Driving from Knoxville to the Gulf of Mexico: I-40 to I-10 Route

A direct driving route from Knoxville, TN, to the Gulf Coast follows interstates through Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana:

1. Knoxville → Nashville: I-40 W, ~180 mi (2 hr 45 min). Music City stop optional.
2. Nashville → Memphis: I-40 W, ~210 mi (3 hr 15 min). Cross Tennessee River; visit Graceland/Beale St.
3. Memphis → Little Rock: I-40 W, ~140 mi (2 hr 15 min). Cross Mississippi River at Memphis.
4. Little Rock → Texarkana: I-30 W / I-40 W, ~160 mi (2 hr 30 min). Enter Arkansas/Texas border region.
5. Texarkana → Shreveport: I-20 W, ~80 mi (1 hr 20 min). Enter Louisiana.
6. Shreveport → Lafayette: I-20 W → I-49 S, ~150 mi (2 hr 30 min). Cajun country.
7. Lafayette → New Orleans: I-10 E, ~135 mi (2 hr). French Quarter, Mardi Gras culture.
8. New Orleans → Gulf Beaches: LA-23 S to Venice (end of road) or I-10 E to Mississippi/Alabama Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile).

Total: ~1,050 mi, 17+ hours driving. Check traffic, weather, and construction. Alternative: Fly Knoxville (TYS) to New Orleans (MSY) or Gulfport (GPT) in ~2 hr.