Spanning 350.7 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Hohenwald to Kingsport is a significant undertaking that takes approximately 6 hours and 31 minutes of pure driving time. While it is technically possible to complete the journey in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the local roads makes it a demanding drive that will test your focus. You should budget around $52 for fuel, though you may want to keep a little extra set aside depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because this route involves navigating local roads rather than major interstates, plan for a full day behind the wheel if you choose not to split the trip. It is a straightforward trip across the Southeast, moving from the western side of the state toward the mountainous eastern region.
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
175.3 miles from Hohenwald, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
185.8 mi
3h 23m
I 81
50.5 mi
54m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway
45 mi
48m
US 412
14.1 mi
16m
Hampshire Pike
13.3 mi
15m
Columbia Highway
13 mi
16m
I 65
12.1 mi
12m
South Wilcox Drive
4.1 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 185.8 mi, about 3h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hohenwald, TN and Kingsport, TN.
1
Start on US 412
2.0 mi·2 min·East Main Street
2
Continue on US 412
13 mi·16 min·Columbia Highway
3
Continue on US 412
13 mi·15 min·Hampshire Pike
4
Take the exit onto US 412
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 412
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 412
14 mi·16 min·US 412
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
7
Merge onto I 65
12 mi·12 min·I 65
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·17 sec
Exit 59A-BToward I 840: Memphis, KnoxvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·41 sec
Exit 59AToward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
10
Merge onto I 840
45 mi·48 min·Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 76AToward I 40 East: Knoxville, LebanonUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 40
149 mi·2 hr 42 min·I 40
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi·40 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
51 mi·54 min·I 81
Exit 421Toward I 81 North: Bristol
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 50Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
16
Keep slight right at fork
509 ft·14 sec
Exit 50Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
17
Merge onto SR 93
0.6 mi·38 sec·SR 93
18
Continue on TN 93
2.4 mi·2 min·TN 93
19
Continue on SR 93
3.1 mi·3 min·Sullivan Gardens Drive
20
Continue on SR 93
1.5 mi·1 min·South Wilcox Drive
21
Continue on SR 93
1.4 mi·1 min·Sullivan Gardens Parkway
22
Turn left onto SR 126
2.6 mi·4 min·South Wilcox Drive
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn left onto East Sullivan Street
0.2 mi·24 sec·East Sullivan Street
24
Turn slight left onto East Main Street
0.7 mi·1 min·East Main Street
25
Turn right onto Broad Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·Broad Street
26
Enter roundabout onto Broad Street
46 ft·1 sec·Broad Street
27
Continue on Broad Street
433 ft·19 sec·Broad Street
28
Turn left onto TN 36
0.1 mi·23 sec·West Center Street
29
Arrive at destination
TN 36
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy, non-interstate nature of this 350.7-mile route, your best bet is to depart as early as possible to avoid navigating technical local roads in the dark. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as the constant attention required on the winding Hampshire Pike and Columbia Highway can be mentally fatiguing. Since the entire trip is local, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you feel the need, which is a significant advantage over rigid interstate travel. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge throughout the day, as local roads often mean fewer large-scale service stations compared to major highways. Use your single planned stop to check your tire pressure, as the heavy turning on this specific route will put more wear on your tires than a typical commute.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 175.3 miles from Hohenwald, TN, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.8 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 77 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 175.3 miles or 3h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kingsport, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hohenwald, 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 Hohenwald, TN
This is one driving day of about 350.7 miles and 6h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Hohenwald, 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 40 for about 185.8 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 54.8 and 337.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
54.8 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
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 59A-B
Toward I 840: Memphis, Knoxville
7
55 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 59A
Toward 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro
9
100.6 mi into trip|~1h 53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 76A
Toward I 40 East: Knoxville, Lebanon
6
250.4 mi into trip|~4h 37m in|I 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
337.8 mi into trip|~6h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 50
Toward SR 93: Jonesborough, Fall Branch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.79 one way
$103.58 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg123 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$57.18
$114.35
premium
$4.72
$65.11
$130.23
diesel
$4.80
$66.22
$132.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 122.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.2
1
$36.82
$16.83
Efficient EV
87.7
1
$30.69
$14.03
EV Truck/SUV
140.3
1
$49.10
$22.44
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Hohenwald, TN
Morning
in Hohenwald on Sunday
Local time
11:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:30AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Destination
Kingsport, TN
Afternoon
in Kingsport on Sunday
Local time
12:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:30AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
24 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
6h 31m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 72.6
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 278.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on driving experience as this route relies entirely on local roads like Columbia Highway, Hampshire Pike, and I-840 rather than a high-speed interstate grind. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating curves and local traffic throughout the entire 350.7-mile journey. There are no long, monotonous stretches here, as the longest uninterrupted segment on Columbia Highway is effectively zero miles, requiring you to stay alert through constant turns. This personality makes the drive feel much longer than a standard highway route, as you will be actively engaged with the road at every turn. Prepare for a technical, winding path that changes frequently as you transition between local corridors.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 185.8 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 54.8 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 19 significant decision points across 350.7 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 54.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,963 ft568 ft
Total Climb
1,913 ft
Total Descent
1,679 ft
Highest Point
1,963 ft
~175.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,395 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hohenwald, TN and Kingsport, TN, road signs point toward Knoxville, 840: Knoxville, Murfreesboro and Lebanon.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 31m. Total distance: 350.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 31m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 185.8 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 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 Kingsport, TN 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 54.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kingsport, TN before the return drive.
