3 Reasons Why Tennessee is a Top State for Your Next Summer Road Trip

Why Tennessee Made the Top 15

Tennessee pulls in to a 13th overall ranking in WalletHub’s list of Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips. That’s a solid B+ for road-trip potential! WalletHub evaluated all 50 states based on 32 metrics across three categories: Costs, Safety, and Activities.

#2 in the Nation for Cheap Gas

Tennessee earned a #2 ranking for lowest average gas prices, which is a serious bonus for anyone hitting the highway. With gas costs typically one of the biggest snarls on a budget, this makes cruising across Tennessee much more affordable.

 Safety Scores Drag Down the Grade

Safety is the category that really brings down Tennessee’s overall ranking. The Volunteer State 48th in safety, which is notably lower than many top competitors. When you’re driving in Tennessee, you'll want to make sure you keep your speed in check, limit distractions, and drive defensively, especially on winding country roads.

ALSO READ: 3 Tennessee Cities Ranked Among Most Dangerous in U.S.

Adventures, Music, and Scenic Drives

Tennessee had a pretty decent 22^nd overall in the Activities category. There is certainly no shortage of things to see and do in Tennessee. The state has eight National Scenic Byways, along with award-winning hiking trails, waterfalls, and world-famous music and heritage sites.

Surprise Rankings From Other States

I was really surprised to see which states were at the top of this list. Freaking Minnesota, of all places, was ranked the #1 best state for a summer road trip. New York was less than a point away in 2nd place. I also found it interesting that some of New York's northeastern neighbors were at the bottom of the list - Vermont (47th), Rhode Island (48th), Connecticut (49th), and Delaware (50th).

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Scroll over the map below to see the rest of the rankings, and you can see the full report to get all of the data your summer-driving heart desires.