The Long Drive: From Bristol to Hettinger

If you're planning a road trip from Bristol, TN to Hettinger, ND, you're in for a long drive. It's a journey that will take you from the lush green hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the wide-open prairies of North Dakota. But before you hit the road, it's important to know what you're getting into.

The Fastest Route: Taking the Interstate

Your fastest route is to take the interstate all the way. From Bristol, you'll take I-81 North to I-80 West, through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Once you reach the Iowa-Nebraska border, you'll take I-29 North all the way to Hettinger.

This route is 1438 miles and takes approximately 23 hours driving time, depending on traffic. If you're traveling during peak hours, expect the drive to take closer to 26-27 hours.

The Scenic Route: Going Through the Appalachians

If you're looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking the route through the Appalachian Mountains. While this route is a bit slower, it offers breathtaking views. From Bristol, you'll travel through Kentucky, Illinois, and South Dakota, before reaching Hettinger.

This route is 1780 miles and takes approximately 30 hours driving time, depending on traffic. If you're traveling during peak hours, expect the drive to take closer to 33-34 hours.

The Slowest Route: Going through Small Towns

If you have some time on your hands and want to take a leisurely drive through small towns, consider taking this route through Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and South Dakota before reaching Hettinger. While this route offers the opportunity to explore small towns and rural America, be prepared for narrow, winding roads and slower speeds.

This route is 1912 miles and takes approximately 35 hours driving time, depending on traffic. If you're traveling during peak hours, expect the drive to take closer to 38-39 hours.

The Bottom Line

Whichever route you decide to take, be sure to take into account traffic and weather conditions. Plan your trip with enough time to stop and rest, and don't forget to enjoy the journey. With so many amazing sights along the way, your road trip from Bristol to Hettinger is sure to be a memorable one. Safe travels!