Candler-McAfee, GA β Gatlinburg, TN
144 mi Β· 2h 52m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freeze Warning in effect β consider delaying
Get an email if snow, ice or storms hit this route before you leave.
Free. One email to confirm, then only when conditions change. Unsubscribe in one click.
Candler-McAfee
51Β°
Gatlinburg
44Β°
Trip Briefing
1 segment Β· 144 mi Β· 2h 53m
Weather
βοΈ Clear sky
51Β°F, wind 13 mph
Incidents
2
2 critical
Rest Stops
4
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
12 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- β Pilot Travel Center
- β QuikTrip
- β QuikTrip
+ 2 more alerts
Hazards Ahead
2 road closures may affect your route Β· 1 construction zone on route
1 Construction Zone on Route
GA-378 eastbound: Road construction at I-85. Left lane blocked.
Highway Message Signs
I-20 GDOT-DMS-1034
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15-18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM THRU MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15-18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTE
I-85 GDOT-DMS-0016
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTE
SR 141 GDOT-DMS-0141
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES
I-85 GDOT-DMS-0105
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-285 North β I-85 North β ... β US-19 β US-441 Business
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
GDOT-0268: I-285 CW at CliftonSpringsRd MM 49.5 (DeKalb)
GA Β·
GDOT-0267: I-285 CW at PanthersvilleRd MM 49.1 (DeKalb)
GA Β·
GDOT-0262: I-285 CCW at I-20 MM 46 (DeKalb)
GA Β·
GDOT-0259: I-285 CCW at GlenwoodRd MM 44.4 (DeKalb)
GA Β·
GDOT-0282: I-285 CW at RedwingCir MM 43.4 (DeKalb)
GA Β·
GDOT-0283: I-285 CCW at US278 MM 43.2 (DeKalb)
GA Β·
GDOT-0124: I-85 N before SR316 MM 106.2 (Gwinnett)
GA Β· NB
GDOT-0164: I-85 N past I-985 MM 113.6 (Gwinnett)
GA Β· NB
GDOT-0988: I-985 N at ElacheeDr MM 17.4 (Hall)
GA Β· NB
HABE-0009: SR 15 at Level Grove Rd (HABERSHAM)
GA Β· NB
HABE-0008: SR 15 at SR 17/Toccoa Hwy (HABERSHAM)
GA Β· NB
RABN-0002: SR 15 at SR 2/Chechero St (RABUN)
GA Β· EB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
4 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 4
Sponsor
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
β‘ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- π§οΈNov 11:Β Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- βοΈNov 9:Β Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- π«οΈNov 6:Β Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert β
Driving from Candler-McAfee, GA to Gatlinburg, TN covers 144 miles in roughly 2h 52m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 4 rest areas, 2 reported incidents and 5 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon β check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
51Β° / 38Β°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
54Β° / 35Β°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
56Β° / 34Β°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
54Β° / 42Β°
1% precip
Tue
Nov 17
60Β° / 40Β°
3% precip
Wed
Nov 18
64Β° / 41Β°
2% precip
Thu
Nov 19
66Β° / 44Β°
2% precip
ποΈ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to GoβοΈ Clear sky at origin, π§οΈ Light drizzle at destination
Sunday
Good to GoβοΈ Overcast at origin, π€οΈ Mainly clear at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
π Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free β’ No sign-up required
Current Conditions
Candler-McAfee, GA
51Β°F
Wind: 13 mph
Gatlinburg, TN
44Β°F
Wind: 7 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Candler-McAfee, GA to Gatlinburg, TN
The 144-mile drive from Candler-McAfee, Georgia to Gatlinburg, Tennessee takes approximately 2h 52m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across varying terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Georgia into Tennessee, connecting Candler-McAfee and Gatlinburg. A drive of 144 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Weather along this route varies by season. Winter months can bring snow, ice, and reduced visibility, while summer may see thunderstorms, heat-related road issues, or construction zones. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable driving conditions but can still surprise with sudden weather changes. Regardless of season, checking real-time conditions along your entire route before departing can help you avoid the worst of it.
Best Time to Drive Candler-McAfee to Gatlinburg
For shorter trips like this 144-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 144 miles, the Candler-McAfee to Gatlinburg drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave β a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there β not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Candler-McAfee to Gatlinburg?
The drive is approximately 144 miles and takes about 2h 52m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Nov 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Candler-McAfee to Gatlinburg today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Candler-McAfee to Gatlinburg route?
Yes, there are 4 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-285 North, I-85 North, I-985 North (Lanier Parkway), GA 15. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Discover Hidden Road Trip Gems Near You
You don't need a week off to have an adventure. Discover weekend getaways and day trips within driving distance--personalized to your location.
πA Practical Guide to Saving Routes and Monitoring Conditions
How to save frequent drives, track conditions on commutes and family trips, get alerts for bad weather, and find new routes from any city.
β°Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how 4D trajectory analysis can help you find the optimal departure time to avoid dangerous weather and traffic.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
Great Smoky Mountains Circuit
America's Most Visited National Park and Beyond
Great River Road: Minneapolis to New Orleans
Following the Mississippi from North to South
Natchez Trace Parkway: Nashville to Natchez
444 Miles of American History Through the Deep South
Explore More Routes
More routes from Candler-McAfee
More routes to Gatlinburg
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in GA
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your routeβat the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner