Road-Tripping from Annapolis to Dallas: Exploring the Best Routes

Looking for a road trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Dallas, Georgia? This 850-mile trek cuts through some of the beautiful landscapes of America. But, before you get behind the wheels, take a look at the best routes, driving times, and recommended pit-stops on the way.

Route 1: The I-95 S and I-85 S

This is perhaps the most common route for travelers from Annapolis to Dallas. Start by joining the I-95 South and follow it for 184 miles to Richmond, Virginia. Then, connect to the I-85 South and continue for about 500 miles to Atlanta, Georgia. Finally, take the I-20 West and continue for 35 miles to reach Dallas.

The entire journey covers around 852 miles, and at a non-stop driving speed of 70 miles per hour, it takes approximately 12 hours to cross. However, depending on the traffic flow and the number of pit-stops, the duration can vary.

Route 2: The I-81 S and I-75 S

Driving through the Appalachian Mountains, this route takes a more scenic path, adding an extra 30 minutes to the journey. Start by joining the I-97 S and follow it for 104 miles to Hagerstown, Maryland. Then, connect to the I-81 South, and continue for 270 miles to Knoxville, Tennessee. Finally, switch to the I-75 South and drive for another 155 miles to reach Dallas.

The entire journey covers slightly more than 851 miles. If you’re planning to take this route, you’ll need to budget for at least 13 hours of driving time. But, this route offers some of the best panoramas in the eastern United States, so it’s worth the extra hour of travel time.

Route 3: The Eastern Continental Trail

The Eastern Continental Trail offers hikers an astounding 5,500 miles of non-stop hiking fun from Florida to Quebec, including those planning to go on foot from Annapolis to Dallas. But for motorists, the trip to Dallas from Annapolis covers around 855 miles.

If you prefer to use this route, you will journey through Richmond and follow the I-85 South to Atlanta. Here, instead of switching to the 20 West to Dallas, make a right turn onto the 285 West and traverse the city from the outskirts.

This route may take longer due to the occasional bad weather, difficult terrain, or hiker congestion. However, if you have some extra time, this route offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Recommended Stops

Whichever route you choose, you’ll find plenty of pit-stop opportunities. Grab something to eat and drink at the Huddle House in Brunswick or Denny’s in Knoxville. Take a break and catch a live music show at the Orange Peel in Asheville, or perhaps admire the beautiful glass-made artworks of the Biltmore Estate.

If you’re up for some adventure, stop by the Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon and hike through the ancient mountains covered in Spanish moss.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from Annapolis, Maryland, to Dallas, Georgia, offers some beautiful sight-seeing. There are multiple routes to take, with varying driving times and distances. Whether you opt for the shortest path, the most scenic route, or decide to hike through the Appalachian Mountains, it's important to leave yourself enough time to enjoy this incredible experience. So, before you head out, make sure you plan for frequent breaks and check for any weather alerts before you depart. Happy travels!