Road Trip from Augusta to Chapel Hill: Where to Stop and What to Expect

Have you been planning a road trip from Augusta, Georgia to Chapel Hill, North Carolina? Whether you are visiting family, friends, or simply seeking a weekend getaway, there are various routes you can take to arrive at your destination. So, buckle up, let's take a closer look at the different travel options and what to expect along the way.

Route 1: I-20 West to I-77 North

The quickest and most direct way to get to Chapel Hill from Augusta is to take I-20 West to Columbia, South Carolina, and then continue on I-77 North towards Charlotte, North Carolina. This route accounts for a total distance of 232 miles and takes approximately 4 hours with moderate traffic.

If you need to stretch your legs during the drive, the Congaree National Park, located off I-77 just south of Columbia, is an excellent option. The 26,000-acre park is home to old-growth hardwood forest, cypress tupelo swamps, and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect nature stop.

Route 2: US-1 North to US-15 North

If you prefer a more scenic drive, the US-1 North and US-15 North is a great option. This route cuts through rural small towns, red clay farmlands, and historic sites that highlight North and South Carolina’s cultural heritage, allowing you to experience the countryside of the Carolinas.

The US-1 North Route accounts for a total distance of 245 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to get to Chapel Hill. If you’d like to explore along the way, Pinehurst Resort, a National Historic Landmark located off US-1 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, is an excellent stop for golf lovers.

Route 3: I-85 North

Another route is to take I-85 North from Augusta all the way to Chapel Hill. This route goes through Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, and covers a distance of 250 miles, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Along this route, you can make the most of your journey by visiting the Tryon Palace, located in New Bern, North Carolina. Built in the late 1760s, Tryon Palace served as the first official residence of the royal governor, William Tryon, and is now a museum, garden, and cultural center open to all visitors.

Final Stop: Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill makes the perfect getaway destination, combining culture and history with modern southern charm. You could spend your day exploring the Carolina Basketball Museum, strolling through the North Carolina Botanical Garden, or catching a film at the Varsity Theatre.

So pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road. No matter which route you choose, rest assured that you will have a fantastic time exploring the treasures of North and South Carolina en route to Chapel Hill.