Norris Freeway | American Tour Association

THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

Norris Freeway, located near the heart of East Tennessee, is a byway steeped in American innovation history. This byway passes over Norris Dam, the location of which was selected by the Tennessee Valley Authority, to control the flooding in the Clinch and Powell River watershed. This byway begins in Rocky Top (once known as “Coal Creek”) and heads southeast to the unincorporated community of Halls. Parts of Anderson County, Campbell County, and Knox County are traversed along the route. With the beautiful scenery of the Tennessee Valley and state parks, travelers along the Norris Freeway can marvel at the innovation of the Norris Dam.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway

Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway

This broad park space is the centerpiece of the town of Norris. In this scene there are dozens of kids playing soccer and adults sitting on the hillside overlooking the action on the field. A variety of trees surround the open space, and have led to the recognition of the Commons as a Tennessee arboretum. — Norris Commons
Public Domain. Michael Carberry · Photo credits

Here a woman with her fishing rod in hand and her friend are at Clear Creek. The concrete platform there offers a good spot to cast a line into the Clinch River. A lovely reflection of the winter hardwoods can be seen in the water. — Fishers at Clear Creek platform
Public Domain. Michael Carberry · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.