Road Trip: Asheville, NC to North Kensington, MD!

Looking to hit the open road and explore a new town? How about a trip from Asheville, North Carolina to North Kensington, Maryland? With over 500 miles between these two beautiful cities, there are many routes to explore and plenty of sites to see along the way. But before you hit the road, let’s discuss the different options for the fastest and slowest routes, and how long it should take you to get there.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The two most popular routes for this drive are via I-81 N and via I-95 N. The fastest route is via I-81 N, taking approximately 8 hours to complete, covering a distance of 487 miles. Taking I-95 N is slightly longer, clocking in at around 8.5 hours. However, I-95 N is usually faster during low traffic periods, taking about 7.5 hours, as opposed to I-81 N, which can take up to 9 hours during peak traffic.

The Distances

The distance between Asheville, NC, and North Kensington, MD, is approximately 496 miles if you take I-81 N and 538 miles if you take I-95 N. Choosing between the routes solely based on the distance would mean taking I-81 N. However, it might be worth considering the slightly longer travel time of the I-95 route to take advantage of the lower waiting times during off-peak hours.

Traffic Patterns and Drive Times

Peak traffic hours are usually from 7 AM-10 AM and 4 PM-7 PM. If you take I-81 N during these periods, the travel time can exceed nine hours, and I-95 N in rush hour traffic could take you up to 10 hours. However, if you choose to travel during low traffic hours, which is generally after 8 PM, the travel time via I-81 N should take you no more than eight hours, and I-95 N only 7.5 hours.

In Conclusion

No matter what route you take, this is undoubtedly going to be an unforgettable adventure. With options between the fastest and slowest routes, distances, and traffic patterns in mind, you can make a better-informed decision based on your priorities. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and cherish the memories made on your journey from Asheville, NC, to North Kensington, MD. Happy travels!