Concord, NC → Gatlinburg, TN
169 mi · 3h 23m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
Concord
59°
35.5°
67°
35.6°
60°
Gatlinburg
56°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 169 mi · 3h 23m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
67°F, wind 4 mph
Rest Stops
8
Restrooms, Truck svc
Cameras
12 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
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-485 → I-40 West → Foothills Parkway → US-321 → SR-32
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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CCTV10-I485-33I_NC49
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-31I
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-30.5M_I85
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-30.1O_I85
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-28O_MALLARDCREEK
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-26I_PROSPERITY
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-25.5O_BENFIELD
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-24.5O_BROWNE
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-24I_INDEPENDENCEHILL
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-23O_NC115
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-21.1O
Mecklenburg, NC
CCTV10-I485-21O
Mecklenburg, NC
Rest Stops Along Your Route
20 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 20
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Sep 27: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Sep 25: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Sep 22: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Concord, NC to Gatlinburg, TN covers 169 miles in roughly 3h 23m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 20 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Sep 29
80° / 58°
No precip
Tomorrow
Sep 30
85° / 58°
No precip
Thu
Oct 1
88° / 64°
No precip
Fri
Oct 2
89° / 64°
6% precip
Sat
Oct 3
91° / 69°
55% precip
Sun
Oct 4
77° / 67°
57% precip
Mon
Oct 5
75° / 60°
44% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution🌦️ Slight rain showers → 🌧️ Moderate rain. Use caution.
Sunday
Use Caution⚠️ Hazardous conditions expected - Violent rain showers
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Concord, NC
59°F
Wind: 5 mph
Gatlinburg, TN
56°F
Wind: 1 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Concord, NC to Gatlinburg, TN
The 169-mile drive from Concord, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee takes approximately 3h 23m 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 North Carolina into Tennessee, connecting Concord and Gatlinburg. A drive of 169 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
- 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 Concord to Gatlinburg
For shorter trips like this 169-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 169 miles, the Concord to Gatlinburg drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — 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 — 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 Concord to Gatlinburg?
The drive is approximately 169 miles and takes about 3h 23m 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, Today (Sep 29) looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Concord to Gatlinburg today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Concord to Gatlinburg route?
Yes, there are 20 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-485. 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?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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