Join us for a 79-mile journey across the heart of south-central Tennessee as we travel east along U.S. Highway 64, connecting the historic communities of Bolivar and Waynesboro. This stretch offers a classic cross-section of Tennessee’s changing scenery — from wide, straight rural highways to rolling hills and river crossings — all while linking charming small towns along the way.
Our drive begins just west of Bolivar, where we merge onto U.S. Highway 64 from Old US-64. Rolling into Bolivar proper on Market Street, we ease through town, passing key crossroads like TN-18 and TN-125. Bolivar’s historic town square and small local shops add character to this early portion of the route — it’s worth a quick detour if time allows. Leaving Bolivar behind, the road widens back into a divided four-lane highway that carries us southeast past quiet farm fields and local backroads until we skirt the southern edge of Hornsby.
Pushing further east, we come to Selmer, the seat of McNairy County. Here, Highway 64 intersects with U.S. Highway 45, and we use the bypass to swing around the busier downtown area. If you’re interested in local lore, the Buford Pusser Home and Museum is just a short side trip — a nod to the famous sheriff immortalized in “Walking Tall.” After Selmer, our drive pivots northeast, following the gentle contours of the land toward the Tennessee River.
Approaching Adamsville, the route threads through the crossroads with TN-22 and TN-117. This area is a mix of suburban clusters and stretches of open country — keep an eye out for the seasonal farmers’ markets and roadside produce stands during summer and fall. Next up is Crump, where we meet TN-69 and TN-22 again before rolling toward the highlight of this section: the Tennessee River crossing. The bridge here provides a great view of the river, framed by hardwood forests and the occasional fishing boat below.
Once across the river, we arrive in Savannah, a charming river town with its own small-town vibe and a handful of notable stops. Downtown Savannah features historic architecture and local eateries; nearby, you’ll find Shiloh National Military Park just a few miles off-route, making this a worthwhile detour for history buffs. As we exit Savannah at TN-226, Highway 64 starts to wind more noticeably. The terrain shifts to low hills and gentle curves, adding a scenic twist to the drive.
Passing Olivehill, we intersect U.S. Highway 641 and continue our eastbound run through increasingly wooded hillsides and rural landscapes. This part of the drive is particularly pleasant in spring or fall when the changing leaves or blooming dogwoods transform the roadside. The route’s final stretch carries us into Waynesboro — a welcoming small town and the seat of Wayne County. We roll through the TN-13 intersection and wrap up our journey just in front of the Wayne Medical Center, a stone’s throw from the town’s modest but lively downtown.
For travelers looking to experience Tennessee beyond the interstate, this segment of U.S. Highway 64 is a prime example of what makes a backroad drive worthwhile: accessible towns, local history, river views, and an easygoing pace that invites exploration.
14:04 Selmer
20:38 Adamsville
22:59 Crump
25:41 Tennessee River Crossing
25:58 Savannah
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments