Road Trip Fun: Cary, NC to Murfreesboro, TN

Are you looking for a road trip that takes you through some of the most scenic routes in the South and introduces you to charming pit stops? Then buckle up and follow us as we explore the travel time between Cary, North Carolina, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Quickest but Less Scenic Route

If you're in a hurry to get to Murfreesboro and prioritize saving time over the scenery, this route is for you. It covers approximately 439 miles, with a driving time of approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

To complete this route, get on I-40 W from Cary and drive for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Take exit 216A to merge onto I-24 W toward Clarksville/Nashville and continue your journey for another 3 hours.

The More Scenic Route Through the Smoky Mountains

If you're a nature enthusiast, want to see the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, and have some time to spare, we recommend this route. However, keep in mind that it can add two hours to your travel time.

The route begins with taking I-40 W from Cary for approximately three and a half hours until reaching Knoxville. From there, switch to US-441 S and drive for two and a half hours to reach Gatlinburg.

In Gatlinburg, give your eyes a feast of nature as you drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is a 6-mile one-way scenic road. You'll encounter wildflowers, diverse plant life, wildlife, and homesteads from the 19th century.

After stopping in Gatlinburg, continue for 2 hours and 15 minutes on I-40 W until reaching Murfreesboro.

The Cultural & Historical Tour

This journey will take an extra hour, covering about 524 miles, but it's a perfect opportunity to taste a mix of southern hospitality, Civil War history, and musical heritage.

Start by taking I-40 W from Cary for approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes until reaching Winston-Salem. The city is a lively and charming destination thanks to its unique culture and is home to the famous Old Salem historical district.

From Winston-Salem, continue on I-40 W for about 4 more hours until reaching Franklin. The city played a critical role in the Civil War and was the site of the Battle of Franklin. Visit the Carter House and the Lotz House to learn more about the area's history.

Finally, drive for an hour on I-65 S to get to Murfreesboro.

Recommendations for Pit Stops

Regardless of the route you choose, there are fantastic places to visit and grab tasty bites along the way. For instance, in Winston-Salem, stop by the Krispy Kreme headquarters and watch donuts being made while enjoying their hot and fresh treats.

If you take the more scenic route through the Smoky Mountains, stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center and take a short walk to see the Cataract Falls. In Gatlinburg, collect some souvenirs or try some good old Southern cooking at Crockett's Breakfast Camp.

Along the quicker route, you can take a quick pitstop at Loveless Cafe in Nashville, which serves some of the best country-style family meals.

Final Thoughts:

There are several routes to take when going on a road trip from Cary, North Carolina, to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, but each one of them is filled with stunning visuals and engaging history. We hope that with our recommendations, you will make the best out of your travel time. Enjoy your trip!