Road Tripping from Carroll Valley to Hanahan: Which Route is Perfect For You?

Are you planning to hit the road and travel from Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania to Hanahan, South Carolina? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re on a solo adventure, a trip with your besties, or a family holiday, we’ve listed all the routes, distances, and driving times to help you decide which option suits your travel needs.

The Shortest Route

If you’re looking for the most direct route, Interstate 81 South is the way to go. This 518-mile route will take you through Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, and finally, South Carolina. Depending on your speed, it should take around 8 hours and 47 minutes to reach Hanahan with little to no stops.

However, if you're a foodie, we suggest that you break up your journey with regional eats. Check out Dixie Bones in Virginia, almost 2 hours away from Carroll Valley, and try their mouth-watering BBQ or drop by The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg to satisfy your sweet tooth. And when you hit the Tennessee border, don’t miss out on finding the best Nashville-style hot chicken.

The Scenic Route

If you want a more scenic drive, go for U.S. Route 15 South. Although the road adds 50 miles to your trip, the picturesque landscape makes it worth it. You’ll pass through rural Western Maryland, venture through the lush forests of Shenandoah Valley, and drive past the historic Antietam National Battlefield. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete this route but with several sights to see, we suggest you make this trip a three-day itinerary.

Make a pit stop in Winchester and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer at the Winchester Ciderworks Tasting Room. Another spot you should check out is The Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville, which is perfect for kids and adults alike.

The Coastal Route

Ready to hit the beach? Then, a coastal route is perfect for you. Begin your trip from Carroll Valley, turn onto U.S. Route 301 South and hit the coast on Route 17 South. Although this drive covers 646 miles and takes around 11 hours, you'll be delighted with a beautiful drive along the coast.

Once you hit Virginia, make a quick stop at Williamsburg and visit Colonial Williamsburg, where you can see a restored 18th-century capital and watch tradespeople practice traditional skills such as blacksmithing and printing. Then, feast your eyes on the James River at the Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum.

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Route

Are you looking for an unconventional yet still scenic route? If yes, we recommend that you drive from Carroll Valley to Hanahan via the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a National Parkway that runs through Virginia and North Carolina's scenic Appalachian Mountains. This long drive takes around 14 hours to complete, but the breathtaking scenery makes it all worthwhile.

While you're in Virginia, stop by Blacksburg and check out the Virginia Tech campus, stroll along Duck Pond Drive, or shop at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. In North Carolina, check out the Parkway Craft Center, an art gallery showcasing the handicrafts of Southern Highlands artisans.

A road trip from Carroll Valley to Hanahan can be an enjoyable journey that can take you to scenic routes, historic sites, and hidden gems. Make sure to choose the route that suits your travel needs, and don't forget to stop and take a break along the way. Safe travels!