Ann Arbor to Clarksville: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Ann Arbor, MI to Clarksville, TN, roughly 500 miles along I-75 and I-65, passes over the Ohio River at the John A. Roebling Bridge in Covington, KY—a lesser-known twin to the Brooklyn Bridge. This 7.5-hour drive, without stops, can be enriched with diverse experiences.

I-65 through Kentucky is well-maintained but rural, with limited cell service near Cave City. Rest areas every 30-40 miles. For families, the Louisville Mega Cavern offers a tram tour (ages 4+). The Franklin, TN Factory Shops provide a break with retail therapy.

• Hidden spots: The Blue Heron Trail near Burnside, KY, an off-grid hiking option. In Adairville, KY, the Baker's Barbeque is a local gem.
• Pet stops: The Dog Park at Old Cheney Park in Bowling Green, KY. Many hotels along the route are pet-friendly, like La Quinta in Elizabethtown.

To find more unique stops, check out this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Crossing from the Great Lakes plains into the Ohio Valley and then the rolling hills of Kentucky, you'll see farmland, forests, and limestone karst. Mammoth Cave National Park (Exit 53 on I-65) is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 400 miles of mapped caves. Guided tours available year-round.

• UNESCO Sites: Mammoth Cave (KY) and the Louisville Water Company's WaterWorks—a National Historic Landmark.
• Local commerce: In Bardstown, KY, visit the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. In Hopkinsville, KY, admire the Trail of Tears Memorial.

Driving from Ann Arbor, MI to Clarksville, TN mainly uses I-75 South to I-71 South merging into I-65 South. Toll roads are minimal; only scattered sections near Cincinnati. Estimated fuel cost at $3.50/gallon and 25 mpg is about $70 for a round trip. Budget at least 8 hours driving with breaks.

• Best fuel stops: Exit 40 on I-75 in Monroe, MI (cheap gas), Exit 106 near Findlay, OH (large stations), Exit 126 on I-65 in Elizabethtown, KY (Sam's Club).
• Avoid downtown Cincinnati traffic by using I-275 bypass to cross Ohio River via I-471.
• Check weather: Summer storms common in KY/TN; winter ice possible in MI/OH.