Where to stop

Best places to stop between Nashville and Pigeon Forge

The I-40 drive runs about 225 miles and 3.5 hours. These are the towns worth pulling off for, in the order you reach them, with how far into the drive each one sits.

1. Mile 87 of 225

   1. Cookeville, TN

   This is the halfway mark and the best overnight on the route, with 138 miles left to Pigeon Forge.

   Hotels in CookevilleWhere to stay in Cookeville

2. Mile 196 of 225

   2. Knoxville, TN

   The last big stop before Pigeon Forge, 29 miles to go. Top off the tank here.

   Hotels in KnoxvilleWhere to stay in Knoxville

Sights worth the detour

• Cumberland Plateau views on I-40
• Knoxville's Market Square
• Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains

Gas, food and rest areas by mile

Open the route in XCRSN to see every gas station, EV charger, rest area and restaurant listed by mile, with live fuel prices.

More on this drive

• Full drive guide
• Can you drive it in one day?
• Halfway point
• Gas cost