GATLINBURG (WATE) - Officials launched the Rocky Top Trail, a self-guided driving tour in the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program, from Gatlinburg on Tuesday.
The trail is the result of a partnership between multiple state agencies and city and county officials.
It covers 282 miles with sites and attractions in Knox, Sevier, Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Loudon and Monroe counties. The sites showcase East Tennessee's history, culture, landscape, music and cuisine.
The trail begins at the Gatlinburg/Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome Center.
The Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation's Knoxville Visitor Center on Gay Street is also a primary trail hub.
However, visitors can choose to begin their trip at any point along the path.
Appalachian arts and crafts are abundant on the Rocky Top Trail.
Visitors can hone in on their artistic skills at the Arrowmont School of the Arts and Crafts, or visit Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, the nation's largest organization of independent artisans. It has more than 100 members.
Spirit of the Hand in Dandridge features the work of 150 artisans from around the region and country.
Rocky Top is the 14th of 16 self-guided driving tours in the state byways program.
Gatlinburg Inn (source: Tennessee Department of Tourism)
