Durham, NC → Gatlinburg, TN
260 mi · 5h 12m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freeze Warning in effect — consider delaying
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Durham
56°
Davie County
54°
McDowell County
40°
Gatlinburg
37°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 260 mi · 5h 12m
Weather
🌤️ Mainly clear
54°F, wind 11 mph
Incidents
2
2 critical
Rest Stops
10
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
10 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Petro Stopping Centers
- ● Pilot Travel Center
- ● Love's Travel Stop
Hazards Ahead
7 road closures may affect your route · 15 construction zones on route
15 Construction Zones on Route
Randleman Rd: Construction from Nestleway Dr to Glendale Dr. 1 Lane Shift.
NC-74: Construction on ramp from NC 74 to NC 150. 1 Right lane closed.
I-40: Construction from mile marker 180 to mile marker 176. All Shoulders Closed.
N East End Ave: Construction from Forest Park Dr to Davie Ave. All Shoulders Closed.
US-21: Construction from Davie Ave. to Sherwood Ln. All Shoulders Closed.
US-21: Construction from N East End Ave to Sherwood Ln. All Shoulders Closed.
+ 9 more zones along the route — see map for full list
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.
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Selected Route
Via US-501 Business → I-85 South → ... → US-321 → SR-32
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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CCTV05-I85-180S_GLENNSCHOOL
Durham, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-179S_CLUB
Wake, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-178N_I885
Durham, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-177N_NC55
Wake, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-176N_US501
Wake, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-175.5N_BROAD
Durham, NC ·
CCTV07-I85-138N
Guilford, NC ·
CCTV07-I85-128.5S_NELSONFARM
Guilford, NC ·
CCTV05-I885-12N_CHEEK
Durham, NC ·
CCTV09-I40-197.5E
Forsyth, NC ·
CCTV13-I40-55E_PORTERSCOVE
Buncombe, NC ·
CCTV13-I40-44W_SMOKYPARK
Buncombe, NC ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
27 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 27
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Heavy rain expected near McDowell County - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Durham, NC to Gatlinburg, TN covers 260 miles in roughly 5h 12m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 27 rest areas, 7 reported incidents and 3 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
56° / 47°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
53° / 39°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
55° / 37°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
53° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
57° / 36°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
60° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
62° / 37°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution⚠️ Hazardous conditions expected - Freezing rain
Sunday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, 🌤️ Mainly clear at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Durham, NC
56°F
Wind: 9 mph
Gatlinburg, TN
37°F
Wind: 8 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Durham, NC to Gatlinburg, TN
The 260-mile drive from Durham, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee takes approximately 5h 12m 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 Durham and Gatlinburg. A drive of 260 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 Durham to Gatlinburg
For medium-distance drives like this 260-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 260-mile drive from Durham to Gatlinburg takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
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 Durham to Gatlinburg?
The drive is approximately 260 miles and takes about 5h 12m 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 Durham 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 Durham to Gatlinburg route?
Yes, there are 27 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-85 South, US-70, I-40 West. 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 7 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
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.
🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
A practical guide to every method for checking driving conditions--weather apps, 511 sites, traffic cameras, radio, and more. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
Stop checking weather at your destination. Start knowing what you'll actually drive through--and when. Here's how Route Intelligence changes everything.
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