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Trip from Winston-Salem, NC to Blowing Rock, NC

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

Drive Time

2h 3m

Distance

92.3 mi

149 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 27 min
4 AM
1h 54m ★
6 AM
2h 3m
8 AM
2h 21m
10 AM
2h 9m
12 PM
2h 8m
3 PM
2h 10m
5 PM
2h 20m
8 PM
1h 58m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in North Carolina, United States

Blowing Rock, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 92.3-mile drive from Winston-Salem, NC, to Blowing Rock, NC, is a manageable 2-hour and 3-minute journey, perfect for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated around $15, it's an economical option for exploring the Southeast region. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its 0% highway share and turn-heavy profile, suggesting a more intimate connection with the landscape. Given its short duration and the nature of the roads, this trip is ideal for a leisurely day outing rather than requiring an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

46.2 miles from Winston-Salem, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Salem Parkway 55.4 mi 1h 5m
Watson Brame Expressway 20.5 mi 28m
Blue Ridge Parkway 11.1 mi 18m
Old US 421 2.9 mi 4m
Main Street 0.7 mi 1m
Valley Boulevard 0.4 mi <1m
James E Holshouser Jr Highway 0.4 mi <1m
North Main Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Salem Parkway — 55.4 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Winston-Salem, NC and Blowing Rock, NC.

1

Start on North Main Street

0.4 mi · 41 sec · North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Turn right onto West 1st Street

0.2 mi · 31 sec · West 1st Street
Use the straight lane.
3

Turn left onto Marshall Street South

302 ft · 5 sec · Marshall Street South
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward US 158 West, US 421 North, NC 150 West Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150

55 mi · 1 hr 5 min · Salem Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on US 421; NC 16

20 mi · 28 min · Watson Brame Expressway
7

Turn left onto Old US 421

2.9 mi · 4 min · Old US 421
8

Turn left onto Old 421 Connector

299 ft · 14 sec · Old 421 Connector
9

Turn right onto Blue Ridge Parkway

11 mi · 18 min · Blue Ridge Parkway
10

Turn left onto Flat Top Road

0.1 mi · 40 sec · Flat Top Road
11

Take the ramp

137 ft · 7 sec
12

Merge onto US 221; US 321

0.4 mi · 30 sec · James E Holshouser Jr Highway
13

Continue on US 221; US 321

0.4 mi · 54 sec · Valley Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Turn right onto US 221; US 321 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · Main Street
Use the right lane.
15

Arrive at destination

US 221; US 321 Business

Trip Plan

For this 92.3-mile trip, consider leaving Winston-Salem in the morning to maximize your time in Blowing Rock. Since the drive is only about 2 hours and has no long highway stretches, you can be flexible with stops. The $15 fuel estimate means you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling. A practical tip for this route is to pay close attention to your GPS for the numerous turns indicated by its 'turn-heavy' profile, especially as you transition onto US 158 West, to ensure you stay on track efficiently.

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 46.2 miles from Winston-Salem, NC, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.4 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 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 46.2 miles or 55m 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 34m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Blowing Rock, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Winston-Salem, NC 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 Winston-Salem, NC

This is one driving day of about 92.3 miles and 2h 3m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Winston-Salem, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Salem Parkway for about 55.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown West Jefferson, NC, NC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

West Jefferson, NC

46 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

Clemmons, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

North Wilkesboro, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 46.2 miles from Winston-Salem, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Top Restaurant

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Birdies Coffee & Treats | Blowing Rock

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85.7

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18284575308

Visit website

West End Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13367234774

Visit website

Gamekeeper Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $100 or ab mile 92.3

Boone, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+18289637400

Visit website

Birdies Coffee & Treats | Blowing Rock

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 85.7

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18284575308

Visit website

High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 85.7

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+18283838823

Visit website

Tweetsie Railroad

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 85.7

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Hours: Closed

+18282649061

Visit website

Prospector Hill Gem Mining

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 85.7

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+18282642792

Visit website

Adventure Landing Winston-Salem

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 6.6

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13367684730

Visit website

Safari Nation Winston-Salem

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13365233355

Visit website

River & Earth Adventures

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 85.7

Boone, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+18288657238

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 91.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | West 1st Street

Turn right onto West 1st Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
5
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Marshall Street South

Turn left onto Marshall Street South

Navigation decision point

7
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the ramp toward US 158 West, US 421 North, NC 150 West

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward US 158 West, US 421 North, NC 150 West
5
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 421; US 158; NC 150 / Salem Parkway

Merge onto US 421; US 158; NC 150 / Salem Parkway

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

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
91.6 mi into trip | ~2h 1m in | US 221; US 321 Business / Main Street

Turn right onto US 221; US 321 Business / Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.43 one way

$28.87 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $15.78 $31.56
premium $4.70 $17.08 $34.17
diesel $5.61 $20.38 $40.76

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: 32.3 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 27.7 0 $9.69 $4.43
Efficient EV 23.1 0 $8.08 $3.69
EV Truck/SUV 36.9 0 $12.92 $5.91

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 14, 2026

Origin

Winston-Salem, NC

Late night in Winston-Salem on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Blowing Rock, NC

Late night in Blowing Rock on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

44°F

West Jefferson, NC

46 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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

12 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

2h 3m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with no interstate highways to speak of. You'll be navigating through West 1st Street, Marshall Street South, and US 158 West. The absence of highway driving means you'll likely experience a more varied pace, with more frequent adjustments. Without any significant highway stretches, the longest uninterrupted drive will be determined by local road conditions and traffic. This profile suggests a drive that keeps you engaged with your surroundings rather than a monotonous, high-speed cruise.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.4 mi on Salem Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Salem Parkway and Watson Brame Expressway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near West 1st Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 92.3 miles you will encounter 12 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 0.4 miles (West 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles (Marshall Street South): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Winston-Salem, NC

Full guide →

Winston-Salem is a city in North Carolina. It has an approximate population of 251,000 (2022). Winston-Salem is one of three cities that make up the Piedmont Triad; the others are Greensboro and High Point.

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 3m. Total distance: 92.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 55.4 miles on Salem Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (West 1st Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles (Marshall Street South): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Blowing Rock, NC 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Blowing Rock, NC to Winston-Salem, NC

Plan the drive back the other way.

92.4 mi 2h 2m

Continue From Blowing Rock, NC

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