Road Tripping from Annville to Morganton: What You Need to Know

Are you planning a road trip from Annville, Kentucky, to Morganton, North Carolina, but aren’t sure how long it will take? Well, we’ve got some good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that there are no one-size-fits-all answers when it comes to travel times. The good news? We’ve put together a guide to help you decide which route to take based on time, distance, and traffic patterns.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

Let’s get right to the point. If you’re looking for the fastest route from Annville to Morganton, your best bet is to take I-75 South for 171 miles, then merge onto I-40 East for an additional 91 miles. This route will take you through Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina, as well as the stunning Great Smoky Mountains. The total driving distance is 262 miles, and without any traffic, you should be able to make the trip in just under four hours.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more scenic route that might take a little longer, you can head east from Annville on Highway 30 and follow it for 265 miles until you reach Morganton. While this route takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of eastern Kentucky and western North Carolina, it also features more winding roads and smaller towns. If you take this route, expect to add at least an hour or two to your trip.

Travel Times Based on Traffic

Of course, travel times can vary widely based on a variety of factors, including time of day, day of the week, and seasonal traffic volume. So, to help you plan your trip, we’ve put together two estimates: one for peak traffic times and one for low traffic times.

During peak traffic hours, which we’ll define as 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, you can expect the fastest route to take closer to six hours than four. If you take the scenic route, add at least another hour to your travel time. During low traffic times, including weekends and early weekday mornings or late nights, you should be able to make the trip in closer to four hours. If you decide to take the scenic route, you’ll still be looking at about five or six hours on the road.

Which Route Should You Choose?

So, which route should you take? Ultimately, the decision will come down to your priorities. If you’re looking to save time, take the faster route via I-75 and I-40. If you’re in no hurry and want to enjoy the scenery, take the longer route via Highway 30. Or, if you’re really ambitious, consider splitting your trip into two legs and exploring some of the sights along the way. Whatever you decide, we wish you a safe and enjoyable trip!