Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from New South Memphis, TN to Rutledge, TN
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
7h 52m
Distance
424.1 mi
683 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$63
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 43m
★
6 AM
7h 52m
8 AM
8h 10m
10 AM
7h 59m
12 PM
7h 57m
3 PM
8h 0m
5 PM
8h 10m
8 PM
7h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New South Memphis, TN
Dee Hunna
Rutledge, TN
Kelly
Trip Overview
New South Memphis, TN to Rutledge, TN is 424.1 miles and takes about 7h 52m via Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway and I 40, with a fuel budget near $65 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Tennessee, covering ground across the Southeast region. It's a solid option if you're looking for a single-day drive with a mix of highway cruising and surface roads. Plan for a full day on the road, but it's certainly manageable without an overnight stop.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
212.1 miles from New South Memphis, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway | 196.5 mi | 3h 32m |
| I 40 | 181.4 mi | 3h 19m |
| Rutledge Pike | 28.5 mi | 32m |
| Sam Cooper Boulevard | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| South Parkway East | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| Downtown Loop | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| East Parkway South | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| South Third Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
— 196.5 mi, about 3h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New South Memphis, TN and Rutledge, TN.
1
Start on US 61
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Third Street
2
Turn right onto South Parkway East
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Parkway East
3
Continue on South Parkway East
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
South Parkway East
4
Continue on South Parkway East
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
·
South Parkway East
Use the right lane.
5
Continue on SR 277
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
East Parkway South
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn right onto Sam Cooper Boulevard
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Sam Cooper Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 40
197 mi
·
3 hr 32 min
·
Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 40; I 65
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Downtown Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 40
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Downtown Loop
Exit 211B; 211A
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
174 mi
·
3 hr 9 min
·
I 40
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
7.6 mi
·
9 min
·
I 40
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward US 11W: Knoxville Zoo
14
Keep slight right at fork
391 ft
·
9 sec
Toward US 11W: Mascot, Blaine, Rutledge, Bean Station
15
Continue on US 11W
29 mi
·
32 min
·
Rutledge Pike
16
Turn left onto Marshall Avenue
76 ft
·
3 sec
·
Marshall Avenue
17
Arrive at destination
Marshall Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 52m estimated drive time, leaving New South Memphis before 8 AM is a good idea to ensure you arrive in Rutledge with plenty of daylight. With 2 planned stops, you can break up the drive effectively, perhaps around the halfway point. The longest stretch is nearly 200 miles, so be sure to fuel up before embarking on that section. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition from highway to surface roads in the latter part of the trip.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 212.1 miles from New South Memphis, TN, or about 3h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196.5 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 93 miles or 1h 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 212.1 miles or 3h 57m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rutledge, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New South Memphis, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from New South Memphis, TN
This is one driving day of about 424.1 miles and 7h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 93 miles from New South Memphis, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway for about 196.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
212 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 93 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 212.1 miles from New South Memphis, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 196.5 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.
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Cumberland County I-40 East Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Tennessee Visitor Center
0.2 mi from route
Cumberland County I-40 West Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.3 mi from route
Eco Travel Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Bay 2
1.2 mi from route
Bay 4
1.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.4 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 210.8 and 395.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
210.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 208A
Toward I 40 East, I 65 South: Knoxville, Huntsv...
5
211 mi into trip
|
~3h 56m in
|
I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop
Merge onto I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
213.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
I 40 / Downtown Loop
Continue onto I 40 / Downtown Loop toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 211B; 211A
Toward I 24 West, I 40 East, I 24 East: Clarksv...
9
214 mi into trip
|
~4h in
|
I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 211A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
7
395.5 mi into trip
|
~7h 19m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 11W: Mascot, Blaine, Rutledge, Bean Station
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 11W: Mascot, Blaine, Rutledge, Bean S...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$62.63 one way
$125.26 round trip
$3.75/gal
25.4 MPG avg
148 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.14 | $69.14 | $138.28 |
| premium | $4.72 | $78.74 | $157.48 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $80.08 | $160.16 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 148.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 127.2 | 1 | $44.53 | $20.36 |
| Efficient EV | 106 | 1 | $37.11 | $16.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 169.6 | 2 | $59.37 | $27.14 |
Gas CO2
148 kg
EV CO2
50 kg (66% 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.
Origin
New South Memphis, TN
Evening in New South Memphis on Saturday
Local time
8:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 0 to 5 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 8:29PM CDT until July 16 at 10:30PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:17PM CDT until July 16 at 9:15PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Destination
Rutledge, TN
Night in Rutledge on Saturday
Local time
9:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
0 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 8:29PM CDT until July 16 at 10:30PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 7:17PM CDT until July 16 at 9:15PM CDT by NWS Nashville TN
85°F
Lafayette, TN
212 mi in
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
1 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
7h 52m 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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 234
View on nps.gov
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America...
24 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 424.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 44% of this 424.1-mile drive on highways. The longest stretch without needing to exit is 196.5 miles on Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway. After that, expect a shift to surface roads as you approach your destination. This means you'll transition from focused highway driving to navigating more local traffic and potentially more intersections.
44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 196.5 mi on Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 210.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 424.1 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 210.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211 miles (I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 213.4 miles (I 40 / Downtown Loop): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,786 ft
260 ft
Total Climb
2,072 ft
Total Descent
1,315 ft
Highest Point
1,786 ft
~303 mi in
Elevation Range
1,526 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.
Between New South Memphis, TN and Rutledge, TN, road signs point toward Huntsville, Louisville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Blaine and Bean Station.
Huntsville
210.8 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Louisville
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via I 40
Knoxville
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via I 40
Chattanooga
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via I 40
Blaine
395.5 mi in
|
~7h 19m
Bean Station
395.5 mi in
|
~7h 19m
About the Cities
Arriving in Rutledge, TN
Full guide →Founded 1798
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 7h 52m. Total distance: 424.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 52m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 196.5 miles on Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 39 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 Rutledge, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 39 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 210.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211 miles (I 40; I 65 / Downtown Loop): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 213.4 miles (I 40 / Downtown Loop): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rutledge, TN before the return drive.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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