This 117.2-mile journey from Hardwick to Roswell, Georgia, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of roads, including the Purple Heart Highway and US 441, with about 19% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $18. The route offers a turn-heavy local feel, making it an engaging drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Given its manageable distance and duration, it's perfectly suited as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
58.6 miles from Hardwick, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Purple Heart Highway
46.6 mi
50m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
17.8 mi
20m
US 441
13 mi
17m
Madison Road
6.6 mi
9m
US 129
6.1 mi
8m
North Columbia Street
5.2 mi
8m
James Marshall Bypass
4.5 mi
6m
Madison Highway
3.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Highway
— 46.6 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hardwick, GA and Roswell, GA.
1
Start on Vinson Highway
87 ft·4 sec·Vinson Highway
2
Turn right onto US 441 Business; GA 29 Business
0.1 mi·20 sec·South Wayne Street
Use the right lane.
3
Turn left onto West Andrews Street
503 ft·15 sec·West Andrews Street
4
Turn right onto South Wilkinson Street
0.6 mi·1 min·South Wilkinson Street
5
Turn left onto West Washington Street
0.2 mi·36 sec·West Washington Street
6
Turn right onto US 441 Business; GA 29 Business
0.4 mi·1 min·South Clarke Street
7
Turn left onto US 441 Business; GA 29 Business; GA 22; GA 24
522 ft·16 sec·West Montgomery Street
8
Turn right onto US 441 Business; GA 29 Business; GA 24
5.2 mi·8 min·North Columbia Street
Use the right lane.
9
Continue on US 441; GA 24
1.8 mi·2 min·US 441; GA 24
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 441; GA 24
11 mi·14 min·US 441; GA 24
11
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
4.5 mi·6 min·James Marshall Bypass
12
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
3.8 mi·5 min·Madison Road
13
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
1.5 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
14
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
0.5 mi·40 sec·Madison Road Highway
15
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.9 mi·3 min·Madison Road
16
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
2.2 mi·2 min·Madison Highway
17
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 24
6.1 mi·8 min·US 129; US 441; GA 24
18
Continue on US 129; US 441; 24
0.8 mi·1 min·Eatonton Road
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·25 sec
Toward I 20 West: AtlantaUse the left lane.
20
Continue on I 20
47 mi·50 min·Purple Heart Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 67BToward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 285
18 mi·20 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, AtlantaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·47 sec
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North, GA 400 South: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
25
Keep slight right at fork
2.0 mi·2 min
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, DahlonegaUse the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto US 19; GA 400
3.1 mi·4 min·Turner McDonald Parkway
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 6Toward Northridge RoadUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward Dunwoody PlaceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Turn right onto Dunwoody Place
1.2 mi·2 min·Dunwoody Place
Use the right lane.
30
Turn right onto GA 9
1.7 mi·3 min·Roswell Road
Use the right lane.
31
Continue on GA 9; GA 120
0.5 mi·1 min·North Atlanta Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto GA 9; GA 120
393 ft·9 sec·North Atlanta Street
33
Arrive at destination
GA 9; GA 120
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 30-minute drive, starting early is a good idea to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you approach the Atlanta Bypass. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $18, this trip is quite straightforward. The turn-heavy nature of the route means you'll want to stay attentive to your navigation. Consider making your single stop about halfway through, perhaps around the 46.6-mile mark on Purple Heart Highway, to break up the drive and refuel if needed.
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 58.6 miles from Hardwick, GA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.6 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 26 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.6 miles or 1h 18m 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 Roswell, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hardwick, GA 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 Hardwick, GA
This is one driving day of about 117.2 miles and 2h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Hardwick, GA.
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 Purple Heart Highway for about 46.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 41.9 and 113.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
41.9 mi into trip|~1h in
Take the exit toward I 20 West: Atlanta
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
8
88.9 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattanooga
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 67B
Toward I 285 Bypass North: Greenville, Chattano...
7
107.2 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Dunwoody Road, US 19 North: Cumming, Dahlonega, Atlanta
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.
Toward GA 400 North, GA 400 South, Peachtree Du...
8
108.3 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, Dahlonega
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 19 North, GA 400 North: Cumming, Dahl...
8
113.6 mi into trip|~2h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Dunwoody Place
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Dunwoody Place
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.33 one way
$36.65 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$20.04
$40.08
premium
$4.70
$21.69
$43.38
diesel
$5.61
$25.88
$51.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.2
0
$12.31
$5.63
Efficient EV
29.3
0
$10.25
$4.69
EV Truck/SUV
46.9
0
$16.41
$7.50
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 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 15, 2026
Origin
Hardwick, GA
Late night
in Hardwick on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Roswell, GA
Late night
in Roswell on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
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
2 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
2h 30m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up,...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$5
near mile 113.2
Park Closure: Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
Park Closure: Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Powers Island and Akers Mill
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movemen...
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, rather than a continuous highway experience. While 19% of the journey is on highways, the majority involves navigating local roads, including stretches on the Purple Heart Highway and US 441. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 46.6 miles on the Purple Heart Highway, offering a brief period of consistent travel before transitioning back to more varied road conditions. This profile means you'll likely experience frequent changes in speed and scenery as you make your way to Roswell.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.6 mi on Purple Heart Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 117.2 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 41.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.2 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.
Between Hardwick, GA and Roswell, GA, road signs point toward Chattanooga, Dahlonega and Atlanta.
Chattanooga
88.9 mi in|~1h 51m
Dahlonega
107.2 mi in|~2h 13m
Atlanta
107.2 mi in|~2h 13m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 30m. Total distance: 117.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.6 miles on Purple Heart Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Roswell, GA 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 41.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical 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 Roswell, GA before heading back.
