Looking for a beautiful outdoor escape? Then look no further – and drive no farther – than the Northeast Tennessee Valley.

The Valley offers a wealth of fresh-air possibilities thanks to its mild climate, natural beauty and abundant trails, which include a number of scenic walking trails as well as expansive driving venues. The region abounds with places to hike, fish and bike, and outdoor adventurers can find skiing and rafting less than an hour away.

Anyone who likes to hike, mountain bike or ride horseback will find a welcome retreat on the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile rail-trail that runs from Abingdon, Va., through the Blue Ridge backwoods to the North Carolina state line. Virginia Creeper passes through Mount Rogers National Recreation Area along with the highland country of southwestern Virginia, and is known for its foliage and overall richness in beauty.

By the Way, a New Byway

Meanwhile, a number of destination roadways are available to motorists. East Tennessee Crossing byway, also known as U.S. Highway 25E, is an 83-mile roadway that was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. East Tennessee Crossing passes through Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen and Jefferson counties, and is expected to increase heritage and recreational tourism throughout the region.

“Tennessee is a touring state,” says Tennessee Commissioner of Tourism Susan Whitaker. “We have moved from 14th to eighth as the most visited state in the union, and this is going to bring even more people here.”

White Lightning Trail

East Tennessee Crossing follows the original path of the Cherokee Warriors Path, the Wilderness Road across Clinch Mountain, the Dixie Highway of the Civil War period, and Thunder Road of moonshining lore. Thunder Road is also nicknamed White Lightning Trail because of its reputation for running moonshine during Prohibition. It passes through Claiborne and Hamblen counties and ends at the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.

“For us, this designation of National Scenic Byway will cultivate more opportunities for heritage tourism, allowing Claiborne County to showcase our hidden treasures that are so rich in history,” says Dennis Shipley, executive vice president/director of the Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce.

Sunnyside Up

Another impressive driving trail in the Northeast Tennessee Valley is Sunnyside Trail, stretching 475 miles from Sevierville through 12 counties to the Tri-Cities area. More than 350 locations are highlighted along the trail for motorists to visit and enjoy.

“There are people who will do an entire driving trail and then there are people who will just do portions,” says Jennifer Spence, assistant commissioner for marketing at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “It’s always a greater product when you can link all of the treasures together, and the trails point out everything a visitor would love to do, from unique little mom-and-pop restaurants to historic sites and antique shopping.”