Knoxville TN to Niagara Falls Ideas for stops

[Lifetimer]

We are going on a two week trip with the idea of hitting Niagara Falls at one point. Looking for ideas for routs and stops along the way. We are expecting to only stay in Niagara for a few days. It does not need to be a direct route as long as we get there eventually.

[Kaadk]

Staying in the US, or crossing to Canada? Makes a difference on the route. Personally, I think you should see the falls from the Canadian side, but as a Canadian, I'm biased.

[CampingGator]

You should see the falls from both sides. The American side is my favorite because of the large park. Every few hundred yards you get a totally different perspective of the falls and the river. The Cave of the Winds is cool. The most popular and beautiful view is from the Canadian side, however, so be sure to bring your passports.

As far as route, Google maps shows one through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, then New York. It says that route is 10 hours and 21 minutes . The other route is through Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. 10 hours and 55 minutes. Either route would be beautiful. You could take one up and the other down. In southwest New York State stop and have a Beef on Weck. It is a roast beef sandwich that is particular to that area.

[KEliasz]

Definitely make a stop in Buffalo NY. Stop at the Anchor Bar restaurant to have and experience where buffalo wings were created

[Kaadk]

The other route would be straight up 75 to Detroit, cross over in Windsor, then take the 401 to the 403 straight there. But I'd only recommend that if you're planning on staying on the Canadian side anyways. If you are, we prefer the Niagara Falls KOA on Lundy Lane. You can get a day pass for the city bus, and there's a stop right outside the campground. Takes you to the falls, Clifton Hill, etc... and you don't have to worry about finding parking.

[Lifetimer]

What I am looking for is a day or two here and there. Places to see on the way. We are planning to see the falls from both US and Canada. We made sure our passports up to date so we could. I have traveled all over the US as a teenager with the parents. My DH is a Tennessee home body. Never been much of anywhere and I am trying to get him into doing two week trips a couple times of year. If he enjoys this trip then I have leverage.

[ependydad]

Here's a thought (Google Maps link):

1. Start in Nashville
2. Go to Mammoth Cave, KY, tour the caves
3. Go to Cincinnati, OH, the Underground Railroad Museum is amazing and maybe to the William Howard Taft House
4. Go to Elkhart, IN, to a factory tour and the RV/MH Hall of Fame
5. Go to Detroit, MI, and do the Rouge Factory Tour, Greenfield Village, and the Henry Ford
6. Go to Niagara Falls
7. Stop in Ashtabula, OH, to checkout the Covered Bridges in the county
8. Return to Nashville

You'll likely need to break some legs up to work the mileage so that it's manageable.

The stops really depend on what you like to and are able to do. These are all things we've done with the kids and enjoyed. Ironically, we haven't hit Nashville yet but hope to around Halloween this year.

Here's my approach to trip planning:
Let’s go! Trip planning apps and websites | Learn To RV

[NMWildcat]

If you enjoy military history and tours of old ships/submarine be sure and see the Naval and Military Park in Buffalo.

Lots to do in Niagara, especially the Canadian side. Look into their Adventure Passes. For $100 US you can see just about everything in two days. Includes bus passes. The zip line was great also.

The best thing to do on the US side are the jet boats.

Have fun!

[sherman12]

I would take Rt. 75 to Rt. 71 to Rt. 90, which is the route I've taken several times driving to Atlanta. I think its a better choice than 75 to 90, going through Pittsburgh. I wouldn't worry about booking camp grounds along the way on week days. Pick how long you want to drive, estimate where you will be, then use a cell phone app like RVParky or RVParkviews to find a campground. For overnights it may sound odd, but WalMarts can be fun if you pick one where there are several restaurants and or stores nearby. Where ever you plan your longest stay however, I would book a CG in advance. Alot of things to see and do around Niagara Falls. Canadian side is very "touristy" if you like that type of thing, the U.S. side has the Cave of The Winds where you are almost under the Falls, the Maid of Mist boat ride taking to right up to the Falls, yes you get soaked, but thrilling, and the mentioned NY State Park along the Falls. U.S. side has one large casino, the Canadian side has 3 or 4. If you go to Canada, us your charge card for every purchase or expense. You don't want to come home with a pocket full of Canadian money, plus you'll get the best exchange rate on your money. Today about +30% on the U.S. dollar, but some of that will be offset by higher prices and "high" taxes in Canada. If you stop over in Buffalo, NY for chicken wings as suggested, I would recommend Gabriel's Gate on Allen St., about 2 miles from Anchor Bar, for wings that was just voted #1 in Buffalo by Bon Appetit magazine and I definitely agree. Campgrounds in closest to Niagara Falls, KOA or Branches of Niagara both on Grand Island, NY, about 10 miles from Falls, or no more than 15 minutes away. Great state campground Four Mile Creek about 16 miles away that will be half the price of the other two, though only offering electric hook up like most state parks. However, your campground pass gets you into Fort Niagara located at the mouth of the Niagara River dumping into Lake Ontario. Worth the visit. On a clear day you will see Toronto Canada, 36 miles across Ontario, from Four Mile. Enjoy your trip.

