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The Broadway of America : US 70
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The Mid-Town Drive-in still draws crowds during the summer. Photo by C. Hensley
While Route 66 remains the subject of legend another famed highway running through East Tennessee offers its own brand of roadside adventure. To mark my 70th article on examiner.com, I want to introduce you to the many treasures you'll find on our region's stretch of US 70.
This 2000+ mile highway stretches from North Carolina's eastern shore to California. Because of its prominence as an east-west route, US 70 became known as "The Broadway of America." Here in East Tennessee Interstate 40 has diverted much of the traffic off this once prominent route. However, that doesn't mean you can't take the road less traveled. Here are a few must see stops along the way.
Sparta - Just south of I-40 this small town is the county seat of White County. It is the home of legendary musician Lester Flatts. Nearby you'll find Rock Island State Park andBurgess Falls, two outstanding parks known for breathtaking waterfalls and cascades. Heading east on US 70 from here will take from the state's Highland Rim up onto the Cumberland Plateau. There is a great overlook at the top of the plateau you'll want to see.
Crossville/Cumberland County - This area is known for its natural wonders galore including the majestic Ozone Falls, just a short walk from the US 70 parking lot. You'll also find world class entertainment at the Cumberland County Playhouse and world renowned stone coming from the quarries at Crab Orchard.
Mt. Roosevelt/Rockwood - Coming out of Cumberland County on US 70 you'll descend into the Great Valley of Tennessee. Just before you start the descent make a detour to the tip of Mt. Roosevelt, a park offering an unparalleled view of the valley and the city of Rockwood below. Once an industrial giant in the area, Rockwood remains a vibrant community with a rich history.
Dandridge - The only thing standing between the massive waters of Douglas Lake and Tennessee's 2nd oldest town is a levee looming high over the historic structures that make up this small town. Dandridge is one of those places worthy of preserving, enough so, that the town withstood the tests of TVA when the dam stopped the waters of the French Broad River.
Newport/Cocke County - Newport is a gateway community to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but not like its cousins in Sevier County. This county seat almost appears to be unaffected by the millions of tourists swarming to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nearby you'll find the Foothills Parkway and theCosby portion of the National Park.
On to North Carolina - US 70/25W (the old Dixie Highway) from Newport is now a primary detour around a massive rockslide on I-40. This route takes you by a beautiful stretch of the French Broad River, the historic town of Hot Springs and eventually into Asheville, one of the real treasures of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a real diversion you can take TN 170 from Del Rio toward Greene County to the Paint Creek Corridor of the Cherokee National Forest. This area is also accessible from Hot Springs.
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