The Great Drive Ahead: Atherton to Northfield

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Atherton, California to Northfield, Maine? While the idea of exploring America's vast landscapes by car is exciting, the long and winding roads might make you rethink your itinerary.

That's why we've put together this guide to help you plan your journey. From the fastest to the most scenic routes, we'll be sharing the distance, time it takes to travel each route, and traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

If your priority is getting to Northfield as quickly as possible, your best bet is taking I-80 E and I-90 E. This is the fastest route and the distance from Atherton to Northfield is 3,217 miles. You'll get to experience the rolling hills of the great plains and the vast expanse of the Midwest.

At peak traffic times, the drive can take up to three days, with an estimated driving time of 45 hours. However, if you avoid the busy periods, you can do the drive in just over two days, spending a total driving time of 37 hours.

The Most Scenic Route

If you'd rather have a more scenic drive, take I-5 N to US-101 N. While this route is 4,085 miles, it offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline and the rugged mountains of the Pacific Northwest. You'll also get to explore popular destinations like Portland and Seattle.

However, the tradeoff is that it takes a lot more time, with an estimated driving time of 67 hours. To avoid traffic, consider driving at off-peak times, like early mornings or late afternoons.

The Slowest Route

Finally, if you have a lot of time on your hands and enjoy the journey more than the destination, consider taking Route 66. This legendary highway stretches over 2,400 miles through eight states and offers a glimpse of America's rich history and culture. From the quirky roadside attractions in Arizona to the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Texas, you'll never get bored.

However, this is the slowest route, and without a doubt, the longest. It will take you around 5-6 days, with an estimated driving time of 75-80 hours. But the drive is an adventure in itself, and with no promises of reaching Northfield quickly, it's perfect for road trippers looking for an experience.

Conclusion

There's no denying that driving from Atherton, California to Northfield, Maine is a long journey. But by choosing the route that best fits your priorities and planning ahead to avoid traffic, you can make the journey much more enjoyable. Safe travels, and don't forget to stop and appreciate the view along the way.