Welcome And Summer Road Trip Idea

Speaker 0:00

Hi, and welcome to my Zee Michaelson Travel Podcast, a Zmax Travel Radio production presented by Collage Travel Media Network. This is your space for inspiration, confidence in travel, and maybe just a little bit of luxury. So whether you're traveling across the world or just rediscovering America, or maybe just simply dreaming about your next escape, I hope we can help guide you. And of course, I am Zee Michaelson. I am a travel advisor, a media host, and an advocate for all those who love to travel and who refuse to wait to see the world. Well, I hope you've been enjoying some of my podcasts on solo travel and, of course, my travel hints and tips. But since we're in the middle of summer, and I've already started talking a little bit about rediscovering America, what do you say we explore the incredible destinations, hidden treasures, and unforgettable experiences waiting right here in our own backyard? So today, we're gonna be heading into some of the most beautiful landscapes, fascinating historical sites, and inspiring outdoor destinations in the American South as we explore the national parks of Tennessee and Georgia. Summer is perfect season for road trips. Yep, I used to always go on road trips in the summer, and through some of these states, like Georgia and Tennessee. You have mist-covered mountain peaks, roaring waterfalls, to historic battlefields, and coastal islands where some wild horses still roam free. Tennessee and Georgia offer an incredible collection of National Park Services sites that showcase America's natural beauty and rich history. So whether you're an avid hiker, history enthusiast, photographer, maybe just a family traveler, or simply someone looking to reconnect with nature, today's episode will help you plan an unforgettable summer adventure. So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and let's get out there and rediscover America together. First

Great Smoky Mountains Highlights And Hikes

Speaker 2:23

up on my list, I've been here, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is America's most visited national park. When most travelers think about national parks in Tennessee, one destination immediately comes to mind, the Great Smoky Mountains. Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Smokies are America's most visited national park, attracting more than 12 million visitors annually. The park is renowned for its biodiversity, mountain scenery, waterfalls, wildlife, and Appalachian heritage So what makes the Smokies so special is their accessibility. Unlike many Western parks, there is no entrance fees. Families can enjoy world-class scenery without spending hundreds of dollars just to enter One of the favorites is Cades Cove. This beautiful valley offers an 11-mile scenic loop round the mountains. Oh yeah, you go around the mountains. It's really pretty. During the summer months, you can spot some of these things, like black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and if you're a bird enthusiast, countless bird species. Now, early morning is the best time to visit. Imagine watching the sunrise illuminate a mist-covered valley while wildlife grazes quietly in open fields. It's one of the most magical experiences in the Southeast. For hikers, the park offers more than 800 miles of trails Popular summer hikes can include the Alum Cave Trail, which is a moderate hike leading to a dramatic rock formations and eventually Mount Le Conte. Laurel Falls, one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the park. Andrews Bald, an excellent family-friendly hike with panoramic mountain views. Or Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, 6,643 feet, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. Wow. The Smokies are also one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. Over 22,000 documented species call the park home. The scientists believe thousands more remain undiscovered. So if you're planning a summer visit, start early 'cause the parking lots do fill quickly, and temperatures are cooler in the morning, and wildlife is spotted earlier Now, if you're trying to get to the Smoky Mountains, there are some ways to get there. The closest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, Tennessee. And from the airport, Gatlinburg is approximately one hour, Pigeon Forge is about 50 minutes, and Townsend is approximately 40 minutes. So for the first-time visitors flying into Knoxville and renting a vehicle, that would probably be your best bet. The Smokies are spread across a very large area, and having your own transportation gives you the flexibility to explore scenic drives like Newfound Gap and the Cades Cove. Transportation inside the park is limited, so a rental car is the most practical option. Now, the best road trip access and the basic entrances are through Gatlinburg, Townsend, and Cherokee. Many experienced visitors recommend Townsend for easier access and lighter traffic during busy summer months, so keep that in mind when you're going that direction.

