Wanna go road biking/exploring Dec. 8-10th, what are you favorite areas to ride for scenery east/south of Knoxville?

College student here wanting to enjoy a couple days to destress after finals and enjoy the winter scenery before going home. I am local to Knoxville so I’m familiar with areas but wanna know what are your favorite areas for riding for scenery? I’m only considering riding in areas south and east of Knoxville as I haven’t biked there much yet. Right now I’m thinking of doing a day in Cades Cove, rich mountain road, maybe the foothills parkway, and then on another day do the Happy Creek road loop (46 mile route on Ride GPS), or I’m also considering biking to seven islands state park or house mountain. Any other suggestions or lesser known pretty areas I should check out near Knoxville? Specific road names would be nice too!!