Taking a Road Trip? Here's how long it takes to drive from Athens, TN to Lake Wales, FL

Are you thinking about taking a road trip from Athens, Tennessee to Lake Wales, Florida? If so, you're in for quite a ride! This scenic drive covers a distance of about 630 miles and can take up to 10 hours to complete depending on your route and traffic patterns. To ensure you plan your trip well and arrive at your destination on time, below is a breakdown of the different routes you can take, the time it takes to cover each route at peak and low traffic times, and the distance traveled.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Athens, TN to Lake Wales, FL is via I-75 South. This route covers a distance of approximately 547 miles and takes about 8 hours to complete. At peak traffic times, this route may take slightly longer than 8 hours, particularly through cities such as Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Gainesville, where traffic congestion is common. On the other hand, you can expect to get to Florida in about 7 hours by traveling during low traffic hours.

The Scenic Route

If you are looking for a scenic route, you may consider taking I-59 South to I-10 East, which covers a distance of approximately 682 miles and takes about 12 hours to complete. This route is longer than the fastest route, but it will take you through some of the south's most beautiful landscapes, including the Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle. At peak traffic times, you can expect to spend about 13 hours on the road, whereas, during low traffic times, you'll get to your destination in about 11 hours.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Athens, Tennessee to Lake Wales, Florida is via US-441 South. This route covers a distance of about 730 miles and can take up to 13 hours to complete. At peak traffic times, this route may take even longer than 13 hours, particularly through cities such as Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, where traffic congestion is common. However, during low traffic times, you can expect to get to Florida in about 11 hours.

Conclusion

Overall, the time it takes to drive from Athens, Tennessee to Lake Wales, Florida depends on your route and the time of day you plan to travel. The fastest route is via I-75 South, which can take up to 8 hours to complete while the slowest route is via US-441 which can take up to 13 hours. If you want to take a scenic drive, I-59 South to I-10 East is the best route for you, but it may take up to 12 hours to complete. Whatever route you choose to take, plan well, take breaks along the way, and enjoy the journey!