The Best Day Trips from Nashville: Why Lynchburg Should Be Your First Stop
Nashville has honky-tonks, hot chicken, and Broadway. But just beyond Music City lies small-town charm, history, and scenery worth exploring across Middle Tennessee and beyond.
If you’re planning a day trip from Nashville, there’s one destination that tops the list: Lynchburg, Tennessee. But don’t stop there—the United States offers countless adventures within a few hours’ drive of downtown Nashville.
Why Choose Lynchburg?
Located under two hours from Nashville, Lynchburg feels like stepping back in time. Rolling hills, historic sites, and iconic whiskey distilleries create the perfect blend of Southern charm and rich heritage. This small town embodies authentic Tennessee hospitality while offering visitors experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Here’s why Lynchburg should be your first stop:
A Whiskey Lover’s Paradise
Lynchburg is home to legendary distilleries, including our brand-new Company Distilling location. Enjoy tastings, shop exclusive bottles, and learn whiskey-making from Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. Our Lynchburg distillery offers award-winning spirits you won’t find anywhere else.
The guided tours provide fascinating insights into traditional Tennessee whiskey production, from grain to glass. Learn about the Lincoln County Process, explore barrel aging techniques, and discover what makes our wood-finished expressions so unique.
Scenic Drives and Rolling Hills
The drive from Nashville to Lynchburg is part of the adventure. Winding roads, farmland, and lush hills make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Slow down, roll down the windows, and enjoy the authentic Tennessee countryside. The route takes you through some of Middle Tennessee’s most picturesque landscapes.
Small-Town Southern Charm
The quaint town square features shops, cafes, and historic landmarks. Lynchburg embodies Southern hospitality with antique stores and cozy restaurants serving homemade comfort food. Spend the afternoon browsing local crafts, sampling regional specialties, and experiencing genuine small-town Tennessee culture.
Food, Shopping, and Local Flavor
Pair your distillery visit with local eateries and classic Southern cooking. Browse shops offering handmade crafts and whiskey-inspired goods. From Lynchburg souvenirs to whiskey barrel décor, there’s no shortage of treasures to discover during your visit.
Franklin: Civil War History and Carter House
Just 30 minutes south of Nashville, Franklin offers rich Civil War history centered around the famous Carter House. This historic site served as Union headquarters during the pivotal Battle of Franklin in 1864, where visitors can still see bullet holes in the walls from that fierce engagement.
The Carter House offers 90-minute guided tours that follow the United States from its founding to the Civil War, exploring how the country slowly drifted apart over the meaning of equality. The house served as headquarters for the United States Army during the battle, with one Carter son mortally wounded during the fighting.
Franklin’s downtown district provides excellent shopping, dining, and additional historic sites, making it a great place to spend an entire afternoon exploring Tennessee’s Civil War heritage.
Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain Adventures
Two and a half hours southeast of Nashville, Chattanooga presents one of Tennessee’s most spectacular day trip destinations. Lookout Mountain offers breathtaking views, Rock City’s unique rock formations, and the magnificent underground waterfall of Ruby Falls.
For water enthusiasts, Chattanooga provides world-class paddling opportunities, from leisurely floats through downtown to challenging whitewater adventures. The Tennessee River flows through downtown Chattanooga, creating a vast freshwater playground for kayak and canoe enthusiasts.
Guided tours are available for those preferring organized experiences, while independent visitors can explore at their own pace.
State Parks and Hiking Trails
Middle Tennessee boasts amazing state parks within a 2.5-hour drive from Nashville, offering invigorating day trips to the great outdoors. Popular destinations include:
Radnor Lake State Park. Just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, Radnor Lake provides easy hiking trails perfect for afternoon escapes. The lake’s serene setting attracts local wildlife and offers peaceful walking paths suitable for all skill levels.
Warner Parks Warner Park offers 12 miles of primitive hiking trails, 3 miles of paved trail connecting to the Harpeth River Greenway system, and almost 9 miles of additional paved paths. These parks provide extensive trail systems perfect for morning or afternoon adventures.
