I-85 is a major travel route connecting the Deep South and Mid Atlantic Regions. It runs through states including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Written by Andrea Barrett

Reviewed by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

What is an interstate highway?
What states does I-85 run through?
Best places to eat along I-85
What is there to do on I-85?
Find affordable car insurance with Jerry

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Interstate 85 highway (I-85) covers 666.05 miles and runs from

Petersburg, Virginia

, to

Montgomery, Alabama

As one of the major travel routes connecting the Deep South to the Mid-Atlantic, I-85 passes through five southeastern states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, as well as major metropolitan regions like Atlanta and Charlotte.

Spanning 666.05 miles, there’s plenty to see and do just a few miles off I-85. Whether you’re looking for the best spots for some grub or to do a little retail therapy, you’re not going to want to miss these recommendations.

We've compiled this guide to give you the scoop on everything you want to know about I-85.

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What is an interstate highway?

Many people use the terms highway and interstates interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. As the name suggests, an interstate highway is a system that connects states with a series of highways. They stretch in every direction across the nation and cover more than 47,000 miles.

Unlike other named roadways, interstate highways have a unique numbering system. Interstates that run north-south are odd-numbered, while interstates that run east-west are even-numbered. Interstates with the lowest numbers can be found in the west and south, while beltways and loops on the outskirts of cities are designated a three-digit number.

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What states does I-85 run through?

As the major interstate in the Southeastern US, I-85’s southern end interchanges with I-65 in Montgomery, Alabama, and its northern end interchanges with I-95 in Petersburg, Virginia. Along the way, I-85 passes through:

: 80 miles

: 179.90 miles

: 106.28 miles

: 231.23 miles

: 68.84 miles

Interestingly, the northern half of I-85 is said to run parallel to an ancient Indian trading path that connects Petersburg, Virginia to the Catawba Indian territory.

Major interchanges on I-85

If you’re driving on I-85, there are several exits to watch for. Here are some of the major interchanges coming off of I-85:

I-65 in

Montgomery, AL

I-75 in

Atlanta, GA

I-20 in Atlanta, GA

I-26 in Spartanburg, SC

I-77 in

Charlotte, NC

I-40 in

Greensboro, NC

I-95 in

Petersburg, VA

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Best places to eat along I-85

When you’re driving for hours at a time, your stomach is sure to get a bit rumbly—and there are plenty of mouthwatering meals to check out off I-85! Here are some of the best options if you’re looking for some grub:

Krispy Kreme Store

(Concord, NC): A road trip favorite, Krispy Kreme offers up melt-in-your-mouth donuts, hot and cold beverages, and even donut-infused ice cream treats for the perfect cool-down on a hot afternoon. Or, if you’re craving a Krispy Kreme coffee to start your morning. They’re open daily at 6:00 am.

Viva Chicken Gastonia

(Gastonia, NC): If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Peruvian chicken right off the streets, you’ll find it at Viva’s. Choose from 1/4, 1/2, or whole chicken, along with salads, bowls, and desserts. And don’t forget to try their customer favorite, Maracuya (passion fruit juice).

Brett’s Bakery

(Gaffney, SC): Craving sweets? Make a stop at Brett’s Bakery. With over 20 flavors of ice cream and 16 flavors of cupcakes, there’s something for everyone. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Carolina Barbeque

(Spartanburg, SC): Barbeque is a must when you’re in the south. Customers are lining up for their famous Lexington-style pork barbecue, ribs, chicken, turkey, and beef brisket. Or, try their Three Meat Plate—the best of their turkey, pork, and brisket. No sauce is needed here!

Snack Shack

(Spartanburg, SC): A mom-and-pop restaurant serving fresh, tasty, and affordable eats. Get your fix of their Sweet Peach Tea or the Pineapple Bowl with your choice of meat or seafood from Tuesday through Sunday.

Pro Tip To avoid a disappointed belly, check the hours before you hit up the must-eat restaurants. Many are closed Sundays and Mondays.

What is there to do on I-85?

Whether you’re on your way to Virginia or heading to Atlanta, there’s no shortage of things to do just off of the I-85. You’re heading through the Deep South states, and there are plenty of sights to see along the way.

Here are some of the pit stops you can make along I-85:

Tanger Outlets

in Mebane, NC

King’s Mountain National Military Park

in Blacksburg, SC

Peachoid

in Gaffney, SC

Stone Mountain Park

in Stone Mountain, GA

Centennial Olympic Park

in Atlanta, GA

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