Spanning 344.5 miles across Tennessee, this trek from Wildwood Lake to New South Memphis is a dedicated day trip requiring about 5 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. Because the route avoids major interstates entirely, you should budget roughly $52 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating through the Southeast, you will spend your journey on local thoroughfares rather than high-speed corridors. Since the entire trip can be completed in a single day, you likely won't need to book an overnight stay unless you prefer a more leisurely pace. This route is best suited for drivers who prioritize backroad exploration over the efficiency of major highways.
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
172.3 miles from Wildwood Lake, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 72
91.5 mi
1h 49m
John T Reid Parkway
71.9 mi
1h 22m
US 72 Alternate
59.6 mi
1h 14m
I 24
33.3 mi
38m
I 75
18.4 mi
22m
North Cedar Avenue
17.8 mi
20m
Bill Morris Parkway
13.8 mi
16m
Highway 72
9.5 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
US 72
— 91.5 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-24
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,974 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,367
Quietest
2 AM
~348 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wildwood Lake, TN and New South Memphis, TN.
1
Start on Trewhitt Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Trewhitt Road
2
Continue on Trewhitt Road
0.6 mi·2 min·Trewhitt Road
3
Continue on Trewhitt Road
0.3 mi·54 sec·Trewhitt Road
4
Turn left onto Plantation Drive
429 ft·13 sec·Plantation Drive
5
Turn right onto TN 60
1.5 mi·2 min·Dalton Pike
6
Turn right onto TN 60
0.2 mi·29 sec·McGrady Drive Southeast
7
Turn left onto US 74; US 64 Bypass
5.0 mi·6 min·Appalachian Highway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Merge onto I 75
18 mi·22 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 24
33 mi·38 min·I 24
Toward Chattanooga, NashvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 152AToward US 72 West: South Pittsburg
13
Continue on US 72
18 mi·20 min·North Cedar Avenue
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 72
0.8 mi·56 sec·Lee Highway
15
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi·2 min·John T Reid Parkway
16
Continue on US 72
2.0 mi·2 min·Lee Highway
17
Continue on US 72
70 mi·1 hr 20 min·John T Reid Parkway
18
Continue on US 72 Alternate; AL 20
3.5 mi·4 min·Huntsville-Decatur Highway
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on US 31; US 72 Alternate; AL 20
1.6 mi·2 min·Bee Line Highway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 72 Alternate; AL 20
60 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 72 Alternate; AL 20
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on US 72
22 mi·26 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 72
1.5 mi·1 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 72
9.5 mi·12 min·Highway 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on US 72
1.4 mi·2 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on US 72
44 mi·52 min·US 72
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Enter roundabout onto US 72
155 ft·1 sec·US 72
Toward US 72 West: Memphis
27
Continue on US 72
13 mi·15 min·US 72
Toward US 72 West: MemphisUse the straight / right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72
8.4 mi·10 min·US 72
Toward Collierville, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward TN 385 West, To I-240: Memphis
30
Merge onto TN 385
14 mi·16 min·Bill Morris Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 240 West: Jackson MissUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward I 240 West: Jackson Mississippi
33
Merge onto I 240
5.7 mi·7 min·Avron B Fogelman Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on I 240
3.7 mi·5 min·W B Fowler Senior Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 7Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third StreetUse the slight right lane.
36
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 61 North: Third StreetUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
37
Turn straight onto US 61
0.4 mi·36 sec·South Third Street
38
Arrive at destination
US 61
Trip Plan
Plan to depart early in the morning to account for the 5-hour and 45-minute travel time, ensuring you reach New South Memphis before dusk. Since this route is entirely local, factor in at least one planned stop to break up the drive and manage your fuel budget effectively. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between Trewhitt Road, Plantation Drive, and Dalton Pike, as the lack of highway signage can make turns easy to miss. Because the trip is a single-day commitment, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on traffic or personal preference. Prioritize checking your tire pressure and vehicle fluids before departure, given the technical nature of these local roads.
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 172.3 miles from Wildwood Lake, TN, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.5 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 76 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 172.3 miles or 3h 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 5h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New South Memphis, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wildwood Lake, 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 Wildwood Lake, TN
This is one driving day of about 344.5 miles and 6h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Wildwood Lake, 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 US 72 for about 91.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.8 and 343.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
26.8 mi into trip|~36m in
Take the exit toward I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
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 I 24 West: Chattanooga, Nashville
8
310.8 mi into trip|~6h 15m in|US 72
Keep slight left at fork onto US 72 toward Collierville, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Collierville, Memphis
7
333.4 mi into trip|~6h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 240 West: Jackson Miss
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 240 West: Jackson Miss
8
343.8 mi into trip|~6h 57m in
Take the exit toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street
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 7
Toward US 61: Vicksburg, Third Street
8
343.9 mi into trip|~6h 58m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 61 North: Third Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 61 North: Third Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.56 one way
$105.11 round trip
$3.88/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.27
$57.89
$115.77
premium
$4.81
$65.18
$130.37
diesel
$5.40
$73.28
$146.56
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.4
1
$36.17
$16.54
Efficient EV
86.1
0
$30.14
$13.78
EV Truck/SUV
137.8
1
$48.23
$22.05
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
40 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 Apr 21, 2026
Origin
Wildwood Lake, TN
Afternoon
in Wildwood Lake on Saturday
Local time
12:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New South Memphis, TN
Morning
in New South Memphis on Saturday
Local time
11:37 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Partly Sunny
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
56°F
Madison, AL
172 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 earlier
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 59m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. With 0% of the route on highways, you will rely on Trewhitt Road, Plantation Drive, and Dalton Pike to navigate the terrain. This is not a monotonous interstate grind; instead, you get a consistent, winding experience that keeps you engaged with the local landscape. The road personality remains technical and intimate throughout the 344.5-mile journey, offering a stark contrast to the typical high-speed transit routes. Prepare for a steady, hands-on driving experience that requires careful navigation of frequent turns.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 91.5 mi on US 72.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 72 and John T Reid Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 20 significant decision points across 344.5 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 26.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 310.8 miles (US 72): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 333.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wildwood Lake, TN and New South Memphis, TN, road signs point toward Nashville, Chattanooga, Collierville, Memphis and To I-240: Memphis.
Nashville
26.8 mi in|~36m
Chattanooga
27.5 mi in|~37m|via I 24
Collierville
310.8 mi in|~6h 15m|via US 72
Memphis
310.8 mi in|~6h 15m|via US 72
To I-240: Memphis
319.2 mi in|~6h 26m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 59m. Total distance: 344.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 59m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 91.5 miles on US 72. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 New South Memphis, 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 26.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 310.8 miles (US 72): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 333.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New South Memphis, TN before the return drive.
