Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Dothan, AL to Henagar, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 55m
Distance
283.7 mi
457 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 42m
★
6 AM
5h 55m
8 AM
6h 21m
10 AM
6h 4m
12 PM
6h 2m
3 PM
6h 6m
5 PM
6h 20m
8 PM
5h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dothan, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Henagar, AL
Muhammad Nabeel
Trip Overview
Dothan to Henagar is 283.7 miles and takes about 5h 55m via North Saint Andrews Street, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Alabama, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a route primarily on surface roads, offering a more grounded travel experience compared to interstate cruising. It’s a straightforward drive that should allow you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
141.9 miles from Dothan, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 231 | 160.7 mi | 3h 13m |
| I 59 | 50 mi | 53m |
| AL 77 | 41.1 mi | 1h |
| Wetumpka Highway | 8.2 mi | 9m |
| AL 40 | 7.3 mi | 11m |
| Montgomery Highway | 7.1 mi | 11m |
| Eastern Boulevard | 6 mi | 8m |
| AL 117 | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 231
— 160.7 mi, about 3h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dothan, AL and Henagar, AL.
1
Start on US 84 Business; AL 52
111 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn right onto North Saint Andrews Street
0.3 mi
·
53 sec
·
North Saint Andrews Street
3
Turn left onto East Burdeshaw Street
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
East Burdeshaw Street
4
Turn right onto US 231 Business
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Oates Street
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231 Business
7.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Montgomery Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 231
0.6 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 231
7
Continue on US 231
16 mi
·
20 min
·
US 231
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 231
21 mi
·
24 min
·
US 231
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
10
Continue on US 231; AL 10
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
15
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
16
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 231; AL 10
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US 231; AL 10
18
Continue on US 231
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231
19
Continue on US 231
36 mi
·
42 min
·
US 231
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto US 80; US 231; AL 21
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Eastern Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 231; AL 21
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 231; AL 21
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 231; AL 21
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
US 231; AL 21
23
Take the exit onto US 231; AL 21
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
US 231; AL 21
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 231; AL 21
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 231; AL 21
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
Use the slight right lane.
25
Merge onto US 231; AL 21
8.2 mi
·
9 min
·
Wetumpka Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on US 231; AL 21
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
US 231; AL 21
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 231; AL 21
70 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
US 231; AL 21
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn left onto AL 77
41 mi
·
1 hr
·
AL 77
Use the straight lane.
29
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-59 North: Gadsden
Use the left lane.
30
Merge onto I 59
50 mi
·
53 min
·
I 59
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 231
Toward 117: Hammondville, Valley Head
32
Turn left onto AL 117
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
AL 117
33
Turn straight onto AL 40
7.3 mi
·
11 min
·
AL 40
34
Turn left
119 ft
·
5 sec
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 55m estimated drive time, leaving Dothan in the morning is your best bet to have a relaxed pace. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility to break up the 283.7 miles as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $41, and it's always wise to fill up before embarking on longer stretches without readily available services. Pay attention to local speed limits as you transition through different towns along the way.
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 141.9 miles from Dothan, AL, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.7 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 62 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.9 miles or 2h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Henagar, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dothan, AL 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 Dothan, AL
This is one driving day of about 283.7 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Dothan, AL.
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 US 231 for about 160.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
142 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 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 141.9 miles from Dothan, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 231 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 160.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Dale County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 274.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
104.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
|
US 231; AL 21
Take the exit onto US 231; AL 21 toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
9
104.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
|
US 231; AL 21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 231; AL 21 toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 231 North, AL 21 North: Wetumpka
7
224.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m in
Turn left toward I-59 North: Gadsden
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-59 North: Gadsden
6
274.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 41m in
Take the exit toward 117: Hammondville, Valley Head
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 231
Toward 117: Hammondville, Valley Head
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.16 one way
$88.33 round trip
$3.95/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $48.69 | $97.37 |
| premium | $4.71 | $52.62 | $105.24 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $69.02 | $138.03 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.1 | 1 | $29.79 | $13.62 |
| Efficient EV | 70.9 | 0 | $24.82 | $11.35 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.5 | 1 | $39.72 | $18.16 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Origin
Dothan, AL
Afternoon in Dothan on Monday
Local time
4:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Partly Cloudy
ENE 15 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:17PM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Henagar, AL
Afternoon in Henagar on Monday
Local time
4:20 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
E 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 9:17PM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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
19 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
5h 55m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Freedom Riders National Monument
National Monument
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 195.7
View on nps.gov
Russell Cave National Monument
National Monument
Russell Cave National Monument is an archeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. In the 1950s, archeologists uncovered a large quantity of artifa...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 283.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is entirely on surface roads, meaning you won't encounter any highway miles. The drive begins on North Saint Andrews Street and transitions through East Burdeshaw Street and North Oates Street. With no highway segments, you can anticipate frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you pass through towns and rural areas. The longest stretch without a significant interruption is not specified, but the profile suggests continuous surface road driving.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 160.7 mi on US 231.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 231 and I 59. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 283.7 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 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.6 miles (US 231; AL 21): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.7 miles (US 231; AL 21): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,464 ft
248 ft
Total Climb
1,714 ft
Total Descent
571 ft
Highest Point
1,464 ft
~283.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,216 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Dothan, AL
Full guide →Founded 1885
Dothan is a city in southeastern Alabama, serving as the county seat of Houston County, and the chief city of the western Wiregrass region, an area encompassing portions of southeastern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the panhandle of Florida. Its population in 2018 was about 68,000, making it the largest metropolitan area in southeastern Alabama.
Top landmarks
- • Dothan Opera House
Arriving in Henagar, AL
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 55m. Total distance: 283.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 160.7 miles on US 231. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 8 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Henagar, AL 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. There are 8 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (US 231 Business / Montgomery Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.6 miles (US 231; AL 21): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.7 miles (US 231; AL 21): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Freedom Riders National Monument and Russell Cave National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Henagar, AL before the return drive.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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