The Rural Backroads
Three days far off the interstate — one-blink towns, century-old general stores, and the prettiest empty roads in the South.
Bell Buckle & the Waterfalls
09:00 AM
Bell Buckle Café
Breakfast in a railroad town of 400 people, famous for its Webb School, MoonPie festival, and one excellent café.
11:30 AM
Burgess Falls
A short trail down the Falling Water River to a 136-foot waterfall that drops straight into a gorge.
03:00 PM
Rock Island State Park
Twin falls pouring out of a gorge wall, an old textile mill, and swimming holes the locals have kept to themselves for decades.
Practical Notes
- Fill the tank when you can — some stretches have 40 miles between gas stations.
- Country stores keep country hours. Many close by 2pm and on Sundays.
- Wave at oncoming drivers on the gravel roads. It's the law, more or less.