10 Easy Road Trips From Maryville, TN: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Blount County
If you live in or near
Maryville, Tennessee and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or two, you’ve got mountains, rivers, theme parks, small towns, and plenty of good food in the surrounding counties.
This guide focuses on short **out-of-county road trips** from Maryville to nearby spots in:
- Knox County, TN
- Loudon County, TN
- Monroe County, TN
- Sevier County, TN
- Graham County, NC
- Swain County, NC
No need to hop on a plane. Just fill up the tank, grab some snacks, and go.
1. Knoxville, TN – Downtown Day Trip & Riverfront Stroll (Knox County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 25–35 minutes
If you want city vibes without a long drive,
Knoxville is your go-to. It’s close, easy to reach, and has that mix of college-town energy and Southern charm.
Top things to do in Knoxville:
- Market Square – Walk the square, pop into local shops, grab ice cream, and people-watch. There are often live events, especially on weekends.
- World’s Fair Park & Sunsphere – Climb (or ride the elevator) up the iconic Sunsphere for views of downtown and the mountains in the distance.
- Volunteer Landing – Stroll along the Tennessee River, rent a bike, or just sit and watch the boats go by.
If you’re from Maryville, Knoxville is close enough that you can head up just for dinner and be home before the late news. I’ve done that more than once just to try a new restaurant and grab coffee downtown.
2. Pigeon Forge, TN – Family Fun & Attractions (Sevier County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 50–70 minutes
Pigeon Forge is like one big playground. If you’re looking for things to do near Maryville with kids, this spot is hard to beat.
Don’t miss in Pigeon Forge:
- The Island in Pigeon Forge – A huge Ferris wheel, shops, arcades, and dancing fountains. Great place to walk around in the evening.
- Shows & theaters – Comedy shows, music shows, dinner theaters… you name it.
- Go-karts & mini golf – There are so many tracks and courses it’s almost impossible to pick just one.
It can be busy, especially in summer and around holidays, so plan to arrive earlier in the day if you want easier parking and shorter lines.
3. Gatlinburg, TN – Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains (Sevier County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 1–1.5 hours (depending on route and traffic)
Gatlinburg has that “mountain town” feel, with plenty of touristy fun mixed with real outdoor beauty.
What to do in Gatlinburg:
- Walk the Parkway – Souvenir shops, candy stores, pancake houses, and attractions line the main strip.
- Gatlinburg SkyBridge / SkyPark – Ride the chairlift up and walk across one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America.
- Ripley’s attractions – Museums and aquariums for when you want something indoors.
From Maryville, Gatlinburg makes a great full-day road trip. Head up in the morning, walk around town, grab some fudge, and be back home by nightfall.
4. Dollywood – Rides, Music, and Southern Charm (Sevier County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 1–1.25 hours
You can’t talk about things to do near Maryville without mentioning
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. It’s one of the most popular theme parks in the South.
Why Dollywood is worth the drive:
- Roller coasters – From family-friendly to thrill-seekers only.
- Live music & shows – Bluegrass, country, gospel, and more, often with serious talent on stage.
- Food – Giant cinnamon bread, smoked BBQ, and all the fair-style goodies you can imagine.
If you can, try a weekday visit in spring or fall to avoid the peak summer crowds and heat. It’s just enough of a trip from Maryville to feel like a mini-vacation, even if you’re back in your own bed that night.
5. Lenoir City & Fort Loudoun Lake – Easy Lake Escape (Loudon County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 30–40 minutes
Looking for a simple, low-stress road trip from Maryville? Head to
Lenoir City and the shores of
Fort Loudoun Lake.
Things to do around Lenoir City:
- Marinas & lakeside dining – Relax by the water with a burger or fresh fish, and watch the boats come in.
- Boating & fishing – If you have a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, this is a great spot to hit the water.
- Picnic by the lake – Pack a cooler, bring a blanket, and enjoy an easy afternoon in the sun.
It’s the kind of short drive where you can leave Maryville after lunch, spend several hours by the water, and still be home before dark.
6. Tellico Plains & Cherohala Skyway – Scenic Mountain Drive (Monroe County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 45–60 minutes to Tellico Plains
If you love a good scenic drive, point your car toward
Tellico Plains in Monroe County and hop on the
Cherohala Skyway.
Why this road trip is special:
- Mountain overlooks – The Skyway climbs high into the mountains, with pull-offs that offer big, sweeping views.
- Tellico River – Stop along the river to take pictures, skip rocks, or enjoy a picnic.
