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Trip from Elizabethton, TN to Spring Hill, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 33m

Distance

127.1 mi

204 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 23m ★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 54m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 42m
5 PM
2h 53m
8 PM
2h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Elizabethton, TN, TN

Elizabethton, TN

Kelly

city in Williamson and Maury counties in Tennessee, United States

Spring Hill, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 126.9-mile drive from Elizabethton, TN, to Spring Hill, TN, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's an economical option for a quick trip within the Southeast region. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by a 0% highway share, suggesting a more involved driving experience. This journey is best suited for those who prefer a less direct, more engaging drive over a straight shot on the interstate. It’s a straightforward, turn-heavy local drive that allows for a relaxed pace.

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

63.5 miles from Elizabethton, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 57.1 mi 1h 1m
I 40 27.9 mi 30m
US 25W 15.8 mi 19m
James H. Quillen Parkway 15.1 mi 18m
West Elk Avenue 7.4 mi 12m
Mehaffey Road 2.2 mi 8m
Broad Street 0.6 mi 1m
North Sycamore Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 57.1 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elizabethton, TN and Spring Hill, TN.

1

Start on this road

32 ft · 1 sec · this road
2

Continue on East Elk Avenue

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East Elk Avenue
3

Turn right onto North Riverside Drive

286 ft · 12 sec · North Riverside Drive
Use the right lane.
4

Continue on East E Street

445 ft · 23 sec · East E Street
5

Turn right onto North Sycamore Street

0.2 mi · 29 sec · North Sycamore Street
6

Turn left onto US 321; SR 67

0.6 mi · 1 min · Broad Street
7

Continue on US 321; SR 67

7.4 mi · 12 min · West Elk Avenue
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
9

Merge onto I 26; US 19W; US 23

15 mi · 18 min · James H. Quillen Parkway
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 37 sec
Exit 8A Toward I 81 South: Knoxville
11

Merge onto I 81

56 mi · 1 hr · I 81
12

Continue on I 81

0.7 mi · 45 sec · I 81
Exit 1B Toward I 40 West: Knoxville
13

Merge onto I 40

28 mi · 30 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit onto US 25W

7.2 mi · 8 min · US 25W
Exit 393 Toward I 640 West: Lexington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto US 25W

8.7 mi · 10 min · US 25W
Toward US 25W North: Clinton
16

Turn left onto Mehaffey Road

1.6 mi · 6 min · Mehaffey Road
17

Continue on Mehaffey Road

0.6 mi · 2 min · Mehaffey Road
18

Turn right onto Gade Lane

40 ft · 1 sec · Gade Lane
19

Arrive at destination

Gade Lane

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 11-minute duration and 126.9-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Aim for an early morning departure from Elizabethton to maximize your daylight and avoid any potential rush hour impacts as you approach Spring Hill. Since there are no long highway stretches, be prepared for frequent turns and adjustments; keeping your navigation system active is key. The estimated fuel cost is $19, so ensure your tank is full before you depart. A good tip for this route is to familiarize yourself with the main roads like East Elk Avenue and North Riverside Drive beforehand to anticipate the numerous turns.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.5 miles from Elizabethton, TN, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57.1 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 28 miles or 38m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 63.5 miles or 1h 16m 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

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spring Hill, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Elizabethton, TN 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 Elizabethton, TN

This is one driving day of about 127.1 miles and 2h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Elizabethton, TN.
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 I 81 for about 57.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Tennessee, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Morristown, TN

64 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

Kingsport, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Morristown, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.5 miles from Elizabethton, TN, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Cultivate Coffee + Flowers

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 118

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+18652537560

Visit website

Capybara Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 118

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 90.8

Kodak, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 90.8

Kodak, Tennessee

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336224743

Visit website

Market Square

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour Inexpensiv mile 118

Knoxville, Tennessee

+18652154248

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 109.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Riverside Drive

Turn right onto North Riverside Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Sycamore Street

Turn right onto North Sycamore Street

Navigation decision point

5
23.9 mi into trip | ~33m in

Take the exit toward I 81 South: Knoxville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 8A Toward I 81 South: Knoxville
5
81.1 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in | I 40

Merge onto I 40

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
109.1 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in | US 25W

Take the exit onto US 25W toward I 640 West: Lexington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 393 Toward I 640 West: Lexington

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.87 one way

$39.74 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.82 $43.63
premium $4.89 $24.46 $48.92
diesel $5.61 $28.06 $56.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.1 0 $13.35 $6.10
Efficient EV 31.8 0 $11.12 $5.08
EV Truck/SUV 50.8 0 $17.79 $8.13

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Elizabethton, TN

Morning in Elizabethton on Sunday

Local time

6:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Spring Hill, TN

Morning in Spring Hill on Sunday

Local time

6:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Mostly Clear

0 mph 0% chance Live forecast

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

21 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 33m 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

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...

27 mi from route ~69 min detour Free near mile 92
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 126.9-mile journey. With a 0% highway share, you won't encounter any interstate cruising here. The route is characterized by frequent turns and navigation through local thoroughfares, as indicated by its primary roads like East Elk Avenue and North Riverside Drive. There isn't a longest uninterrupted stretch to note, emphasizing the constant engagement required. This type of driving profile means you'll be consistently navigating town and county roads, offering a different feel than a highway-focused trip.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57.1 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 40. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North Riverside Drive.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 127.1 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (North Riverside Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (North Sycamore Street): Navigation decision point; at 23.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 127.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 57.1 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (North Riverside Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (North Sycamore Street): Navigation decision point; at 23.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes — Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Spring Hill, TN before heading back.

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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