Atlanta 3-4 weeks road trip in November

Question

Hi we're planning on arriving to Atlanta in Nov to visit some friends and were hoping to rent a car and drive around a bit. We have ~28 days and were thinking of this (roughly):

1. Fly to atl, staybat friends for 2-3 data, see the foty

2. Drive up the smokey mountains to Nashville

3. Then a trip to memphis

4. Go south through Natchez to NOLA for a few data

5. Drive east to jacksonville / st. Augustine beachea

6. Drive back to ATL through savannah or any alternative

We are not afraid of driving long hours but if that's rushed we'd prefer to cut the plan accordingly and just enjoy the trip

Any comments? We prefer nature over city walks

Answer

That sounds like an amazing road trip through the Southeastern U.S.! With 28 days, you have the flexibility to take your time and enjoy the journey. Here's a breakdown of your planned route with some thoughts on your itinerary, as well as suggestions for nature-focused activities. You can also adjust the plan based on your preferences for less urban time.

1. Arrival in Atlanta (2-3 Days)

Starting in Atlanta is a great choice. The city has plenty to offer, but since you prefer nature, I’d suggest focusing on these natural attractions:

Atlanta Botanical Garden: A peaceful place with beautiful gardens and walking paths.
Piedmont Park: A large green space where you can relax and enjoy some time outdoors.
Stone Mountain: A bit touristy but still an impressive sight, and there are hiking trails and a great view from the top.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Great for walks, picnics, and water activities.

Spending 2-3 days with friends is perfect for recovering from travel and getting a feel for the area. The city has an excellent public transport system, so it’s easy to get around without needing to drive too much at first.

2. Drive to Smoky Mountains (2-3 Days)

From Atlanta, a drive to the Smoky Mountains is a fantastic start to your nature-focused trip. The mountains are just under 4 hours away, so it's a manageable drive.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A must-see, especially for nature lovers. There are tons of hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Consider the Alum Cave Trail or the Laurel Falls Trail for a moderate hike with beautiful views.
Cades Cove: A picturesque area with a scenic loop road where you can spot wildlife like deer and wild turkeys.

Spending 2-3 days here will give you time to explore the park without feeling rushed. You can also check out the towns of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, though they can be touristy. For a quieter experience, focus on the park’s natural beauty.

3. Drive to Nashville (2 Days)

Next, head to Nashville. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from the Smoky Mountains. While Nashville is known for its music scene, there are some great outdoor options as well:

Radnor Lake State Park: A peaceful park perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, located just outside the city.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: If you're into gardens, this is a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy nature.

If you’re interested in country music history, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Grand Ole Opry, but these are more urban experiences. If nature is your focus, consider spending your time in parks and natural areas.

4. Memphis (1-2 Days)

Memphis is about a 3.5-hour drive from Nashville. You could stay a day or two, but if you're mainly interested in nature, you may want to focus on outdoor activities like:

Overton Park: A large park with hiking trails, a zoo, and the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden.
Mississippi River Park: A scenic area with walking paths along the river — great for sunset views.

If you want to skip some of the urban attractions (like Beale Street), you can head straight to nature spots for a more relaxed experience.

5. Drive South through Natchez to New Orleans (3-4 Days)

The drive down to New Orleans is about 6-7 hours, but it’s a scenic route, so you may want to break it up with a stop in Natchez, Mississippi:

Natchez Trace Parkway: A stunning drive with opportunities for short hikes, wildlife watching, and enjoying the beautiful Mississippi countryside.

Once in New Orleans, you can explore the city’s French Quarter, but since you prefer nature, spend time outside in places like:

City Park: A lovely park with walking trails, ponds, and the New Orleans Museum of Art located within the park.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park: Explore the bayous and swamps of Louisiana with a guided tour.

3-4 days in this area would give you a nice mix of nature and culture.

6. Drive East to Jacksonville and St. Augustine (3 Days)

From New Orleans, head east to Jacksonville, Florida, which is about a 6-hour drive. You can take some breaks along the way to enjoy the scenic areas. Once in Jacksonville, head to St. Augustine, which is a charming and historic city with easy access to beaches and nature.

Fort Matanzas National Monument: Explore this historic fort and enjoy the surrounding nature trails and beaches.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: A fun and nature-focused stop, though not for hiking, this park features a great variety of local wildlife.

Spending a day in St. Augustine will allow you to experience its historic sites, and then you can enjoy nature in the nearby parks and beaches.

7. Return to Atlanta via Savannah (1-2 Days)

For the return trip, you can drive back to Atlanta via Savannah, which is about a 4-hour drive from St. Augustine. Savannah offers some beautiful outdoor attractions like:

Forsyth Park: A large park with walking paths, fountains, and beautiful oak trees.
Skidaway Island State Park: A great place for nature walks, birdwatching, and seeing local wildlife.

Spend a night or two in Savannah to relax and explore before heading back to Atlanta. If you prefer, you could also take a more direct route to Atlanta to shorten the drive.

Overall Plan: Your road trip seems well-paced, but if you’re aiming for a more relaxed pace, you could cut back by reducing time in the cities and focusing more on nature spots. For example, skipping Memphis and focusing on the Smoky Mountains and Mississippi River could save time, allowing you to immerse yourself more in the natural beauty along the way.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope you have a fantastic time exploring the Southeast!