Nothing pairs better with an open highway than country music. From classic honky-tonks to legendary recording studios, these road trips capture the heart of country culture. Whether you’re chasing the ghost of Johnny Cash or just want to roll your windows down and let the music take over, these routes deliver pure Americana.
Here’s a list of 15 unforgettable road trips for country music lovers, each packed with history, charm, and plenty of places to stop, eat, and soak in the sounds of the South.
Nashville to Memphis, Tennessee
This stretch of I-40 is the ultimate pilgrimage for country fans. Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music, is home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and endless honky-tonks lining Broadway. Heading west, stop at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills before reaching Memphis, where Sun Studio and Beale Street bring blues and rockabilly into the mix.
Wrap it up at Graceland, because no country road trip is complete without a nod to the King.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, this route offers breathtaking scenery alongside a deep musical heritage. The Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail, showcases bluegrass and old-time country, with stops in Floyd for the Friday Night Jamboree and Galax, home to the annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention.
As you cross into North Carolina, the sounds of the mountains carry through Asheville’s vibrant music scene, where country, folk, and Americana merge effortlessly.
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Austin to Luckenbach, Texas
Few road trips capture the heart of outlaw country like this short but legendary drive. Austin’s honky-tonks set the stage—The Broken Spoke and The White Horse keep the two-step alive.
From there, hit the backroads to Luckenbach, a tiny town immortalized by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. With little more than a dance hall and a general store, this spot embodies the ‘laid-back’ Texas sound, where anyone with a guitar can join in under the oak trees.
Highway 61, Mississippi to Louisiana
Known as the Blues Highway, this route runs from Memphis to New Orleans, but its influence on country music is undeniable. Stop in Clarksdale for the Delta Blues Museum and take a detour to Indianola, where B.B. King’s legacy looms large.
In Baton Rouge, Cajun and country mix seamlessly, proving that Southern music is as diverse as the landscape. Finish in New Orleans, where country meets jazz and zydeco in the lively honky-tonks of Frenchmen Street.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Kentucky
Whiskey and country music go hand in hand, and this scenic drive through rolling horse country is a must. Start in Louisville with the Muhammad Ali Center and a trip to the historic WFPK studio, then head south through Bardstown and Loretto, home to distilleries like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam.
Along the way, catch live bluegrass at local distilleries or historic venues like The Burl in Lexington, where the twang of the banjo pairs perfectly with a neat pour of bourbon.
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The Ozark Mountain Music Trail, Arkansas to Missouri
Country music in the Ozarks has a raw, rootsy sound that echoes through the hills. This drive from Eureka Springs to Branson follows the path of mountain musicians who shaped the genre.
Eureka Springs’ live music scene is intimate and authentic, while Branson is a flashy but essential stop, packed with country music shows. Make time for a detour through the Buffalo National River, where campfire songs have been sung for generations.
Route 66, Oklahoma to California
Country and rockabilly thrived along America’s most iconic highway. Start in Tulsa, where Cain’s Ballroom once hosted Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, then cruise through Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch and Albuquerque’s neon-lit diners.
In Arizona, stop in Winslow (yes, the one from the Eagles’ song) before rolling into California, where Bakersfield’s honky-tonks still echo with the twang of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee to North Carolina
This drive is a love letter to traditional country music. Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood, celebrates the genre’s brightest star, while Gatlinburg’s bluegrass scene keeps mountain music alive.
Follow the winding roads into North Carolina, where Asheville’s alt-country sound offers a modern take on classic storytelling. The misty peaks and valley towns create the perfect backdrop for a road trip soundtracked by banjos and fiddles.
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Morehead to Prestonsburg, Kentucky
This stretch of Eastern Kentucky is hallowed ground for country music history. Start in Morehead, home to old-time fiddling traditions, and head south toward Paintsville, where Loretta Lynn’s childhood home in Butcher Hollow is a must-visit.
Prestonsburg’s Mountain Arts Center celebrates Kentucky’s contributions to the country while the surrounding hills hum with the songs of past and present musicians.
The Alabama Country Music Trail, Alabama
From Muscle Shoals to Montgomery, this route covers the state’s deep country roots. Muscle Shoals FAME Studios recorded legends from Hank Williams to Alabama, while Montgomery’s Hank Williams Museum pays tribute to the genre’s greatest pioneer.
Along the way, small-town dance halls and BBQ joints keep the country music spirit alive, making every stop feel like a step back in time.
The Coastal Carolinas, North Carolina to South Carolina
From Wilmington’s beachside bars to Charleston’s historic venues, this drive blends coastal charm with country music’s storytelling tradition. Shag dancing in Myrtle Beach pairs perfectly with live honky-tonk, and historic Beaufort offers a more laid-back, acoustic take on country sounds.
Whether it’s beach bonfires or downtown dive bars, the Lowcountry knows how to mix country music with ocean breezes.
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Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee to Mississippi
This scenic byway once carried traders and travelers through the Deep South, and its musical legacy remains strong. The Loveless Cafe in Nashville starts things off right with biscuits and live music before heading south through Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley.
The Natchez Grand Hotel provides riverfront views with a side of live country, while historic homes along the way echo the sounds of Southern culture.
Amarillo to Lubbock, Texas
West Texas has its brand of country, where wide-open landscapes inspire honest, rugged songwriting. Amarillo’s Big Texan Steak Ranch and historic Route 66 district set the tone before heading south to Lubbock, the birthplace of Buddy Holly.
The city’s Blue Light Live is a proving ground for Texas singer-songwriters, ensuring the road trip ends with an unforgettable live set.
The Delta Music Trail, Arkansas to Mississippi
Deep in the Delta, country, blues, and rock’ n’ roll collided to create the music we love today. Start in Helena, Arkansas, where the King Biscuit Blues Festival sets the stage for cross-genre appreciation.
Follow the Mississippi River south, stopping in Greenville and Vicksburg, where local juke joints still host musicians keeping old traditions alive. End in Natchez, where riverboats and rooftop bars set the perfect scene for country music under the stars.
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Hill Country Wine Trail, Texas
If Texas country is your thing, this route combines live music with scenic landscapes. Start in Fredericksburg, where historic dance halls like Luckenbach keep the old ways alive.
Dripping Springs and Johnson City offer small-town charm, with wineries hosting acoustic sets. By the time you reach New Braunfels, Gruene Hall’s wooden floors and live music will make you want to stay forever.
Where the Music Never Ends
Country music isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. These road trips prove that whether you’re chasing history, honky-tonks, or just the perfect song to match the drive, there’s always a highway calling.
The open road and the right playlist can turn any trip into a timeless journey, where every mile has a melody worth remembering.
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