Burgess Falls State Park Located about an hour east of Nashville, Burgess Falls State Park is well known for its absolutely beautiful waterfalls. The hiking trails lead to spectacular cascading waterfalls, making this a photographer’s paradise.
Fall Creek Falls State Park Fall Creek Falls serves as a popular basecamp for exploring spectacular waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife throughout the region. The park offers diverse hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Visit the TN State Parks Website for hiking trails and tips.
Water Adventures and Outdoor Recreation
Tennessee’s rivers and lakes provide excellent opportunities for kayak and canoe adventures. The Harpeth River, just west of Nashville, offers gentle floats perfect for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can tackle challenging rapids on nearby waterways.
The Tennessee River system provides some of North America’s most diverse freshwater ecosystems, with an abundant variety of freshwater life. Enjoy 4-5-hour kayak trips with easy five-mile paddles down wide rivers, perfect for picnicking and sunbathing stops.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
While slightly farther from Nashville, the Great Smoky Mountains represent one of America’s most treasured natural destinations. The park offers countless hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Spring brings wildflower blooms, summer offers lush greenery, fall showcases spectacular foliage, and winter provides peaceful solitude.
Cataract Falls, Cades Cove, and countless other attractions make the Smokies worth the extra drive time for visitors seeking authentic mountain experiences.
Thompson’s Station: Closer to Home
If Lynchburg feels too far, our Thompson’s Station distillery sits just 30 minutes south of Nashville. This location offers the same premium tastings and exclusive bottles with an even shorter drive. Perfect for when you want the full Company Distilling experience without the longer journey.
The Thompson’s Station location provides intimate tasting experiences, allowing visitors to sample our complete range of Tennessee whiskeys while learning about our innovative wood-finishing techniques.
Visit: companydistilling.com/distilleries/thompsons-station-distillery/
Close Enough for a Day, Memorable Enough for a Weekend
Being under two hours from Nashville makes Lynchburg perfect for a quick day trip. But with so much to do throughout Middle Tennessee, you might want to stay the night and turn your day trip into a full weekend getaway exploring multiple destinations.
Consider combining Lynchburg with Franklin’s Civil War sites, Chattanooga’s natural wonders, or state park adventures for extended Tennessee exploration.
Planning Your Perfect Day Trip
When planning day trips from Nashville, consider:
- Distance and driving time: Most destinations fall within 1-3 hours of downtown Nashville
- Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer ideal weather for outdoor activities
- Activity preferences: Choose between history, nature, whiskey, or a combination of experiences
- Group size: Some activities work better for couples, while others accommodate larger groups
Tours and guided experiences are available for most destinations, providing educational context and eliminating navigation concerns for visitors unfamiliar with the areas.
Make Company Distilling Your First Stop
Heading to Lynchburg? Start at Company Distilling’s distillery. Premium tastings, exclusive bottles, custom-etched gifts, and a welcoming atmosphere showcase the best of Tennessee whiskey.
Our knowledgeable staff provides insights into traditional whiskey-making while highlighting innovative techniques that set our products apart. Whether you’re a whiskey novice or experienced connoisseur, our tastings offer something new to discover.
Start planning your trip: companydistilling.com/events/month/
The Perfect Tennessee Adventure Awaits
Tennessee offers incredible diversity within easy reach of Nashville. From the small town charm of Lynchburg to the natural wonders of Lookout Mountain, Civil War history at Carter House, peaceful hiking trails in state parks, and thrilling water adventures on scenic rivers—your perfect day trip awaits.
Each destination offers a unique perspective on Tennessee’s rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you prefer guided tours or independent exploration, historical education or outdoor recreation, intimate experiences or group adventures, Middle Tennessee delivers unforgettable memories.
The United States offers few regions with such concentrated attractions within easy driving distance of a major city. Take advantage of Nashville’s central location to explore everything from whiskey distilleries to mountain vistas, from Civil War battlefields to pristine wilderness areas.
Start planning your Tennessee adventure today, and discover why visitors from around the world choose Middle Tennessee for their most memorable experiences.
