When you drive a Subaru in Tennessee, you own a vehicle built for winding backroads, changing weather, and the kind of rolling hills that invite adventure beyond the city. Nashville sits in the heart of Middle Tennessee—a region filled with forest routes, historic byways, and quiet valleys that are perfect for putting your Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to good use.

Whether you want a quick afternoon escape or a full-day drive through Tennessee’s natural beauty, these routes combine gentle twists, light gravel sections, and enough elevation changes to appreciate why Subaru drivers rarely stick to the interstate.

The Natchez Trace Parkway: A Smooth Cruise with Subtle Surprises
Start your AWD day trip just south of Nashville by jumping onto the Natchez Trace Parkway near Highway 100. This historic 444-mile route runs to Natchez, Mississippi, but the Middle Tennessee portion is an easy favorite for local Subaru owners.

Why it’s ideal:
• Gentle curves perfect for stable, predictable handling
• Scenic pull-offs and hiking trailheads every few miles
• Light elevation changes to feel your AWD traction adjusting on hills
• No commercial traffic—just leisurely driving

A recommended route: Begin at the Northern Terminus near Pasquo, head south to the Garrison Creek stop (about 30 miles in), stretch your legs, then loop back. It’s enough road to feel how your Outback or Forester distributes torque on winding asphalt, especially in wet conditions.

Leiper’s Fork and Old Hillsboro Road: Where the Pavement Gets Character
Just west of Franklin, the village of Leiper’s Fork is the gateway to some of Williamson County’s most rewarding country roads. From here, Old Hillsboro Road, Pinewood Road, and parts of Southall Road wind through horse farms, rolling pastures, and shaded forest lanes.

What makes it great:
• Narrow lanes and mild blind curves—test your car’s corner stability
• Patches of gravel and loose stone near driveways or field entrances
• Enough low-speed turns to appreciate a tight steering response

This isn’t aggressive off-roading—it’s about feeling how the AWD and Subaru’s low center of gravity keep you planted when asphalt transitions to patchy rural surfaces.

Pro tip: Stop for coffee or lunch at Puckett’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork—a local classic that’s part general store, part live music spot.

Cheatham Wildlife Management Area: Gravel and Backroads Without the Risk
For drivers wanting a mild taste of gravel without committing to hardcore trail driving, Cheatham WMA is perfect. Located northwest of Nashville near Ashland City, this area includes winding roads, gravel sections, and forest loops that remain passable in all but the wettest conditions.

Why it works for AWD practice:
• Variable road surface: packed dirt, small gravel, and light potholes
• Frequent changes from sun to shade, with wet spots under tree cover
• Minimal traffic—mostly hunters and residents
• Good visibility to practice gentle throttle control on loose surfaces

Stay on established roads—this is still a wildlife reserve with conservation rules. Roll the windows down, enjoy the forest air, and let your Subaru do what it does best: manage uneven terrain without drama.

Natchez Trace Spur to Fly: For a Quick Twist-and-Go
If you have just an hour to burn, the short loop connecting Highway 96 and Old Natchez Trace near Franklin offers quick fun. This area, called “Fly” by locals, includes hilly switchbacks and sweeping corners rarely clogged with traffic.

Route suggestion:
From Franklin, take Highway 96 West toward Garrison Creek on the Trace. Loop onto Old Natchez Trace or Pinewood Road for tighter corners. Rejoin the Trace to glide back toward town.

You’ll experience quick transitions from uphill to downhill curves—ideal for feeling the balance of weight transfer and all-wheel grip when accelerating out of corners.

Monteagle Mountain: Stretch It Out on I-24’s Infamous Grade
If you’re ready for a longer outing, head southeast to Monteagle Mountain, the section of I-24 between Manchester and Chattanooga. While technically interstate driving, this pass is notorious for steep grades and sudden weather shifts.

Why Subaru owners love it:
• Long uphill pulls to test power delivery under constant load
• Rapid weather changes on the plateau—sunny at the base, foggy at the summit
• Heavy truck traffic means you’ll appreciate surefooted passing on uphill lanes
• Scenic overlooks reward a stop before continuing down the far side

For the best experience, take the backroads around Sewanee for a local flavor before rejoining the interstate for the classic climb.

Tips to Maximize Your Subaru’s AWD on Scenic Drives
Before you head out on any of these routes, make sure your Subaru is ready:
• Check tire pressure and tread depth—AWD relies on balanced traction across all four wheels.
• Ensure fluids are topped off, including the windshield washer for dusty or buggy backroads.
• Inspect your brakes—rural drives mean sudden stops for wildlife or farm vehicles.
• Pack water, snacks, and a phone charger—some areas have limited cell service.

Remember, Subaru’s AWD is always on, but driving smoothly keeps you in control. Gradual steering and throttle input help the system distribute power efficiently, especially on loose gravel or wet leaves.

Make It About More Than the Drive
These routes are more than tests of your car—they’re invitations to slow down. Pull over for photos, take the side road to a local orchard, or grab a pie from a roadside market. Middle Tennessee’s charm is in the details you miss when you’re speeding by.

Respect Nature and Local Roads
Finally, be a good steward of the places you visit:
• Stick to public roads and marked pull-offs.
• Avoid blocking driveways or private farm lanes.
• Don’t leave trash or food scraps at overlooks.
• Stay alert for cyclists and hikers, who love these routes as much as drivers do.

Subaru Owners Know: The Journey Is the Point
Middle Tennessee was made for Subaru drivers. These roads deliver just enough curve and variety to feel your AWD working, but never push you out of your comfort zone. They’re reminders that adventure doesn’t always need to be extreme—sometimes it’s just an afternoon away, as long as you’ve got a capable car and the curiosity to see what’s around the next bend.