Origin
Roanoke, VA
Late night in Roanoke on Wednesday
Local time
2:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Roanoke, VA to Henry Fork, VA
Data updated 12 minutes ago
Drive Time
41m
Distance
27.2 mi
44 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 38m
★
6 AM
0h 41m
8 AM
0h 48m
10 AM
0h 43m
12 PM
0h 43m
3 PM
0h 44m
5 PM
0h 48m
8 PM
0h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Henry Fork, VA
Tara Winstead
Trip Overview
This short 27.2-mile drive from Roanoke to Henry Fork in Virginia is easily manageable as a day trip, taking about 41 minutes. You'll primarily navigate Franklin Road Southwest, the Roy L. Webber Expressway, and Doe Run Road, with about 13% of the journey on highways. With a projected fuel cost of around $4, this is a very budget-friendly excursion. The route offers a 'turn-heavy local drive' feel, suggesting frequent navigation changes rather than long, straight stretches. This makes it a good option for those who enjoy a bit more engagement behind the wheel without a significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
13.6 miles from Roanoke, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 20m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the majority of this 41-minute trip. While only 13% of the route utilizes highways, you'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 22.6 miles on Franklin Road Southwest. This suggests a drive that is more about navigating through local areas with frequent changes in direction rather than a high-speed highway cruise. As you progress, the road character will likely shift from more open expressways to more intricate local roadways, demanding your attention at various intersections.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Franklin Road Southwest is the longest continuous segment at about 22.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 1st Street Southwest.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 41m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.3 miles (VA 116 / South Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
1st Street Southwest
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
Navigation decision point
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest
Turn sharp left onto US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
VA 116 / South Jefferson Street
Turn right onto VA 116 / South Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
5
26.9 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
SR 674 / Doe Run Road
Turn left onto SR 674 / Doe Run Road
Navigation decision point
5
27.1 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
Bowles Drive
Turn right onto Bowles Drive
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Road Southwest | 22.6 mi | 32m |
| Roy L. Webber Expressway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| Doe Run Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Elm Avenue Southeast | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Jefferson Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 1st Street Southwest | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Bowles Drive | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Franklin Road Southwest
— 22.6 mi, about 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke, VA and Henry Fork, VA.
1
Start on this road
285 ft
·
26 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
1st Street Southwest
3
Turn sharp left onto US 221; US 220 BUS
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Franklin Road Southwest
4
Turn right onto VA 116
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
South Jefferson Street
5
Turn left onto VA 24
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Elm Avenue Southeast
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
7
Merge onto US 220
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Roy L. Webber Expressway
8
Continue on US 220
22 mi
·
32 min
·
Franklin Road Southwest
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Toward SR 674: Rocky Mount
10
Turn left onto SR 674
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Doe Run Road
11
Turn right onto Bowles Drive
129 ft
·
5 sec
·
Bowles Drive
12
Arrive at destination
Bowles Drive
Trip Plan
Given its short 41-minute duration and 27.2-mile length, this drive from Roanoke to Henry Fork offers considerable flexibility. You could easily depart mid-morning after a relaxed breakfast and still have plenty of time for activities at your destination. With a minimal fuel cost of approximately $4, you won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops. The 'turn-heavy' nature of the route means paying close attention to navigation, especially on Franklin Road Southwest, which accounts for the longest stretch. Consider downloading offline maps as a precaution for the local road segments.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 13.6 miles from Roanoke, VA, or about 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 27.2 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 13.6 miles or 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Henry Fork, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Roanoke, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Roanoke, VA
This is one driving day of about 27.2 miles and 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Roanoke, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Franklin Road Southwest for about 22.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 13.6 mi from Roanoke, VA · 20m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
14 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 27.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 13.6 miles from Roanoke, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Henry Fork, VA
The final approach into Henry Fork, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Henry Fork, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$4.25 one way
$8.51 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
10 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $4.65 | $9.30 |
| premium | $4.70 | $5.03 | $10.07 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $6.01 | $12.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 9.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 8.2 | 0 | $2.86 | $1.31 |
| Efficient EV | 6.8 | 0 | $2.38 | $1.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 10.9 | 0 | $3.81 | $1.74 |
Gas CO2
10 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (70% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Henry Fork, VA
Late night in Henry Fork on Wednesday
Local time
2:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
20 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
41m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Roanoke, VA to Henry Fork, VA covers 27.2 miles and takes about 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Franklin Road Southwest, Roy L. Webber Expressway, Doe Run Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 13.6 miles from Roanoke, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.25 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 41m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.3 miles (VA 116 / South Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Roanoke, VA to Henry Fork, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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