Big South Fork With Fewer Crowds

Speaker 6:38

Okay, well, I'm still in Tennessee, but now let's take a look at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area It's another one of Tennessee's hidden gems. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects over 125,000 acres of rugged wilderness filled with sandstone bluffs, deep gorges, rivers, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Many travelers overlook this incredible destination because they focus on the Smokies. That's a mistake. Big South Fork offers many of the same dramatic landscapes with a fraction of the crowds. That's right, I said a fraction of the crowds. And of course, in the summer, you have hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, river kayaking, rock climbing, and camping. One of the park's highlights is Twin Arches. It's among the largest natural bridge formation east of the Mississippi The hike is moderate and rewards the visitors with stunning views and incredible photo opportunities. Now, another favorite destination is Sunset Overlook. You're not gonna wanna miss it. It's one of the best sunsets viewing areas located in Tennessee. What a great way to end the day, don't you think? Now, if you're looking for solitude, Big South Fork provides a true wilderness experience. Many outdoor enthusiasts describe it as one of the most underrated destinations in the Eastern United States. Can you believe that? Now, you're gonna try to get to South Fork? Well, how do you get there? Again, you got McGhee Tyson Airport, which is about an hour and a half away, and you have the Blue Grass Airport, which is about two hours away. And the park is most commonly reached from Interstate 75 via the town of Oneida or Oneida, whichever way you wanna pronounce it. Tennessee, the National Park Service recommends using Highway 297 to reach many of the major visitor areas and the trailheads The destination is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and outdoor exploration Wow. I'm already trying to pack my bags while I'm telling you this on, on my podcast. These places sound amazing, and like I said, I've been to the Smoky Mountains. They are gorgeous Okay, so where are we going now?

Cumberland Gap And The Wilderness Road

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Well, let's head to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. We're gonna step back a little bit into history here. Cumberland Gap National Historic Park preserves one of the most important migration routes in American history. Thousands of pioneers traveled through this mountain pass during the America's westward expansion. Daniel Boone famously helped establish the wilderness road that passed through the gap. That's history. And today, visitors can explore historic settlements, of course scenic overlooks, mountain trails. There is a visitor center, and you do have some cave tours there as well. One of the best summer experiences driving is Pinnacle Overlook. From this viewpoint, you can see Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia simultaneously. So you can see three states all, all at once just overlooking that whole area. Few places offer a better perspective of the geography that shaped early America. Travelers often describe Cumberland Gap as a worthwhile stop even during a short visit because of its historical significance and mountain scenery. Wow. And again, if you're trying to figure out how to get there, there's McGhee Tyson Airport, and from Knoxville it's about an hour and a half. And Cumberland Gap sits where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia all meet So a lot of people include this as part as their Tennessee, Kentucky road trip because Interstate 75 provides easy access. One of the highlights is driving Pinnacle Overlook where visitors can literally see the three states at once, just like I said, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Amazing, don't you think? Wow. And we're still in Tennessee Now here is something else.

Civil War Views At Chattanooga

Speaker 11:35

This is really, really wonderful for history lovers. And I'm probably gonna say this wrong. Chickamauga and Chattanooga. That I can pronounce, Chattanooga. It's the National Military Park. History lovers should not miss this National Military Park. Established to preserve the battlefields during Chattanooga, this park commemorates pivotal Civil War campaigns that helped determine the outcome of the war. Now, some visitors can enjoy driving tours. They do have ranger programs. They have battlefield walks and of course, scenic overlooks and historical exhibits. Lookout Mountain offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. Standing atop the mountain, you can appreciate why controlling Chattanooga was strategically important to the Civil War. Even if military history isn't your passion, the scenery alone makes this destination worldwide Interesting. Don't you think? Okay, let's move right along.

Crossing Into Georgia For Coastal Wonders

Speaker 12:46

Now that we've been in Tennessee and we've visited some of the parks, I'm gonna take you down into Georgia. Now, Georgia is our next door neighbor, and I'm dying to go see more and more of it every time. Okay. Well, as you know, Georgia is on the East Coast. It is attached to the Atlantic Ocean.

Cumberland Island Beaches And Wild Horses

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So Georgia's coastal treasure is Cumberland Island National Seashore So we're gonna head there. It's a very unique destination. Cumberland Island National Seashore feels like you're stepping into another world. It's accessible only by ferry. This is a barrier island, and it offers pristine beaches, maritime forest, historic ruins, wildlife viewing, and untouched coastal landscapes. And you know what else? Wild horses. Yep, you can see wild horses Now imagine walking along miles of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline while wild horses graze nearby. There aren't any high-rise hotels. There are no beach bars. There are no crowds Yep, that's Georgia's coastal treasure, Cumberland Island National Seashore. And it's just nature. Summer visitors can spend hours exploring the beaches that feel completely untouched by modern development. The famous Dungeness ruins add another layer of intrigue. These remains of a once grand mansion created one of the most photographed scenes on the island. And for travelers seeking a true escape, Cumberland Island is hard to beat. Now, if you're trying to figure out how to get there, well, like I said, destination is by boat only. And the best airport would probably be here in Florida at Jacksonville International because it's about 40 minutes from where you need to catch the ferry. So you gotta travel to St. Mary's and board the passenger ferry to the island. Now, the ferry ride takes approximately about 45 minutes and departs from downtown St. Marys. We strongly recommend that you make reservations, particularly during summer travel season And I would emphasize that getting to Cumberland Island is part of the adventure. The moment the ferry leaves the dock, it feels like you're traveling back in time. What a great little trip of rediscovering America, don't you think? Okay, so we are in Georgia right now, as you can tell But Georgia is a pretty big state. So how about

