U.S. Route 70S: McMinnville to Sparta – Tennessee

Cruising through the scenic hills and valleys of central Tennessee, U.S. Route 70S offers a laid-back yet captivating 24-mile drive from McMinnville to Sparta. This stretch of highway takes us through quiet farmland, small communities, and along riverbanks that give a real sense of what rural Tennessee is all about. Whether you’re exploring the area or just passing through, this segment of US-70S is a great alternative to the faster—but less charming—four-lane highways.

We begin our journey in McMinnville, the seat of Warren County and home to the annual Autumn Street Fair and a bustling nursery industry. Our route kicks off just east of downtown at Faulkner Springs Road. As we travel east, we leave the town behind by crossing the Collins River, one of the many picturesque waterways in this part of the state. This early portion of the drive features rolling hills, wooded patches, and open views of farmland. Just outside town, we intersect with Tennessee State Route 30, a key east-west connector that can take you toward Van Buren County or west toward Woodbury.

Continuing northeast on US-70S, we pass through the small, unincorporated community of Campaign. This area may be modest, but it sits close to the Rocky River—a scenic tributary of the Caney Fork River. Crossing this waterway gives us a brief but beautiful moment surrounded by forested banks. The drive remains largely rural and relaxed, making it ideal for anyone seeking a quieter ride without the stress of heavy traffic. Before long, we reach the town of Doyle in White County. Though small, Doyle is home to a few local businesses and serves as a southern gateway into Sparta for those not using TN-111.

At the edge of Doyle, U.S. Route 70S meets up with Tennessee Route 111, a major north-south route through the Upper Cumberland. Here, we turn north and follow TN-111 briefly toward Sparta. As we approach the city limits, the scenery begins to shift from rural to semi-urban, with more signs of commercial activity and increased traffic flow. Our segment ends at Panther Drive, marking our official entry into Sparta. From here, travelers can continue north into the heart of Sparta or use TN-111 to head toward Cookeville or south to Chattanooga.

This route is a great choice for a scenic drive, a slower-paced road trip, or just a change of scenery if you’re used to the interstate. With rivers, farmland, and charming towns dotting the landscape, the stretch from McMinnville to Sparta offers a glimpse of Tennessee’s quieter side—and that’s what makes it worth the trip.