Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Walden, TN to Franklin, TN

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 54m

Distance

143.2 mi

230 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 43m ★
6 AM
2h 54m
8 AM
3h 17m
10 AM
3h 2m
12 PM
3h 0m
3 PM
3h 3m
5 PM
3h 15m
8 PM
2h 48m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
town in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States

Walden, TN

Wikimedia Commons

city and county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States

Franklin, TN

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 141.3-mile drive from Walden to Franklin, Tennessee, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it's an economical choice for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. The journey relies on local roads, specifically Lake Avenue, Key-Hulse Road, and Fairmount Pike, rather than interstate highways. Expect a driving experience that involves frequent turns and navigating local routes, making it a more hands-on trip. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing for flexibility and a relaxed pace.

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

71.6 miles from Walden, TN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 24 104.9 mi 1h 57m
Murfreesboro Road 12.8 mi 19m
Tennessee National Guard Parkway 10.3 mi 10m
US 27 3.3 mi 4m
Taft Highway 3.1 mi 4m
Signal Mountain Boulevard 3 mi 4m
Signal Mountain Road 1.6 mi 2m
Horton Highway 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 24 — 104.9 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Walden, TN and Franklin, TN.

1

Start on Ivory Avenue

0.2 mi · 57 sec · Ivory Avenue
2

Turn right onto Lake Avenue

0.3 mi · 59 sec · Lake Avenue
3

Continue on Key-Hulse Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Key-Hulse Road
4

Turn straight onto Fairmount Pike

0.3 mi · 1 min · Fairmount Pike
5

Turn straight onto US 127

3.1 mi · 4 min · Taft Highway
6

Continue on US 127

3.0 mi · 4 min · Signal Mountain Boulevard
7

Continue on US 127

1.6 mi · 2 min · Signal Mountain Road
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
9

Merge onto US 27

3.3 mi · 4 min · US 27
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 24

105 mi · 1 hr 57 min · I 24
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 74A Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin Use the right lane.
13

Merge onto I 840

10 mi · 10 min · Tennessee National Guard Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 46 sec
Exit 42 Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn right onto US 31A; US 41A

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Horton Highway
16

Turn left onto SR 96

13 mi · 19 min · Murfreesboro Road
Use the straight lane.
17

Continue on TN 96

0.3 mi · 34 sec · 3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96

397 ft · 6 sec · Public Square
19

Arrive at destination

US 31 Business; TN 96

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 28 minute duration and 141.3-mile length, this trip is best suited for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for any spontaneous stops. Since there are no designated stops mentioned and the route is entirely on local roads, be mindful of fuel levels as you won't have the convenience of major highway service areas. Keep an eye on your GPS, as the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route means you'll be making frequent adjustments. A good tip is to ensure your navigation system is fully charged or bring a car charger.

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 71.6 miles from Walden, TN, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.9 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 32 miles or 43m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.6 miles or 1h 27m 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 19m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, TN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Walden, 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 Walden, TN

This is one driving day of about 143.2 miles and 2h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Walden, 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 24 for about 104.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Monteagle, TN, TN

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Monteagle, TN

72 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

Chattanooga, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Monteagle, TN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.6 miles from Walden, TN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 24 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Renaissance Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 10.1

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+14236436096

Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 10.1

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14237604333

Visit website

Fiery Gizzard State Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 60.6

Monteagle, Tennessee

Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm

+18888672757

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 12.5 and 129 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
12.5 mi into trip | ~21m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham
5
12.9 mi into trip | ~22m in | I 24

Merge onto I 24

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
117.9 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Take the exit toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 74A Toward I 840 West: Memphis, Franklin
5
118.7 mi into trip | ~2h 21m in | I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway

Merge onto I 840 / Tennessee National Guard Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
129 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Take the exit toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg

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 42 Toward US 31A, US 41A: Shelbyville, Lewisburg

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.39 one way

$44.78 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.58 $49.16
premium $4.89 $27.56 $55.12
diesel $5.61 $31.62 $63.23

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43 0 $15.04 $6.87
Efficient EV 35.8 0 $12.53 $5.73
EV Truck/SUV 57.3 0 $20.05 $9.16

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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 18, 2026

Origin

Walden, TN

Late night in Walden on Sunday

Local time

3:42 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Franklin, TN

Late night in Franklin on Sunday

Local time

2:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

84°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

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

1 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 54m 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.

Stones River National Battlefield

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...

3 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 113.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, as it features a 0% highway share. This means your entire journey will be on surface streets and local roads, offering a more intimate connection with the landscape. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the 'turn-heavy' profile suggests you'll be frequently adjusting your course. This driving style can be engaging, requiring your attention to navigate the various intersections and road changes as you make your way from Walden to Franklin.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.9 mi on I 24.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 24 and Murfreesboro Road. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 12.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 143.2 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 12.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.9 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.9 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 Walden, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward 24: Nashville, Birmingham and Lewisburg.

24: Nashville

12.5 mi in | ~21m

Birmingham

12.5 mi in | ~21m

Lewisburg

129 mi in | ~2h 32m

About the Cities

Arriving in Franklin, TN

Full guide →

Franklin is a city of 81,000 people (2018) in Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville. There are two main areas of interest. One is the Cool Springs area, which is identified by its corporate and retail growth surrounding one of the largest malls in the Southeast, the CoolSprings Galleria. The other is historic downtown Franklin which retains much of its small town charm. It is a walkable, friendly historic downtown district, recognized as a Great American Main Street.

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 2h 54m. Total distance: 143.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 104.9 miles on I 24. 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 Franklin, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 12.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.9 miles (I 24): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. 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 Franklin, TN before heading back.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Franklin, TN

Kingsport, TN 292.8 mi · 5h 26m Watertown, TN 210.1 mi · 4h 4m Mascot, TN 209.4 mi · 3h 56m Knoxville, TN 196.5 mi · 3h 38m

More from Walden, TN

Memphis, TN 349.1 mi · 5h 27m Bartlett, TN 336 mi · 6h 20m New South Memphis, TN 321.2 mi · 5h 26m Jackson, TN 268 mi · 5h 4m Clarksville, TN 190.5 mi · 3h 45m Knoxville, TN 123.5 mi · 2h 27m

More trips to Franklin, TN

Unicoi, TN 310.6 mi Bristol, TN 308.2 mi Bluff City, TN 306.4 mi Central, TN 304.1 mi Blountville, TN 299.6 mi Erwin, TN 296.1 mi
Escape planner: Walden, TN Scenic drives in TN

Explore more options from Walden, TN or browse trips ending in Franklin, TN.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TN road trips.