Chilton County Rest Area (Southbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Grayson Valley, AL to Dothan, AL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 15m
Distance
207 mi
333 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 2m
★
6 AM
4h 15m
8 AM
4h 41m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 22m
3 PM
4h 26m
5 PM
4h 40m
8 PM
4h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Grayson Valley, AL
Mark Stebnicki
Dothan, AL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Grayson Valley to Dothan is 207 miles and takes about 4 hours 15 minutes via I 65 and US 231, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Alabama, connecting two points in the Southeast region. For the most part, you'll be on well-maintained highways, making it a straightforward trip. It's a good option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently without complicated navigation.
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
103.5 miles from Grayson Valley, AL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 65 | 78.2 mi | 1h 24m |
| US 231 | 62 mi | 1h 22m |
| Troy Highway | 34.7 mi | 41m |
| John M. Harbert III Freeway | 16.5 mi | 17m |
| Chalkville Road | 3.2 mi | 6m |
| I 85 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Gadsden Highway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| McGehee Road | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 65
— 78.2 mi, about 1h 24m
Traffic on I-459
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 63 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,603 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~191 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grayson Valley, AL and Dothan, AL.
1
Start on Grayson Valley Drive
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Grayson Valley Drive
2
Turn right onto CR 10
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Chalkville Road
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn right onto US 11
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
4
Continue on US 11
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Gadsden Highway
5
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
6
Merge onto I 459
17 mi
·
17 min
·
John M. Harbert III Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 15
Toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 65 South: Montgomery
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 65
78 mi
·
1 hr 24 min
·
I 65
10
Take the exit
393 ft
·
9 sec
Exit 171
Toward I-85 North: Atlanta
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 85 North: Atlanta
12
Continue on I 85
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
I 85
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street
Use the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto Ann Street
436 ft
·
8 sec
·
Ann Street
15
Keep slight left at fork onto Zelda Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Zelda Road
16
Continue on Carter Hill Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Carter Hill Road
17
Turn left onto McGehee Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
McGehee Road
18
Continue on US 82; US 231
35 mi
·
41 min
·
Troy Highway
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 231
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
US 231
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on US 231; AL 10
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
US 231; AL 10
21
Continue on US 231; AL 10
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
22
Continue on US 231; AL 10
7.6 mi
·
10 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 231; AL 10
38 mi
·
47 min
·
US 231; AL 10
Use the right lane.
24
Continue on US 231
6.2 mi
·
11 min
·
US 231
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn left onto West Powell Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
West Powell Street
26
Turn right onto North Saint Andrews Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Saint Andrews Street
27
Turn left onto US 84 Business; AL 52
111 ft
·
3 sec
·
East Main Street
28
Arrive at destination
US 84 Business; AL 52
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 15-minute drive time, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. You'll only have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically along I 65 or US 231. Fuel costs are estimated at $33, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Grayson Valley to avoid unnecessary stops, especially for the 78.2-mile stretch on I 65.
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 103.5 miles from Grayson Valley, AL, or about 1h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.2 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 46 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.5 miles or 1h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dothan, AL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Grayson Valley, 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 Grayson Valley, AL
This is one driving day of about 207 miles and 4h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Grayson Valley, 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 I 65 for about 78.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
104 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 103.5 miles from Grayson Valley, AL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 65 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.2 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
Chilton County Rest Area (Northbound)
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 105.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 10 / Chalkville Road
Turn right onto CR 10 / Chalkville Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
23.4 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
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 15
Toward I 65: Birmingham, Montgomery
7
23.6 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 65 South: Montgomery
6
102.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 North: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 85 North: Atlanta
7
105.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Take the exit toward Ann Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3
Toward Ann Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.74 one way
$57.47 round trip
$3.53/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.95 | $32.15 | $64.30 |
| premium | $4.29 | $34.95 | $69.91 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $39.09 | $78.17 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 62.1 | 0 | $21.74 | $9.94 |
| Efficient EV | 51.8 | 0 | $18.11 | $8.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.8 | 1 | $28.98 | $13.25 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Origin
Grayson Valley, AL
Morning in Grayson Valley on Sunday
Local time
6:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
0 mph
25% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:02PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:53PM CDT until July 18 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Dothan, AL
Morning in Dothan on Sunday
Local time
6:06 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph
65% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:02PM CDT by NWS Birmingham AL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:53PM CDT until July 18 at 8:45PM 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 15m 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.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
National Monument
In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared in print and television news around the world. These dr...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 14.3
Park Closure: A.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is mostly highway, with 77% of the 207 miles on interstates and major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 78.2 miles on I 65, offering uninterrupted cruising. After that, expect a shift to surface roads like Troy Highway as you approach your destination. Keep an eye out for the transition as exit density increases.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.2 mi on I 65.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 65 and US 231. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near CR 10 / Chalkville Road.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 207 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 0.3 miles (CR 10 / Chalkville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
941 ft
196 ft
Total Climb
472 ft
Total Descent
1,091 ft
Highest Point
941 ft
Elevation Range
744 ft
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.
On the drive from Grayson Valley, AL to Dothan, AL, road signs begin pointing toward Montgomery along the way.
Montgomery
23.4 mi in
|
~30m
About the Cities
Starting in Grayson Valley, AL
Full guide →Arriving 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
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 4h 15m. Total distance: 207 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 78.2 miles on I 65. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 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 Dothan, 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 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (CR 10 / Chalkville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Dothan, AL, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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