Murfreesboro to Manchester, Monteagle & Sewanee
60 miles | 1 hour | via I-24 East
The I-24 East corridor leads from Murfreesboro to some of Tennessee's most dramatic natural scenery on the Cumberland Plateau. Manchester sits at the base, home to Old Stone Fort and the Bonnaroo festival grounds. Continue climbing the plateau to reach Monteagle, the gateway to South Cumberland State Park's waterfalls and gorges, and Sewanee, a charming mountaintop college town built around the University of the South. This corridor offers world-class hiking, scenic overlooks, and the kind of quiet, natural beauty that sits surprisingly close to Murfreesboro.
Murfreesboro to Manchester – Quick Facts
Distance
60–80 mi
varies by destination
Drive Time
1–1.5 hours
depending on stop
Best Route
I-24 East
Gas Estimate
$8–$12
one way, varies by vehicle
Route Overview
Primary Route: I-24 East
The most direct route from Murfreesboro follows I-24 East the entire way. Manchester is the first major stop along the corridor, approximately 60 miles from Murfreesboro. Continuing southeast on I-24 leads to Monteagle at around 70 miles, where travelers can exit for South Cumberland State Park, Foster Falls, and the historic Monteagle community. Sewanee lies just a few miles beyond Monteagle via US-41A.
Scenic Option: US-41
US-41 runs roughly parallel to I-24 and passes through smaller communities between Murfreesboro and Manchester. The route takes longer than the interstate but offers a more rural driving experience through Middle Tennessee farmland and small towns.
Traffic Conditions
Traffic on I-24 East between Murfreesboro and Manchester is generally light outside of Bonnaroo week in June. The mountain grades near Monteagle require attention, particularly when following large trucks. Winter weather can occasionally produce icy conditions on the Monteagle Mountain section.
Corridor Destinations
Manchester (~60 mi)
Home of the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, and Beans Creek Winery. Manchester sits at the base of the Cumberland Plateau and serves as the gateway to the region.
Monteagle (~70 mi)
A mountaintop town perched on the Cumberland Plateau, serving as the gateway to South Cumberland State Park. Monteagle offers restaurants with scenic views and the historic Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.
Sewanee (~75 mi)
Home to the University of the South, Sewanee is a charming college town on the Cumberland Plateau. Visitors can explore the Gothic campus, hike the Sewanee Natural Bridge trail, and enjoy village-style dining.
Things to Do Along the Corridor
The Manchester–Monteagle–Sewanee corridor offers a concentration of natural attractions, historic sites, and outdoor recreation that rivals anywhere in Tennessee. The following are among the most visited destinations in this area.
South Cumberland State Park
South Cumberland State Park is one of Tennessee's largest state parks, spread across multiple natural areas on the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses Foster Falls, the Fiery Gizzard Trail, Grundy Forest, and Savage Gulf — some of Tennessee's best hiking. Trails range from accessible walks to strenuous backcountry routes through dramatic gorges and past waterfalls. The park visitor center near Monteagle is a recommended first stop for maps and trail conditions.
Grundy County area • Multiple trailheads • State park
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester preserves a Native American ceremonial site built between approximately 30 and 430 AD. The enclosure consists of earthen walls and natural cliffs at the confluence of the Duck River's two forks. Easy trails loop through the site alongside waterfalls and the river gorge. A small museum on the grounds provides context on the structure and the people who built it.
Manchester • Coffee County • Easy trails • Museum on-site
Foster Falls
Foster Falls is a dramatic 60-foot waterfall located within South Cumberland State Park near Tracy City. The falls plunge into a pool that serves as a seasonal swimming hole, and a short trail from the parking area leads to the base. The surrounding gorge walls are also popular with rock climbers. Foster Falls is one of the most accessible and visually striking natural attractions on the Cumberland Plateau.
Tracy City area • 60-foot waterfall • Swimming hole • Rock climbing
Fiery Gizzard Trail
The Fiery Gizzard Trail is widely considered one of Tennessee's best hiking trails, running approximately 13 miles one way through a rugged gorge corridor within South Cumberland State Park. The trail passes through hemlock forests, over boulders, and alongside streams and waterfalls. Day hikers commonly access shorter out-and-back sections from the Dog Hole trailhead near Tracy City or the Foster Falls end. The trail is rated strenuous and requires appropriate footwear and preparation.
Tracy City • Strenuous • ~13 miles one way • Challenging but rewarding
University of the South (Sewanee)
Sewanee is home to the University of the South, a private liberal arts university established in 1857 on a 13,000-acre mountaintop campus known as The Domain. The campus features Gothic-inspired stone architecture, a perimeter hiking trail, and the Sewanee Natural Bridge — a natural sandstone arch accessible via a short walk. The campus grounds are open to visitors and offer scenic walking and hiking opportunities throughout the year.
Sewanee • Franklin County • Gothic campus • Open to visitors
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly is a historic Victorian cottage community established in 1882 on the Cumberland Plateau. The grounds contain cottages arranged along winding lanes and have served as a summer retreat and educational gathering place for more than a century. The Assembly hosts seasonal programs and events. The historic grounds are a distinctive piece of Monteagle's cultural heritage and a notable example of the Chautauqua movement in the American South.
Monteagle • Grundy County • Historic Victorian cottages • Seasonal events
Beans Creek Winery
Beans Creek Winery is located near Manchester and offers Tennessee wine tasting in a relaxed setting. The winery produces a variety of wines and provides a different kind of stop along the Manchester corridor — a chance to slow down and sample local wines between outdoor adventures. Beans Creek makes a pleasant complement to a day spent hiking or visiting Old Stone Fort.
Near Manchester • Coffee County • Wine tasting
Where to Eat
In Manchester
Manchester has a range of dining options along the US-41 corridor near the I-24 interchange, including both local restaurants and fast options. The town center and surrounding areas offer additional choices for visitors looking for a meal before or after exploring Old Stone Fort or the nearby attractions.
In Monteagle
Monteagle has a few notable restaurants near the I-24 interchange and along the main corridor through town. The mountain setting provides scenic views from some dining spots. Options cater to both highway travelers and visitors heading to or from South Cumberland State Park.
In Sewanee
Sewanee offers village-style dining near the University of the South campus. A small selection of restaurants and cafes serves the university community and visitors. Options are more limited than in Manchester or Monteagle, so visitors planning to spend time on campus should account for dining availability when planning their day.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
This corridor is ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. South Cumberland State Park alone contains enough trails and natural areas to fill multiple visits. Visitors should bring proper footwear for trails, as terrain ranges from easy paved paths at Old Stone Fort to rocky, strenuous routes along the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
Trail Difficulty Range
South Cumberland trails range from easy to strenuous. Old Stone Fort offers gentle, accessible walking. Foster Falls involves a moderate descent to the waterfall base. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is rated strenuous with significant elevation changes, rocky terrain, and stream crossings. Hikers should carry sufficient water and check trail conditions before heading out.
Bonnaroo Planning
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in June transforms Manchester with a significant surge in traffic, hotel occupancy, and activity. Day trippers visiting Old Stone Fort or passing through Manchester should plan accordingly — either to avoid the area during festival dates or to embrace the festival atmosphere if attending.
Fall Foliage
Fall foliage is spectacular on the Cumberland Plateau. The elevation and mixed hardwood forests produce vivid color displays, typically peaking in October and November. The Fiery Gizzard Trail, Savage Gulf overlooks, and the Sewanee Domain are especially scenic during autumn. This is one of the best times to visit the corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Manchester from Murfreesboro?
Manchester is approximately 60 miles from Murfreesboro, about 1 hour via I-24 East. The route is straightforward interstate driving the entire way.
What is South Cumberland State Park?
South Cumberland State Park is a Tennessee state park on the Cumberland Plateau featuring waterfalls, gorges, and some of the state's most scenic hiking trails including Foster Falls and the Fiery Gizzard Trail. The park spans multiple natural areas across Grundy, Marion, and Franklin counties.
When is Bonnaroo?
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is typically held in June on a farm in Manchester, Tennessee. The multi-day festival draws visitors from across the country. Check the official Bonnaroo website for current dates and tickets.
What is there to do in Sewanee?
Visitors can explore the University of the South's Gothic campus, hike the Sewanee Domain trails, see the Sewanee Natural Bridge, and enjoy the small college-town atmosphere. The village near campus has a selection of restaurants and shops.
Is Old Stone Fort worth visiting?
Yes, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is a fascinating Native American ceremonial site with easy walking trails along the Duck River, waterfalls, and a museum. The park preserves earthen walls and natural cliffs that form an enclosure dating to approximately 30 to 430 AD.
What are the best hikes near Manchester and Monteagle?
Foster Falls, the Fiery Gizzard Trail, Savage Gulf, and Grundy Forest in South Cumberland State Park are among Tennessee's top-rated hiking destinations. Trails range from short walks to strenuous all-day hikes through gorges and past waterfalls.