Road Trippin': Abingdon to Oak Ridge!

Are you planning a road trip from Abingdon, Virginia to Oak Ridge, Tennessee? Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, it's important to plan your route and consider how long it will take you to get there. In this post, we'll take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of these routes, and the approximate driving time based on typical traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

There are a few different routes you can take to get from Abingdon to Oak Ridge, but the fastest way is typically to take I-81 South to I-40 West. This route is approximately 160 miles and should take around 2 hours and 45 minutes in good traffic conditions.

However, be warned that traffic can be heavy on this route, particularly around major cities like Knoxville. During peak traffic times, your drive time could be closer to 4 hours, so plan accordingly. If you're traveling during off-peak hours, you might be able to shave off some time and make it to Oak Ridge a bit quicker.

Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush and want to take the scenic route, consider taking US-11 and US-441 South through the Great Smoky Mountains. This route is longer at about 190 miles, but it provides some breathtaking views of the mountains and can be a fun and memorable addition to your road trip.

That being said, this route can take significantly longer than the I-81/I-40 route, especially if you encounter heavy traffic in the Smoky Mountains National Park. It's also more winding and may not be the best choice if you're prone to carsickness. Plan for up to 5 hours of driving time on this route, or more if you're stopping frequently to take in the scenery.

Alternate Route

If you're looking for a different kind of scenery and want to avoid some of the major highways, consider taking US-421 South through the countryside of Virginia and North Carolina. This route is about 180 miles and should take around 3 hours and 30 minutes in good traffic conditions.

The benefit of this route is that there will be fewer major cities to contend with, so traffic may be less of an issue. However, keep in mind that this route is more rural and may not have as many rest stops or gas stations along the way. Make sure you're fueled up and have provisions before setting out on this route.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, the drive from Abingdon, Virginia to Oak Ridge, Tennessee is a beautiful one. Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of the major highways or the leisurely pace and scenic vistas of the back roads, there's a route out there that will suit your needs. Just be sure to leave plenty of time for your journey, and enjoy the ride!