[stevegotl]

If you stop in the Ashtabula County area, come to Geneva on the Lake. Ohio's oldest resort. There is a campground there called Indian Creek and I believe it is a 5 star location. The area is great for the covered bridges, wineries and Lake Erie boating.

[sherman12]

stevegotl, thanks for the Geneva tip. My wife and I were going to stop at the end of July on our way home from So. Dakota for a couple of nights but didn't because we didn't think we'd get a site last minute on a beautiful weekend. Geneva is in our radar being less than 150 miles from Buffalo, NY area.

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by Kaadk

Staying in the US, or crossing to Canada? Makes a difference on the route. Personally, I think you should see the falls from the Canadian side, but as a Canadian, I'm biased.

I'm agreeing! Go up towards Detroit...Very nice cheap state park on Lake Erie beofore you cross into Canada ...and also use spar time to explore the Ford Museum and Village which is spectacular for all ages and is NOT about CARS...which are just a small part of it. Then cross into Ontario and see the falls up close and at their most spectacular,,,the KOA there is right at the shuttle bus stop which will take you everywhere without worrying about parking. Take the boat ride at the base of the falls at least once in your life!

[rsdata]

Geneva State Park right next to Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH is not far off I-90, maybe 20 miles... there are several ( 6, I think) RV camp sites available to walk-up traffic so if coming in during the week probably do not need a reservation.

A good day trip from there is the Judith and Maynard H. Murch IV Canopy Walk... Murch Canopy Walk & Kalberer Emergent Tower | The Holden Arboretum

Definitely do the Geneva on the Lake strip for donuts at Madsen donuts (made fresh all day) and breakfast/lunch in downtown Geneva at Honeybee's. Then GOTL Brewing for good dining on the east side of Geneva on the Lake.

[The Lieutenant]

Originally Posted by stevegotl

If you stop in the Ashtabula County area, come to Geneva on the Lake. Ohio's oldest resort. There is a campground there called Indian Creek and I believe it is a 5 star location. The area is great for the covered bridges, wineries and Lake Erie boating.

Been to Indian Creek... it's a fantastic campground to stay at. Book early as it can often be sold out it's that nice and that popular. Of all the places we have stayed it's probably tops on our list.

[Mikolow]

Just came back from there last week (started in NC). Went 77 to Beckley Cut to 79, 90 the 190 into Buffalo. Had a nice overnight in Erie and visited Presque Isle State Park. Stayed at the KOA on Grand Island. Average KOA but as stated, in excellent location. You can have van come get you for Falls tours, either US only or US/Canada. Only travel issues were heavy construction congestion about tunnels on 77 in WVA but you should be above that.

[Secarider]

I only know a couple, Up 75, stop in Lexington and spend the day on the bourbon trail. Nice camp ground just north of Lexington outside Georgetown, next day drive another 2 1/2 hours to Dayton Ohio and spend the next two days t the Air Force Museum. Cant beat it, FREE. From Dayton you are 9+ hours to Niagara falls.

You could stop in Cleveland and hit the rock and roll hall of fame, not far off interstate 75/90.

[VT Skier]

Originally Posted by KEliasz

Definitely make a stop in Buffalo NY. Stop at the Anchor Bar restaurant to have and experience where buffalo wings were created

NOOOOOOO! I'm from Buffalo Anchor Bar wings used to be awesome but the owners sold out and new ownership is all about the money the wings are horrible. Best wings in Buffalo is DUFFS. There is a restaurant right off the 90 exit 54.

[merrykalia]

Our first trip to Niagara Falls, we went to Cincinnati for the first, then on to Sandusky to Cedar Point and then over to Niagara. We went up into Canada and found a nice little place to stay about 45 minutes north. We stayed 3 days and had a blast.