Murfreesboro to Lynchburg & the Tennessee Whiskey Trail
65 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes | via TN-231 South
The drive from Murfreesboro to Lynchburg crosses some of Middle Tennessee's most scenic countryside, passing through the historic towns of Shelbyville and Wartrace before arriving in Moore County — home to Jack Daniel's Distillery. Combined with a stop at George Dickel Distillery near Tullahoma, this route forms the heart of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Visitors discover a region defined by whiskey heritage, small-town charm, natural beauty, and deep Tennessee tradition.
Murfreesboro to Lynchburg at a Glance
Distance
65 miles
Drive Time
~1 hour 15 min
Best Route
TN-231 S through Shelbyville
Gas Estimate
$8–$12 one way
varies by vehicle & fuel price
Route Overview
Primary Route: TN-231 South through Shelbyville
The most direct route from Murfreesboro to Lynchburg follows TN-231 South from Murfreesboro through Shelbyville, then continues south into Moore County. This scenic two-lane road passes through Bedford County farmland, the Walking Horse country around Shelbyville, and the rolling hills of southern Middle Tennessee before reaching Lynchburg and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. The route is straightforward and well-signed.
Alternative Route: I-24 East to TN-55 through Tullahoma
Travelers who want to visit George Dickel Distillery first can take I-24 East toward Manchester and exit onto TN-55 toward Tullahoma. From Tullahoma, it is a short drive south to Lynchburg. This route passes through Tullahoma first, making it well-suited for those planning to combine George Dickel with Jack Daniel's in a single day along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
Road & Traffic Tips
- ›Two-lane roads make up most of the TN-231 South route. Drivers may encounter slower traffic behind farm equipment, particularly during planting and harvest seasons. Passing opportunities are limited on some stretches.
- ›Shelbyville traffic can slow the trip slightly as TN-231 passes through the town center. The route is well-marked through Shelbyville and continues south toward Lynchburg.
- ›Distillery event weekends and fall foliage season can increase traffic around Lynchburg. Plan for slightly longer travel times on busy Saturdays and holiday weekends.
- ›Fuel up before departing. While gas stations are available in Shelbyville and Tullahoma, options become more limited in rural Moore County near Lynchburg.
Stops Along the Way
The route from Murfreesboro to Lynchburg passes through several small Middle Tennessee towns, each with its own character and reasons to stop.
Shelbyville
Shelbyville, the seat of Bedford County, is widely known as the Walking Horse Capital of the World. The town serves as the center of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and hosts the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration at the Celebration Grounds. Downtown Shelbyville features a classic courthouse town square with local shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. The town sits roughly halfway between Murfreesboro and Lynchburg on TN-231.
Bedford County seat • Walking Horse Capital of the World
Tullahoma
Tullahoma, located in Coffee and Franklin counties, is the home of George Dickel Distillery at Cascade Hollow. Beyond the distillery, Tullahoma offers Short Springs Natural Area with hiking trails and waterfalls, as well as Machine Falls, a popular waterfall hike. The Arnold Engineering Development Complex, a major aerospace testing facility, is also located nearby. Tullahoma provides a wider selection of restaurants and services than smaller towns in the area.
George Dickel Distillery • Short Springs Natural Area
Normandy
Normandy is a small community near the Normandy Dam and Normandy Reservoir on the Duck River. The reservoir area offers fishing, boating, and picnic areas managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The surrounding countryside is peaceful and scenic, and the area provides a quiet stop for travelers driving between Tullahoma and Lynchburg.
Normandy Dam • Duck River reservoir area
Wartrace
Wartrace is a historic railroad town in Bedford County, known for its well-preserved downtown and connection to Tennessee Walking Horse history. The town's compact center features historic buildings from its railroad era, and Wartrace has been recognized for its small-town character. It sits along the route between Shelbyville and Lynchburg and makes for a brief but pleasant stop.
Historic railroad town • Bedford County
Things to Do in Lynchburg & Along the Whiskey Trail
The Lynchburg and Tullahoma area anchors Tennessee's whiskey heritage, but the region offers more than distilleries. From town square shopping to waterfall hikes, these are the top experiences for day trippers from Murfreesboro.
Jack Daniel's Distillery
Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg is one of the most iconic distillery destinations in the United States and is registered as a National Historic District. The distillery has been producing Tennessee whiskey at the same Lynchburg location since 1866, using water from the limestone Cave Spring on the property. Visitors can choose from various tour options that explore the grounds, the production process, barrel houses, and the history of Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Lynchburg, Moore County • Multiple tour options available
George Dickel Distillery
George Dickel Distillery, located at Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma, produces Tennessee whisky using a traditional chilling filtration process known as the Lincoln County Process. The distillery's setting in a wooded hollow along Cascade Creek provides a distinctly different atmosphere from larger distillery operations. Tours at George Dickel are generally more intimate and less crowded than at Jack Daniel's, offering visitors a closer look at small-batch production methods. The distillery is approximately 15 miles from Lynchburg.
Cascade Hollow, near Tullahoma • ~15 miles from Lynchburg
Lynchburg Town Square
The Lynchburg Town Square surrounds the Moore County Courthouse and is the social center of this small town. The square features shops selling locally made goods, Jack Daniel's branded merchandise, and Tennessee souvenirs. The Lynchburg Hardware & General Store is a well-known stop for visitors, offering a mix of old-fashioned general store items and local products. Several restaurants on and near the square serve traditional Southern meals and are popular with distillery visitors.
