towns near Nashville are worth visiting?
Franklin, Leiper's Fork, Columbia, Bell Buckle, Gallatin, and Granville are all worthwhile small-town day trips near Nashville. Franklin and Leiper's Fork are especially strong for shopping, food, history, and a scenic drive without going too far. The two pair well into a single full day.
Can you do distillery day trips from Nashville?
Yes, distillery day trips from Nashville can include Jack Daniel in Lynchburg, Leiper's Fork Distillery, Nearest Green, George Dickel, and other Tennessee Whiskey Trail stops. Book tours ahead and arrange a sober driver or a guided tour if tastings are part of the plan. Never drink and drive.
Are there wine country day trips from Nashville?
Yes, wine tasting near Nashville can include Arrington Vineyards, Natchez Hills, Beachaven, Grinder's Switch, and other regional wineries. Check tasting hours, event calendars, picnic rules, and transportation before visiting. Wine trips make a softer alternative to a distillery run.
What are the best family day trips from Nashville?
Family day trips from Nashville can include farms, animal encounters, easy state parks, lakes, and small towns with casual food stops. Lucky Ladd Farms, the Nashville Zoo, seasonal farms, and shorter outdoor drives usually work better for families than long, overpacked routes. Check seasonal calendars before you go.
What are romantic day trips from Nashville for couples?
Romantic day trips from Nashville include Leiper's Fork, the Natchez Trace Parkway, Arrington Vineyards, Franklin, and scenic drives toward Center Hill Lake or rural Williamson County. These work best with a slow lunch, a tasting stop, a gallery visit, or a scenic overlook. The pace is the point.
Can I take a day trip from Nashville without renting a car?
Some day trips from Nashville work without a car if you book a guided tour, especially for distilleries, wine tasting, or Franklin history. Waterfalls, farms, lakes, and scenic drives are much easier with your own vehicle. Match the trip type to your transportation before committing.
Is Memphis a good day trip from Nashville?
Memphis is possible as a long day trip from Nashville, but it's often better as an overnight because of the roughly three-hour drive each way. If you want Graceland, Beale Street, museums, and food without rushing, an overnight plan is far more comfortable. A rushed same-day trip leaves little time in the city.
