Help planning Kentucky and Tennessee roadtrip
 

Hi. My husband and I are flying into Louisville Kentucky and then are planning to go into Indiana ( just for an afternoon) go to mammoth cave and continue onto Tennessee to see the Smokey mts.
I know there are some natl/ state parks near the border of the two states and we are planning to stop at some in the way.
I can’t figure out how to divide our time and what would be a logical order to see everything to minimise driving.
I would also like to minimise how many times we have to change where we stay. Could we stay in one plans in Kentucky before going down to Tennessee ? Planning to stay in gatlinburg or pigeon forge when we are there. We will be flying out if knoxville.
we have a total of half a day day we land then four more full days before we leave. We like waterfalls, hiking and wildlife especially beats!!! Thanks in advance.

Suggestions from a couple of road trips we had taken.

Louisville
Falls of Ohio State Park, where Lewis & Clark began their westward expedition. Explore the limestone bed that dates to the Devonian Period. Bonus: two Chihuly's in the Interpretive Center!
Churchill Downs Tour. Interesting even if you're not into horses.
Cave Hill Cemetery is where Colonel Sanders (and other famous Louisvilleans are buried

From Louisville, a pause in Frankfort to view Daniel Boone's grave in Frankfort Cemetery. It resides peacefully at the top of a small hill. Another pause in Georgetown's Royal Spring Park, the Birthplace of Bourbon. The downtown is charming.

Lexington
Transylvania University, “Transy,” as it is nicknamed, the first university west of the Allegheny Mountains. Established by an act of Virginia’s Governor Thomas Jefferson, as Kentucky was not yet a state, its notable alum include a member of the Lewis & Clark expedition; two Vice Presidents and numerous political figures.
Mary Todd Lincoln's House
The Dixie Cup Water Tower (Dixie was HQ'ed in Lexington)

If you're hungry, Old Country Bourbon Kitchen was outstanding. The starter of Honey Bourbon Glazed Bacon Strips. With Peanut Butter Dip, was drool-worthy delicious.

Winchester
The Birthplace of Beer Cheese (Queen Elizabeth is a fan!) and Ale81 (pronounced “A Late One”), Kentucky’s Official State Soft Drink.

Corbin
The Birthplace of KFC

Between Nashville and Knoxville
If you're into Presidential homes, you can detour from Corbin to Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's estate. We learned it is the third most visited presidential home in the U.S.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are chaotic. If your goals are nature and hiking, stay in Townsend, the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies." I can recommend Peaceful Side Social and Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro for restaurants.

GSMNP
The Cades Cove loop should be a must-do while visiting the Smokies. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the end of the loop. PSA: Arrive as early as you can because the traffic can be brutal. Also, do not plan to drive the loop on Wednesdays as it is closed to cyclists. Also, also, don't plan to see any bears. We were on a two-year posting in Knoxville during COVID. When the GSMNP finally opened we drove the loop and spotted NINE bears. The Rangers said it was likely the bears had forgotten about the tourists and were roaming freely.

Knoxville
Once you have your itinerary roughed out, I would be happy to answer any Knoxville-specific questions, or offer dining suggestions.

I hope this information is helpful.

Be sure to visit Fall Creek Falls State Park in eastern Tenn. It features some of the highest waterfalls in the eastern US. Also, the Shaker Village near Lexington, Kent. is worth a visit. It is 1.5 hours east of Louisville, southwest ot Lexington.. https://thewalkingmermaid.com/blog/guide-to-fall-creek-falls-state-park-tennessee

https://shakervillageky.org/

Thanks I’ll look into all these ideas. I’m sure I’ll be back either more questions

Don't make the mistake we did of showing up at Mammoth Cave without a reserved tour.

Second the recommendation for the Churchill Downs tour. Also, several local horse farms offer tours; see the pastures with foals, learn about their breeding programs, etc.

Check out the Bourbon Trail tours, make it as short or as long as you wish. Recommend the Bourbon Manor in Bardstown for a great base.

Enjoy!

You can do better than Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
Way too much traffic, tacky shops, not what you go to the mountains for. In my opinion, of course

this is what i have so far.
Day one-land in louisville midday (only flight available) and go straight to four bridges and spend the afternoon in indiana.
Drive to airbnb near mammoth caves
Day two-mammoth caves, which tour do you recommend? we would like something other then the basic tour. (don't mind stairs, hiking adventure but the crawling tour seems too much for us) anything else in that area?
Then I am debating what to do. should we go straight to the smokey mts which would give us three days there or go and stay one night near one of the state parks on the way ? and then which park they all seem beautiful. falls creek falls, burgess, cunningham or another one? any ideas? thanks

Here are a couple of options with approximate drive times to help you plan.

Option 1
Day 2: After Mammoth Caves, the drive to Falls Creek Falls is ~3 hours.
Day 3: Falls Creek Falls and the ~3 hour drive to GSMNP.
Days 4,5: GSMNP
Day 6: ~1.5 hour drive to TYS

Option 2
Day 2: After Mammoth Caves, the drive to GSMNP is ~5 hours.
Days 3,4,5: GSMNP
Day 6: ~1.5 hour drive to TYS

Personally, as pretty as Falls Creek Falls are, I would go with Option 2. A three-day itinerary might look something like this:
Day 1. Cades Coves
Day 2. Newfound Gap and Clingman's Dome
Day 3. Roaring Fork

There are several waterfalls in the park, so while you'd miss Falls Creek Falls you'll see other falls.

Very helpful ideas.
I changed my reservation in Townsend to do that.
are there any short stops on the way?
aldo any recommendations on which cane tour to do ?

I realise my last reply was not clear. I think we will drive from mammoth can’t straight to Smokey mts. (Found an Airbnb in Townsend) any short stops along the way?

Along the I-80/I-75 Route
Corbin, KY. Birthplace of KFC.Even if you're not a fan of KFC, the museum offers a quick peek of the Colonel's history. Plus, there's a giant Col. Sanders statue.
Clinton TN. The Museum of Appalachia (a living history museum); the Green McAdoo Cultural Center (museum detailing the first desegrated HS in the South); and a charming downtown (Hoskins Drug Store, circa 1930, would be my go-to for a quick bite.)

Along the I-40 Route
Oak Ridge TN. The American Museum of Science and Energy.
Oak Ridge History Museum (NPS). Tells the history of the Manhattan Project.
Townsend TN. Tuckaleechee Caverns (if you haven't had enough spelunking).:lol:

Churchill Downs has live racing 4 or 5 days each week now through June. It is big, so there would be lots to see on a tour.

Lexington has horse farm tours. High quality thoroughbred racing at Keeneland is among the best in America and, at the end of October this year, best in the world (Oct 30-31 Breeder's Cup). Keeneland is a real gem with a beautiful setting in the heart of bluegrass country. Live racing in April and October.