Tennessee Route 22: Huntingdon to McKenzie

Take a short but scenic ride through rural northwest Tennessee as we follow State Route 22 from Huntingdon to McKenzie. This 11-mile drive offers a swift journey through the rolling terrain of Carroll County, blending small-town charm with practical bypasses and wide-open stretches of well-kept highway. Although brief, the route connects two important local centers and gives us a window into the rhythm of daily life in this part of the state.

We begin just west of downtown Huntingdon, at the intersection with US-70 near the Murphy gas station. From here, we head west for a short stretch before veering north onto the SR-22 bypass at the junction with US-70A. This bypass forms a western arc around the town, separating local traffic from through-travelers and helping ease congestion near the courthouse square and surrounding neighborhoods. While it may feel utilitarian, this portion of SR-22 provides efficient access to both sides of town and is flanked by a mixture of light commercial development and wooded tracts—a reminder that rural industry and natural beauty often exist side by side in Tennessee.

Turning north onto SR-22 proper, the road quickly becomes a wide, four-lane highway—a sign of its importance as a regional connector. The terrain is mostly level with gentle undulations, and the surrounding landscape alternates between dense roadside trees and open fields. You’ll occasionally spot farmsteads set back from the highway, with equipment resting near barns and the telltale signs of rural life in full swing. Traffic is typically light, and the road’s broad shoulders and smooth pavement make for a comfortable cruise. We pass a few local intersections that provide access to rural communities and minor roads, but the journey is mostly uninterrupted.

As we approach McKenzie, the landscape shifts subtly—businesses begin to appear on the horizon, signaling our approach into town. The intersection with US-79 marks the end of this segment, and it’s here that we turn northeast, continuing onward toward Paris. McKenzie itself is a notable hub in the region, home to Bethel University and a charming downtown district. Though we don’t explore it directly on this route, its presence looms just east of the junction, offering another layer of context to our trip. In just under 15 minutes, we’ve connected two vibrant communities and witnessed how infrastructure links the threads of everyday life across small-town Tennessee.