U.S. Route 79 offers a scenic and steadily evolving drive between Paris and Dover, Tennessee, stretching roughly 28 miles through forested hills, farmlands, and lakeside beauty. This stretch of highway—revisited in this updated post—takes us from the historic charm of Paris through the heart of Tennessee’s western highlands to the gateway of the Land Between the Lakes. Whether you’re out for a leisurely afternoon cruise or making your way to the great outdoors, this route delivers both practical connectivity and scenic rewards.
We begin our drive at the junction of US-79 and Tennessee State Route 356 on the east side of Paris. Heading northeast, US-79 quickly meets TN-218, the local bypass loop, on both its southern and eastern legs. Once past the outskirts, the route leaves the urban boundary behind and rolls into Woodland Acres and the surrounding countryside. Fields and scattered homes line this initial stretch, with four lanes making the road comfortable even for heavy traffic days. This early portion is a good warm-up for what’s to come—a steady transition from open farmland to denser woodland as we approach the lakes region.
Nearing Buchanan, the highway subtly shifts direction, veering north-northeast and intersecting TN-140, which provides access to the east side of Henry County and points toward the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. Just ahead, U.S. 79 meets TN-119—one of the main connectors from the north, linking KY-121 and the southern reaches of Land Between the Lakes. This junction is also the entrance to Paris Landing State Park, a popular stop for boating, fishing, and lakeside lodging along the shores of Kentucky Lake, part of the dammed Tennessee River system. The route here is particularly scenic, offering water views and glimpses of the state park’s marina as we approach the Ned R. McWherter Bridge. This four-lane crossing spans the broad waters of Kentucky Lake and marks the visual centerpiece of the drive.
After crossing the bridge, the highway curves gently back northeast. You’ll notice the terrain growing hillier and the tree canopy thicker. About halfway between the lakeshore and Dover, the route intersects Tennessee Route 232, a lesser-known but useful north-south highway providing access to the backroads of Stewart County. Keep an eye out for wildlife along this wooded segment, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Entering Dover, U.S. Route 79 serves as the town’s main east-west artery. Just before the town center, the road meets Woodlands Trace Parkway, also known as “The Trace,” which leads directly into the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area—a massive peninsula of protected forestland between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. This marks the end of our segment from Paris to Dover, but it’s also the beginning of one of the region’s most beloved scenic parkways.
If you’re continuing north, The Trace offers 40+ miles of nature drives, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks. But even if you’re stopping here, the stretch from Paris to Dover has likely given you a rewarding mix of small-town Tennessee charm and natural lakeside beauty.
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