A Road Trip from Athens, Tennessee to Montpelier, Vermont!

Are you ready to embark on a road trip from Athens, Tennessee to the capital of Vermont, Montpelier? The journey will take you across multiple states and through some stunning landscapes. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Appalachian Trail, you'll have the chance to experience some of the best scenery that the eastern United States has to offer. So buckle up, hit the road, and let's explore the different travel options along the way!

Route 1: The I-40 and I-81 Route

One of the most direct routes from Athens to Montpelier is taking the I-40 and I-81 highway stretch. This drive takes you over 896 miles and typically takes around 14 hours. This route starts out with some beautiful scenery as you pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and then continues through Virginia before turning to the East Coast.

Along the way, there are numerous roadside attractions that you can stop at, such as the Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia. This park is home to a massive rock formation that's been carved out by Cedar Creek. It offers hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a living history exhibit.

Route 2: The I-64 and I-81 Route

Another popular route is to take the I-64 and I-81 highway, which cuts through Virginia, West Virginia and then proceeds to Vermont. This route is the longest, clocking in at around 1,100 miles, and typically takes around 17 hours to complete. However, the drive along this road is breathtaking - a must-see if you're interested in picturesque views.

In West Virginia, you can stop at the famous New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. You can even walk across the bridge and take in some of the best scenery in the state.

Route 3: The I-95 and I-91 Route

You can choose a completely different path by taking a detour and using toll roads. Head up the scenic and historic I-95 corridor and then turn onto I-91 to Montpelier. This route covers about 800 miles and is the fastest, taking around 13 hours to get to Vermont.

If you find yourself wanting to stretch your legs, consider taking a break at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Virginia. This museum has some of the most iconic aircraft ever produced on display, including the Wright Brothers' flyer. It's perfect for a family day out and gives a fascinating insight into aviation history.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are several different routes you can take to get from Athens, Tennessee to Montpelier, Vermont. Each has its own unique charm and beauty. My advice is to take your time and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Schedule breaks along the way to rest and stretch your legs, perhaps exploring some of the many attractions along the way.

Whatever route you choose, make sure to pack snacks, water, and a playlist of great tunes to keep you entertained. A road trip across the diverse United States is an unforgettable experience, and this one is no exception. So go ahead, hit the open road and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.