This scenic trip can actually be driven in slightly over an hour and a half. But we have a much better suggestion! Take your time, pick up some goodies at a special stop or two along the way, drive leisurely to one of six great but diverse recreation areas with privacy, beauty, grills/tables and enjoy an inexpensive but fun filled Appalachian picnic. We guarantee you’ll love this short but memorable tour!

Take I-26W from the hotel and exit at Exit 37 onto S.R. 8l/107 to Jonesborough. You will enter a huge curve at 4.0 mi and see “The Devil’s Looking Glass,” a huge rock wall in the Nolichucky River Gorge. Here you'll find the Rivers Edge Restaurant, a “come as you are” grill with fantastic views of this natural attraction. There are a few pull offs around 5.0 mi for the smallmouth fisherman who has to throw a line. At 6.6 mi, take Arnold Road and follow the river. The Big Rock and the famous class III kayak rapid are located at 7.4 mi. Turn right at 8.5 mi onto Dry Creek Road. Except for the unfortunate location of 2 junkyards, this is a convenient and lovely piece of Appalachian forest. A forest service road is located at 12.3 mi and is used by 4-WD and horseback riders during the summer. There is an ATV access and parking area at 14.1 mi. Across the road is a gated forest service road that goes for miles along the Cherokee Mountain ridge and provides great mountain biking and hiking opportunities. The Dry Creek Road runs into Cherokee Road (67) at 17.5 mi. Turn right onto University Parkway (321/67) at 19.6 mi. (a side trip --Buffalo Mountain Park is approximately 2 mi from this intersection following Buffalo Road, then Rolling Hills Drive under the CSX underpass.) Take another right onto South Roan Street at 20.3 mi and then start slowing down immediately. It’s time for a stop at the One Stop!! This famous convenience store has become synonymous with great Broasted Chicken, Blue Plate Specials, Homemade Fixin's, and fast and friendly service. Let them fix you up with picnic essentials while you walk over to the One Stop Wine and Liquor Store. They will have whatever drink selection you desire for that special afternoon! Continue on down South Roan and if you can’t wait to eat any longer pull into the Tipton-Haynes Historical Site at 21.2 mi. This is a jewel of a picnic place with refurbished pioneer cabins, displays and even their own private cave in which to wander. Turn left onto 359 at 23 mi then right again onto 361E at 24.4 mi. Stop at Vest Greenhouse if you love spring flowers and plants. This pleasant 2-lane road leads to the Laurel Recreation area with plenty of tables and grills. Turn right onto Sciota Road at 28.2 mi for a foothill drive among white pines, hemlocks and pines. SR 107 intersects at 33.9 mi. Limestone Cove Recreation Area is 2.8 mi if you turn left -- one of our favorites with Indian Creek flowing through this park. It's always cool under the laurels and hemlocks! If you turn right onto SR107 you will come into the community of Unicoi at 34.6 mi -- if it’s May or June think about crossing 107 at Sciota and going up a gravel lane to Scott’s Strawberry and Tomato Farm for delicious, fresh produce. Turn left onto Rt. 107 at Unicoi and you are heading back towards Erwin. The National Fish Hatchery and Unicoi County Heritage Museum is located at 37.5 mi. Several homes in this area were built with river rock from the local streams. At 38.6 mi, SR 395 intersects SR107. If you turn left, Rock Creek Park is only 3 miles. Another great picnic area in the mountains with the extra treat of a beautiful waterfall only a short hike away. If you need to get back to the hotel, continue on through Erwin or turn right at 107/81 marker where the Town Hall is located and take I-26 East back to Holiday Inn Express. P.S. A very secluded but well maintained U.S. Forest picnic/recreation area is located at Chestoa only minutes from your room and provides an up close and personal view of the fabulous Nolichucky River. It is slightly over 1 mile from the hotel to your left. We hope you had as much fun today as we did driving the mountain back roads!