Cruising from Atlanta to Bellefonte: Which Route to Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to beautiful Bellefonte, Pennsylvania? Whether it's for a leisure adventure, a family reunion, or a business appointment, one of the essential factors to consider is the driving time. Different routes have various distances and take different amounts of time to complete depending on traffic, so let's explore the fastest and slowest routes below.

The Fastest Route

If you're looking for the quickest way to get to Bellefonte, the fastest route is taking I-85 N and I-81 N. This route is approximately 687 miles and takes around 10-12 hours to drive assuming optimal driving conditions. I-85 N will take you up past Greenville and Spartanburg SC and then through Charlotte and Greensboro NC. You will then join I-81 N in Roanoke VA.
However, it's worth noting that this route sometimes experiences heavy traffic flow during weekday rush hour periods, which can delay you for an extended period. Driving during off-peak hours can reduce the travel time and save you significant time.

The Scenic Route

For those who love scenic routes with breathtaking views, you can opt for the slower but beautiful I-26 E, which will take you towards Asheville, NC and up to Winston Salem. From there, you can join I-81 N and transit through a beautiful rustic-vintage rural scenery. This route is approximately 750 miles and takes 12-13 hours to make it to Bellefonte. Taking this route will make your journey more enjoyable and refreshing but expect more travel time.

Route Calculation

Using modern technology applications like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps, you can quickly determine the best route with the least traffic, especially if driving outside peak hours. Assuming light traffic, the quickest I-85 N and I-81 N route takes 10 hours and 40 minutes to complete. During typical weekday rush hour periods, however, the travel time can be extended by up to 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

When we come to driving times, rush hours mainly affect densely populated towns and cities, so if you stick to the rural roads or smaller towns, there's a good chance, you can avoid rush-hour traffic. However, this practical option may take you more time, but it will undoubtedly be less stressful, and allow you to enjoy Bellefonte and its surroundings.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip from Atlanta to Bellefonte, taking the fastest route or the scenic route both have different trade-offs. Remember to factor in traffic, as it's a significant variable in your journey's total duration. And ensure periodic breaks and stretches to rest on long journeys for a more enjoyable journey.