- Small-town charm – Tellico Plains has a quiet, friendly feel and a few good spots to grab a bite before or after your drive.
On a clear fall day, the colors along the Cherohala can be jaw-dropping. From Maryville, it’s close enough for a day trip but beautiful enough that you’ll want to come back again.
7. Fort Loudoun State Historic Park & Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (Monroe County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 35–50 minutes
For a mix of history, nature, and lake views, drive over to
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park on the shores of Tellico Lake.
Highlights in this area:
- Reconstructed 18th-century fort – Learn about the frontier days and the British fort that once stood here.
- Walking trails & lake views – Easy walks with pretty water scenery.
- Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (nearby) – Discover the story of Sequoyah, who created the written Cherokee language.
This is a relaxed, educational road trip from Maryville—good for couples, families, or even a solo outing if you like history and quiet views.
8. Robbinsville, NC & Lake Santeetlah – Quiet Mountain Getaway (Graham County, NC)
Driving time from Maryville: about 1.5–2 hours (route varies through the mountains)
Head east into North Carolina and you’ll find
Robbinsville and
Lake Santeetlah, one of the less-crowded mountain lake spots in the region.
Why go to Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah:
- Peaceful lake scenery – Less commercial than some Tennessee lakes, perfect if you’re trying to escape the crowds.
- Swimming & paddling – Plenty of spots to get in the water or launch a kayak.
- Mountain roads – The drive itself, especially if you connect through the national forest, is part of the fun.
If you’ve already hit the usual Tennessee hot spots and want something quieter, this North Carolina road trip gives you that sense of being “far away” without actually being too far from Maryville.
9. Fontana Dam & Fontana Lake – Engineering Marvel in the Mountains (Graham & Swain Counties, NC)
Driving time from Maryville: about 1.5–2 hours
Fontana Dam is one of the tallest dams in the eastern United States, and it’s tucked away in the mountains on the border of Graham and Swain Counties.
What to see and do:
- Walk across the dam – Look down on the river on one side and the wide-open lake on the other.
- Scenic overlooks – The views around Fontana Lake are great for photos.
- Boating and fishing – If you plan ahead, you can rent a boat or bring your own.
From Maryville, it’s a bit of a drive, but it feels like a true mountain adventure. Plan to bring snacks or a packed lunch, since services can be spread out in this area.
10. Bryson City, NC & the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Swain County)
Driving time from Maryville: about 1.5–2 hours
If you like small towns and trains,
Bryson City should be on your list. It’s a laid-back mountain town in Swain County with a popular scenic railroad.
Why Bryson City makes a great day trip:
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – Take a scenic train ride along the river and through the mountains. Different routes and seasonal trips are available.
- Downtown Bryson City – Small shops, local restaurants, and a relaxed, walkable downtown area.
- Outdoor access – Close to rafting, hiking, and other Great Smoky Mountains adventures.
From Maryville, this one is perfect if you’re in the mood for a full-day outing that feels a bit different from the usual Tennessee destinations.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From Maryville
To make the most of these short getaways from Maryville, TN, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check the weather – Mountain weather can change fast, especially around the Cherohala Skyway and the North Carolina routes.
- Avoid peak traffic – Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg can get very busy on summer weekends and holidays. Early mornings or weekdays are your friend.
- Gas up in Maryville – Prices and stations can be more spread out in the more rural or mountain areas.
- Bring layers – Higher elevations can feel 10–15 degrees cooler than Maryville, even in summer.
A simple rule of thumb: if you’re heading into the Smokies or over into North Carolina, plan a little extra time. The roads are beautiful, but they can be curvy and slower than the interstate.
Final Thoughts: So Many Things To Do Near Maryville, TN
You don’t have to go far from Maryville to find something new:
- City life in Knoxville
- Tourist fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
- Lake days in Lenoir City and around Fort Loudoun
- Scenic drives on the Cherohala Skyway
- Quiet mountain escapes in Robbinsville, Fontana, and Bryson City
Each of these road trips is close enough for a day, but rich enough that you’ll probably want to go back.
Tell Me: What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Maryville?
Have you tried any of these out-of-county adventures from Maryville, TN?
- Which spot did you like the most?
- Do you have a hidden gem in Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier, Graham, or Swain County that I should add next time?
Share your tips, stories, or questions in the comments.
And if you know someone in Maryville who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” send them this post.
Share it with a friend, post it on social, and let’s help more people discover just how many fun road trips are waiting right outside Blount County.
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