Kennesaw Mountain Hike With History

Speaker 15:46

we go to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park? It's located near Atlanta in Kennesaw Mountain National Park. Combines history, hiking, and of course, views. The park preserves one of the major battlefields of the Atlanta campaign during the Civil War Today, it attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as much as history buffs. The hike to the summit is manageable for most visitors and rewards travelers with sweeping views of the Atlanta skyline and surrounding countryside. For me, that would be great to see Atlanta skyline from a distance. I think that would be beautiful. Now, summer mornings are particularly gorgeous, and the visitor center offers excellent exhibits that help bring the battlefield history to life More than a million people visit annually, making it one of Georgia's most popular National Park Service sites. Now, if you have children that are learning about the Civil War, some of these things that I've already talked about would be a great thing to do with the kids during the summer. This way they can actually see history come alive. When I was in school, oh boy, did I hate history. And it wasn't because I was, I was not able to read about it. The reading itself was boring. But when it comes to life, they can match the stories they're reading in their books to what they're seeing in real life. Doesn't that sound great? I think it sounds wonderful. Now, if you're trying to figure out how to get there, uh, the best airport is, of course, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. And remember, this airport is one of the busiest in the world. But to get to the park, it's approximately 40 minutes from the airport. So there you go. Many travelers combine downtown Atlanta with the mountain and Marietta Square during a single visit. So you can keep that in mind Oh boy. So moving right along in Georgia, what do we got more? We got more

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Sites

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history. One of the final stops that you really need to take is in the heart of Atlanta. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park preserves the place where Dr. King was born, he lived, he worked, he worshiped, and is buried. That's right, he's buried there And it's, it's interesting to see how people can see everything. They can see the history of Dr. King's journey and everything that was involved with him. And visitors can experience Dr. King's birth home, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he worshiped, the King Center memorial sites. This isn't just a history lesson. It's an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of the equality, justice, and civil rights in America. So you can experience the history. Many travelers consider it one of the most meaningful experiences available in the National Park System. And if you're trying to figure out how to get there, again, you're gonna travel into Atlanta's airport. That would be your best bet because it's very close to that. Again, this is in Atlanta, and it's the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. Amazing. As I sit here and I talk with you about all of these beautiful national parks that we have, I've hit two states only this episode. I hit Georgia and I hit Tennessee If you're in the South, if you live in Florida or you live in Georgia or you live in any, you know, the Carolinas, what a great little way to do a little travel Now As we are wrapping up today's journey through Tennessee and Georgia's national park, something becomes very clear.

Build A Tennessee Georgia Park Loop

Speaker 20:08

You don't really have to travel across the country to experience extraordinary adventures, such as the misty peaks of the Smokies, and boy, does it get misty What about the hidden canyons of Big South Fork, the historic pathways of Cumberland Gap, the battlefields of Chattanooga and Kennesaw Mountain, the wild beaches of Cumberland Island, and the inspiring legacy preserved in Atlanta? These destinations remind us why this podcast and this episode is called Rediscovering America. Some of the greatest travel experiences in the world are right here at home. And of course, we are celebrating our 250th anniversary as a country this year. Of course, it's 2026. If you're planning a summer road trip, consider connecting several of these parks into one unforgettable journey through Tennessee and Georgia. I think you'll really love it Now, one of the things I love about Tennessee and Georgia are the national parks because they're easily accessible In many cases, if you live kind of nearby, you can make a long weekend trip out of it. So you don't have to stay for a month or a week or a year. If you're nearby, make it a, like a three-day weekend. How fun is that? And like I said, if you have kids that are learning this stuff in, in history class and wondering why they get bored with history, take them to experience it, and I think they will like it Well, you've been listening to my podcast, and of course, I am Z Michelson, and this podcast has been brought to you by Collage Travel Media Network.

Share The Show And Final Sendoff

Speaker 22:03

If this episode or any of my episodes have inspired you, feel free to share it with your friends and family and anyone who has been waiting to travel, whether in a group or solo. And I am reminding you that you deserve the journey, so go boldly, keep exploring, and keep dreaming and discovering the world around you, including America. Thanks for listening today, and like I always say, shoot for the stars, and if you only get to the moon, at least you made the trip. I hope to see you out there on that road trip. Have a great adventure