How to Travel from Blacksburg, Virginia to Clarksville, Tennessee

Are you planning a road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Clarksville, Tennessee? Great news! The journey can be a fun and scenic drive through the mountains. The distance between the two cities is approximately 420 miles. Here are some different routes you can take and the estimated driving time for each option.

Through the Mountains

For those who enjoy scenic drives, traveling through the mountains is a great option. Starting from Blacksburg, take the VA-460 W towards Richlands. Once you reach Duffield, merge onto US-23 S, then continue on to Kingsport, TN. From Kingsport, take I-81 S towards Knoxville, where you will merge onto I-40 W. Follow I-40 W for a while until you reach Nashville, where you will merge onto I-24 W towards Clarksville. Total driving time for this route is approximately 8 hours.

Recommendations: Take a short detour and visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is about an hour-and-a-half from Knoxville. You could also stop in Gatlinburg, TN, for some sightseeing and shopping.

Through the Blue Ridge Parkway

Another scenic route to consider is traveling through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Starting from Blacksburg, take US-460 W to Roanoke. In Roanoke, take US-220 S to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. From there, drive south until you reach Asheville, NC. Once you reach Asheville, take I-40 W towards Knoxville, TN, and then merge onto I-24 W towards Clarksville. The total driving time for this route is approximately 8.5 hours.

Recommendations: The Blue Ridge Parkway offers plenty of scenic overlooks and hiking trails. Make sure to stop at the Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville is also a great place to spend a night or two if you have the time.

Through the Interstate

If you want to get to Clarksville as fast as possible, taking the interstate is the best way to go. Starting from Blacksburg, take I-81 S towards Knoxville. Once you reach Knoxville, merge onto I-40 W towards Nashville. From Nashville, merge onto I-24 W towards Clarksville. The total driving time for this route is approximately 7 hours.

Recommendations: This route is less scenic, so consider stopping in Knoxville or Nashville for some sightseeing and delicious food.

No matter which route you choose, make sure to take some breaks along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Safe travels!