Road Trip from Athens, Tennessee to Mount Vernon, Kentucky: Fast vs. Scenic Routes

If you're planning a road trip from Athens, Tennessee to Mount Vernon, Kentucky, there are a couple of ways to get there. Whether you're in a rush to arrive or you want to take your time and enjoy the sights, we've got you covered. In this post, we'll go over the fastest and most scenic routes and give you an estimate of how long it will take based on different traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

If time is of the essence, taking the fastest route is your best bet. The quickest way to get from Athens, Tennessee to Mount Vernon, Kentucky is via I-75 N. This route is mostly flat and straight, and you'll be driving through major cities such as Knoxville and Lexington.

The distance between the two cities is approximately 179 miles and it takes around 2.5 hours to complete the drive with no traffic. However, if you're traveling during peak traffic hours, the travel time can easily double.

The Scenic Route

If you have some extra time and you want to take in the scenic views, we recommend taking the more scenic route through the Daniel Boone National Forest.

This 228-mile drive will take you through the rolling hills and lush greenery of eastern Kentucky. You'll drive through charming small towns such as Berea and Richmond, where you can stop and grab a bite to eat.

The trip will take you around 4 hours with no traffic, but it's definitely worth it if you're looking for a more peaceful and scenic drive.

The Best Time to Travel

If you want to avoid traffic, it's best to avoid traveling during peak hours. Typically, rush hour traffic can begin as early as 6:30 am and last until 9:00 am and can pick up again around 3:00 pm and last until 7:00 pm.

If you can avoid traveling during these times, you'll save yourself some time and frustration. The best time to travel is either very early in the morning or late at night.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the time it takes to travel from Athens, Tennessee to Mount Vernon, Kentucky is dependent on the route you take and the time of day you decide to travel. If you're in a hurry, take the I-75 N route for the quickest travel time. If you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery, take the more scenic route through the Daniel Boone National Forest. At any rate, be sure to check the traffic updates to avoid getting stuck in slow-moving traffic.

Safe travels!