Moore County Courthouse • Shops & Southern dining
Short Springs Natural Area
Short Springs Natural Area is a 420-acre state natural area located near Tullahoma. The area features several miles of hiking trails that pass through old-growth forest, along creek beds, and past multiple waterfalls. The natural area is known for its biodiversity, including wildflower displays in spring. It provides a rewarding outdoor complement to a whiskey trail day trip for visitors who enjoy hiking.
Near Tullahoma • Hiking trails & waterfalls
Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration Grounds
The Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville host the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. The event typically takes place in late summer and draws exhibitors and spectators from across the country. Even outside the main event, Shelbyville's identity as the Walking Horse Capital of the World is visible throughout the town, from public art to local businesses connected to the equine industry.
Shelbyville • Annual Celebration in late summer
Machine Falls
Machine Falls is a scenic waterfall located near Tullahoma that has become a popular hiking destination in the region. The trail to the falls follows a moderate path through the woods and descends to a viewing area at the base of the waterfall. The hike is suitable for most fitness levels and is particularly rewarding after rainfall when water flow increases. Machine Falls adds a natural attraction to a Tullahoma-area visit and pairs well with a stop at nearby Short Springs Natural Area.
Near Tullahoma • Moderate hiking trail to waterfall
Where to Eat
Lynchburg Town Square
The Lynchburg Town Square area has several restaurants that specialize in traditional Southern cooking, including home-style meals and barbecue. Dining options around the square cater primarily to distillery visitors, and the atmosphere reflects the town's small-town character. Lunch is the busiest meal service, particularly on weekends when distillery tours are at peak volume. Reservations or early arrival are advisable for sit-down dining during busy periods.
Tullahoma
Tullahoma offers a larger and more varied selection of restaurants than Lynchburg. Visitors will find local diners, barbecue, Mexican food, pizza, and other options along the main commercial corridors. As the largest town in the immediate area, Tullahoma is a reliable stop for a meal before or after visiting George Dickel Distillery or the Short Springs and Machine Falls hiking areas.
Shelbyville
Shelbyville, located along the TN-231 route between Murfreesboro and Lynchburg, has a selection of local dining options around the town square and along the main commercial roads. The town offers a natural midway stop for travelers heading to or returning from Lynchburg, with options ranging from Southern comfort food to casual dining establishments.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
Moore County Is a Dry County
Despite being home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery, Moore County is a dry county under Tennessee law. The sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted, which means restaurants in Lynchburg do not serve alcohol and liquor stores are not present in the county. This is one of the most well-known facts about Lynchburg and often surprises first-time visitors. The distillery itself operates under specific state provisions that allow production and limited sales on-site.
Book Distillery Tours in Advance
Both Jack Daniel's and George Dickel offer tours, but Jack Daniel's in particular can fill popular time slots well ahead of time, especially on weekends, during summer months, and around holidays. Booking tours online before the trip ensures availability and allows visitors to plan the day around confirmed tour times. Walk-in availability varies by season and day of the week.
Plan 1.5–2 Hours per Distillery
A thorough distillery visit typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, including the tour, browsing the gift shop, and exploring the grounds. Visitors planning to tour both Jack Daniel's and George Dickel should budget at least 4 to 5 hours of distillery time, plus driving between the two locations. Starting early in the day provides the most flexibility.
Combine Both Distilleries for the Full Whiskey Trail
Jack Daniel's in Lynchburg and George Dickel near Tullahoma are approximately 15 miles apart, making it practical to visit both in a single day trip from Murfreesboro. Starting with whichever distillery has the earlier tour reservation and driving to the second in the afternoon creates a natural flow. Adding lunch in Lynchburg or Tullahoma between visits rounds out the experience. The two distilleries offer contrasting scales and styles, making the combination worthwhile for anyone interested in Tennessee whiskey production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Jack Daniel's Distillery from Murfreesboro?
Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is approximately 65 miles from Murfreesboro. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via TN-231 South through Shelbyville. The route follows a scenic two-lane highway through rural Middle Tennessee before arriving in Moore County.
Can you visit both Jack Daniel's and George Dickel in one day?
Yes, visitors can tour both Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg and George Dickel Distillery near Tullahoma in a single day trip from Murfreesboro. The two distilleries are approximately 15 miles apart. Planning 1.5 to 2 hours per distillery visit, plus travel time, makes a combined visit manageable within a full day.
Do you need reservations for Jack Daniel's Distillery?
Advance booking for Jack Daniel's Distillery tours is recommended, especially during peak seasons such as summer, fall weekends, and holidays. The distillery offers various tour options, and popular time slots can fill up. Reservations can be made through the Jack Daniel's Distillery website.
Is Lynchburg a dry county?
Yes, Lynchburg is located in Moore County, Tennessee, which is a dry county. Despite being home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery, the sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted under local regulations. This is one of the most well-known ironies in Tennessee tourism. Visitors should be aware of this when planning meals and purchases in the Lynchburg area.
What is the Tennessee Whiskey Trail?
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a collection of Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, and spirit distilleries across the state that visitors can tour. Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg and George Dickel Distillery at Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma are the two most prominent stops accessible from Murfreesboro. The trail highlights Tennessee's long tradition of whiskey production and offers a range of tour and tasting experiences at participating distilleries.
What else is there to do near Lynchburg besides distilleries?
Beyond the distilleries, the Lynchburg area offers several attractions. The Lynchburg Town Square features shops, the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, and Southern dining options. Short Springs Natural Area near Tullahoma provides hiking trails and waterfalls. Shelbyville, along the route from Murfreesboro, is known as the Walking Horse Capital of the World and has a historic town square. Machine Falls near Tullahoma is another popular hiking destination with a scenic waterfall.