Great Smoky Mountains to Hickory: Road Trip Guide & Distance

120.9 miles 194.5 km · straight line
151.1 miles estimated 243.1 km · driving distance
3h 2min estimated drive time
$15 - $18 estimated fuel cost
~45min flight time · usually no direct flights
85° E bearing direction

How far is Great Smoky Mountains from Hickory?

The distance from Great Smoky Mountains to Hickory is 120.9 miles (194.5 km) as the crow flies. Hickory is located E of Great Smoky Mountains. By car, the driving distance is approximately 151.1 miles, taking about 3h 2min. A direct flight would take roughly 45min. Both are located in United States — Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Hickory in North Carolina.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Great Smoky Mountains and Hickory. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Great Smoky Mountains to Hickory

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 3h 2min $15 - $18 Flexible stops
Bus ~3h 38min $12–$23* Budget
Train ~2h 53min $18–$53* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Great Smoky Mountains & Hickory

Quick Facts

Great Smoky Mountains
35.61°N, 83.49°W
America/New_York
2025m elevation
Hickory
35.73°N, 81.34°W
America/New_York
350m elevation
Explore more routes from Hickory

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 40 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 10 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 206 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients