Interstate 24: Nashville to Joelton – Tennessee

Heading northwest out of the heart of Tennessee’s capital, this 12-mile segment of Interstate 24 offers a quick yet scenic transition from bustling urban sprawl to quiet hills and wooded ridges. Our journey begins just north of downtown Nashville at the major interchange where I-24 meets Interstate 65. For the first mile or so, I-24 shares the pavement with I-65, curving gently through the northern edges of the city. Almost immediately, we pass the interchange with U.S. Route 431 (Trinity Lane)—a key surface route connecting to MetroCenter and other north Nashville neighborhoods.

Soon after, I-24 splits from I-65 and veers west, cutting through a series of rolling neighborhoods and commercial pockets. We pass over the Briley Parkway (TN-155), a significant bypass route that circles much of Nashville and connects with major arterials like U.S. 31E, I-40, and I-65. This area can be busy, especially during rush hour, but it quickly thins out as we head further northwest, leaving behind the densely packed suburbs.

As we continue, the surroundings become more rural and forested, with the urban development of Davidson County giving way to the quieter outskirts near Joelton. The terrain starts to undulate more noticeably here, with gentle hills and patches of hardwood forest flanking the highway. If you’re riding through in the fall, this stretch becomes especially scenic with a burst of seasonal color. Somewhere around the halfway point to Joelton, I-24 intersects Tennessee Route 45 (Old Hickory Blvd), offering routes toward Ashland City and the Cumberland River valley.

Reaching Joelton, we pass the interchange with U.S. Route 431 (Whites Creek Pike) once again—this time on the outskirts of town where the highway meets local traffic and farmland. Joelton itself sits at the northern edge of Davidson County, straddling the line between metropolitan Nashville and rural Middle Tennessee. The I-24 corridor here acts as a lifeline for commuters who prefer a quieter life in the hills but still need quick access to the city. The segment ends at this interchange, but I-24 itself continues northwest toward Clarksville and eventually the Kentucky border.

While there aren’t many traditional tourist stops directly on this stretch of interstate, the drive itself is worth noting for its transitional character—from metro to countryside in just a dozen miles. Just off the route, though, you’ll find Fontanel Mansion, Beaman Park, and the historic Whites Creek community—all of which offer a deeper dive into the natural and cultural landscape of north Davidson County.

🎵 Music: Track List