Atlanta to New Orleans 1 – A very diverse route in the deep south of the USA, that combines interesting cities (New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and Atlanta) with a variety of natural sites – the swamps of Louisiana, the white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the banks of the Mississippi River and the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Please note: In the winter it can often be cold in the northern areas of this route (and even snowy in the Smoky Mountains). During summer months it is very hot and humid along this route. This route can be affected by summer hurricanes (which may mainly affect the New Orleans area). The peak of the hurricane season is in September. It is possible to travel this route during summer months, but it is advised to be up to date regarding the forecast. The most recommended months for taking this trip are March to May, as well as October (the fall foliage season in the Smoky Mountains).
Day 1 – Land in Atlanta and enjoy the afternoon in the city
Lodging location: Atlanta
Day 2 – Visit Atlanta
Lodging location: Atlanta
Day 3 – Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from south to north on route 441 and visit locations along the way, continue to Atlanta, 4 hour drive
Lodging location: Gatlinburg
Day 4 – Visit the northern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Lodging location: Gatlinburg
Day 5 – Spend the morning around the town of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in the afternoon drive to Nashville, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Nashville
Day 6 – Enjoy a day in Nashville
Lodging location: Nashville
Day 7 – Spend the morning in Nashville drive to Memphis, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Memphis
Day 8 – Enjoy a day in Memphis
Lodging location: Memphis
Day 9 – Drive south along the Natchez Trace Parkway, on the way stop for a visit in Jackson, 5.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Natchez
Day 10 – Visit Natchez and drive south to Lafayette (in Louisiana), on the way stop for a short visit in Baton Rouge and/or join a swamp tour, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Lafayette
Day 11 – Visit Lafayette and take an Alligator viewing tour in Lake Martin, then drive to Houma, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Houma
Day 12 – Drive to Grand Isle State Park, on the way go kayaking in the swamps of southern Louisiana, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Grand Isle
Day 13 – Drive to New Orleans, on the way visit the plantations along the Mississippi River (most recommended: Whitney and Oak Alley Plantations), 3 hours drive
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 14 – Enjoy a day in New Orleans
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 15 – Fly home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Southeast USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
