The Great Road Trip: Driving from Athens, Ohio to Cedar Key, Florida

Are you looking for an exciting road trip down to the Sunshine State? Then look no further! Driving from Athens, Ohio to Cedar Key, Florida is a trip that offers a myriad of scenic views and exciting road experiences. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the different routes, the distance, and the time it takes to travel from Athens, Ohio to Cedar Key, Florida.

The Fastest Route

If you’re looking for the fastest way to get to Cedar Key, Florida, then we recommend taking the I-75S route. This route goes straight down to Florida and is approximately 834 miles in distance. At peak traffic times, this route takes around 13 hours to complete. However, if you travel during low traffic times, you can reduce your travel time to around 12 hours.

The Slowest Route

Not a fan of highways and interstates? Well, you can take the slower, more scenic route and travel through the Appalachian Mountains. Starting from Athens, Ohio, you’ll drive down the US-50E highway and through the mountains until you hit I-75S, which you’ll take for the remaining distance. The total driving distance of this route is roughly 908 miles and takes approximately 15.5 hours at peak traffic times. However, if you travel during low traffic times, you can reduce your travel time to around 14 hours.

The In-Between Route

If you’re looking for a mix of scenic views and a faster travel time, then we suggest taking the I-75S route but with a detour straight through the Great Smoky Mountains. To do this, take the I-75S route through Tennessee and turn onto the US-441S highway. This will take you through the scenic Newfound Gap Road and into North Carolina. Once you’re through the mountains, you’ll get back on the I-75S until you reach Cedar Key. This route is around 1,000 miles in distance and takes approximately 16.5 hours at peak traffic times. However, if you travel during low traffic times, you can reduce your travel time to around 15 hours.

In conclusion, there are several different options to consider if you’re driving from Athens, Ohio to Cedar Key, Florida. If you’re looking for a quick route with minimal scenic views, then take the I-75S route. However, if you’re in the mood for an adventure, take the Appalachian Mountains route, or the Great Smoky Mountains detour. Regardless of the route you choose, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of the Midwest and the South during your road trip. Have a great trip!