Origin
Concord, NC
Late night in Concord on Sunday
Local time
12:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Concord, NC to Cove Creek, NC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 25m
Distance
166.3 mi
268 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 13m
★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Concord, NC
Wikimedia Commons
Cove Creek, NC
David Kanigan
Trip Overview
Concord, NC to Cove Creek, NC is 166.3 miles and takes about 3h 25m via Andrew Jackson Highway and US 74, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within North Carolina, traversing the Southeast region. Expect a mixed drive with a substantial portion on highways, but also time on more local roads as you approach your destination. This is a manageable one-day journey, ideal if you prefer to reach your destination without an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
83.2 miles from Concord, NC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Jackson Highway | 36.1 mi | 43m |
| US 74 | 25.8 mi | 32m |
| I 85 | 19.1 mi | 23m |
| Lieutenant Governor Walter H Dalton Highway | 18.3 mi | 19m |
| West Dixon Boulevard | 15.7 mi | 17m |
| East Dixon Boulevard | 12 mi | 17m |
| Craig Lawing Freeway | 10.3 mi | 11m |
| H Allen Tate Jr Highway | 7.9 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Andrew Jackson Highway
— 36.1 mi, about 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Concord, NC and Cove Creek, NC.
1
Start on Spring Street Southwest
409 ft
·
20 sec
·
Spring Street Southwest
2
Turn left onto Cabarrus Avenue West
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the left lane.
3
Enter roundabout onto Cabarrus Avenue West
84 ft
·
1 sec
·
Cabarrus Avenue West
4
Continue on Cabarrus Avenue West
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Cabarrus Avenue West
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto US 29
6.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Concord Parkway South
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 29
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Tryon Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 485 Outer North
Use the right lane.
8
Merge onto I 485
0.5 mi
·
29 sec
·
Governor James G Martin Freeway
9
Continue on I 485
7.9 mi
·
8 min
·
H Allen Tate Jr Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 485
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Craig Lawing Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 9-10
Toward I 85, US 29, US 74: Greensboro, Spartanburg, Wilkinson Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 10B
Toward I 85 South: Gastonia, Spartanburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 85
19 mi
·
23 min
·
I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 10B
Toward US 74 West: Kings Mountain, Shelby
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on US 74
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Senator J. Ollie Harris Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 74
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
17
Continue on US 74
12 mi
·
17 min
·
East Dixon Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the ramp onto US 74
16 mi
·
17 min
·
West Dixon Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 74
18 mi
·
19 min
·
Lieutenant Governor Walter H Dalton Highway
20
Merge onto I 26; US 74
34 mi
·
41 min
·
Andrew Jackson Highway
Toward Asheville
21
Take the exit onto US 74; US 64 Truck
26 mi
·
32 min
·
US 74; US 64 Truck
Toward I 40 West, US 74: Canton, Knoxville
22
Take the exit
434 ft
·
10 sec
Toward US 276: Waynesville, Maggie Valley
23
Keep slight right at fork
118 ft
·
2 sec
24
Turn straight onto US 276
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Jonathan Creek Road
25
Turn right
141 ft
·
5 sec
26
Turn right onto Cove Creek Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Cove Creek Road
27
Arrive at destination
Cove Creek Road
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 25m duration, leaving Concord in the morning allows ample time to reach Cove Creek before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially since the longest continuous stretch is over 36 miles. Planning your departure around avoiding peak traffic in the Concord area can make for a smoother start to your 166.3-mile journey. The $26 fuel estimate is a good baseline for budgeting.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 83.2 miles from Concord, NC, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 37 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.2 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cove Creek, NC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Concord, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Concord, NC
This is one driving day of about 166.3 miles and 3h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Concord, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Andrew Jackson Highway for about 36.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
83 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83.2 miles from Concord, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 49.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Cabarrus Avenue West
Turn left onto Cabarrus Avenue West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
9.8 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Take the ramp toward I 485 Outer North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 485 Outer North
8
28.8 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward I 85, US 29, US 74: Greensboro, Spartanburg, Wilkinson Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 9-10
Toward I 85, US 29, US 74: Greensboro, Spartanb...
9
29.2 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 85 South: Gastonia, Spartanburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward I 85 South: Gastonia, Spartanburg
8
49.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward US 74 West: Kings Mountain, Shelby
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 10B
Toward US 74 West: Kings Mountain, Shelby
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.01 one way
$52.01 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $28.43 | $56.87 |
| premium | $4.70 | $30.78 | $61.56 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.72 | $73.43 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.9 | 0 | $17.46 | $7.98 |
| Efficient EV | 41.6 | 0 | $14.55 | $6.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.5 | 0 | $23.28 | $10.64 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Cove Creek, NC
Late night in Cove Creek on Sunday
Local time
12:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Sunny
WSW 9 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 1:12PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 12:59PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
74°F
Boiling Springs, NC
83 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
30 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 25m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of it...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 166.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 38% of the route on highways. You'll encounter stretches like the 36.1-mile segment on Andrew Jackson Highway, which provides a more continuous driving experience. As you progress, the road character will shift, moving from more direct highway travel to potentially more winding or local roads as you near Cove Creek. It's not an all-interstate grind, nor is it exclusively rural two-lane, offering a varied feel behind the wheel.
38% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36.1 mi on Andrew Jackson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Cabarrus Avenue West.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 166.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 28.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Concord, NC and Cove Creek, NC, road signs point toward Spartanburg, Shelby, Asheville and Knoxville.
Spartanburg
28.8 mi in
|
~36m
Shelby
49.2 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Asheville
105.2 mi in
|
~2h 9m
|
via I 26; US 74
Knoxville
139.5 mi in
|
~2h 51m
|
via US 74; US 64 Truck
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 166.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 36.1 miles on Andrew Jackson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cove Creek, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Cabarrus Avenue West): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 28.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Cove Creek, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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