Johns Creek to Cave Spring is 91.8 miles and takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes via Larry McDonald Memorial Highway and US 411, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a mixed driving experience that includes both highway and surface roads. It's a straightforward drive, making it a good option for a quick trip or an add-on to another excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.9 miles from Johns Creek, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
30.1 mi
33m
US 411
24.3 mi
31m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
10 mi
12m
Cave Spring Road
9.5 mi
14m
Peachtree Parkway
3.9 mi
6m
Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
3.5 mi
4m
Joe Frank Harris Parkway Southeast
2.8 mi
4m
Medlock Bridge Road
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
— 30.1 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Johns Creek, GA and Cave Spring, GA.
1
Start on Morgan Hill Court
270 ft·17 sec·Morgan Hill Court
2
Turn left onto Groomsbridge Road
0.5 mi·2 min·Groomsbridge Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Grove Point Road
0.2 mi·45 sec·Grove Point Road
4
Turn right onto GA 141
2.1 mi·3 min·Medlock Bridge Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on GA 141
3.9 mi·6 min·Peachtree Parkway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Take the exit onto GA 141
0.2 mi·15 sec·GA 141
Toward GA 141 South: Doraville, Chamblee
7
Merge onto GA 141
3.5 mi·4 min·Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Toward I 285 West: Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 285
10.0 mi·12 min·Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·27 sec
Exit 20Toward I 75: Atlanta, Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
8.3 mi·9 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
22 mi·24 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, KennesawUse the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 290Toward GA 20: Rome, CantonUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn slight left
117 ft·6 sec
Toward GA 20 West: Georgia Highlands College, Cartersville, Rome, Clarence Brown Conference Center, Pettit Creek Farms
17
Turn left onto GA 20
1.2 mi·2 min·Canton Highway
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on GA 20
0.4 mi·45 sec·GA 20
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on GA 20
0.7 mi·1 min·GA 20
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn left onto US 411; GA 20; GA 61
0.4 mi·51 sec·US 411; GA 20; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit onto US 411; GA 20
0.1 mi·17 sec·US 411; GA 20
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto US 41; GA 3; GA 20
2.8 mi·4 min·Joe Frank Harris Parkway Southeast
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Take the exit onto US 411; GA 20
19 mi·23 min·US 411; GA 20
Toward South US 411, West GA 20: RomeUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 411
4.8 mi·6 min·US 411
25
Take the exit
224 ft·6 sec
26
Turn straight onto US 411; GA 53
9.5 mi·14 min·Cave Spring Road
27
Arrive at destination
Old Cedartown Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short, one-day trip totaling just over 2 hours, you have a lot of flexibility in when you depart. Leaving mid-morning would allow you to avoid rush hour traffic in the Atlanta area. With only 91.8 miles, you might not need many stops, but keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is around $14. If you do plan a break, consider doing so before you exit the main highway sections to take advantage of better amenities. The longest stretch on Larry McDonald Memorial Highway is over 30 miles, so plan your fuel needs accordingly before entering that segment.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.9 miles from Johns Creek, GA, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.1 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 20 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.9 miles or 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 1h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cave Spring, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Johns Creek, 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 Johns Creek, GA
This is one driving day of about 91.8 miles and 2h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Johns Creek, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Larry McDonald Memorial Highway for about 30.1 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.8 and 52.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
20.8 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward I 75: Atlanta, Marietta, Chattanooga
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 20
Toward I 75: Atlanta, Marietta, Chattanooga
8
21.1 mi into trip|~31m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
8
22 mi into trip|~32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
8
30.6 mi into trip|~42m in|I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway...
8
52.4 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward GA 20: Rome, Canton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 290
Toward GA 20: Rome, Canton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.36 one way
$28.71 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg32 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$15.70
$31.39
premium
$4.70
$16.99
$33.98
diesel
$5.61
$20.27
$40.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
27.5
0
$9.64
$4.41
Efficient EV
23
0
$8.03
$3.67
EV Truck/SUV
36.7
0
$12.85
$5.88
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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
Johns Creek, GA
Late night
in Johns Creek on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cave Spring, GA
Late night
in Cave Spring on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°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 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 2m 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,...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
$5
near mile 6.3
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 15.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 35% of this 91.8-mile drive on highways, with the longest highway stretch being 30.1 miles on Larry McDonald Memorial Highway. After that, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of the trip. Be prepared for a shift from potentially faster highway speeds to more varied conditions as you move onto US 411 and other local roads.
35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.1 mi on Larry McDonald Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.8 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 21 significant decision points across 91.8 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 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Johns Creek, GA and Cave Spring, GA, road signs point toward Chamblee, Chattanooga, Marietta, Kennesaw, Canton and Cartersville - among others.
Chamblee
6.8 mi in|~13m|via GA 141
Chattanooga
10.5 mi in|~17m
Marietta
20.8 mi in|~30m
Kennesaw
30.6 mi in|~42m|via I 75
Canton
52.4 mi in|~1h 6m
Cartersville
52.7 mi in|~1h 7m
Rome
52.7 mi in|~1h 7m
Clarence Brown Conference Center
52.7 mi in|~1h 7m
Pettit Creek Farms
52.7 mi in|~1h 7m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 2m. Total distance: 91.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.1 miles on Larry McDonald Memorial 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 Cave Spring, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King, Jr. 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 Cave Spring, GA before heading back.
