The Best Route from Bakersville, NC to Lexington, KY: Time it Takes to Drive

North Carolina and Kentucky are two magnificent states filled with breathtaking landscapes that are worth exploring. If you’re planning to drive from Bakersville, North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky, there are a few options. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance, and the time it takes to drive based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Bakersville to Lexington is to take I-40 W and I-75 N. The distance is approximately 290 miles, and it should take you around 5 hours and 15 minutes to drive. This route goes through Asheville, Knoxville, and Cincinnati.

If you’re driving during peak hours, expect some slow stretches in those cities. Rush hour traffic in Asheville and Knoxville can add an additional hour to your drive time. But once you get on I-75 N, you should be able to maintain a steady speed.

The Scenic Route

If you’re in no rush and have some extra time, skip the interstate and take the scenic route. The distance from Bakersville to Lexington is about 341 miles, and it should take you around 7 hours and 15 minutes to drive.

You’ll head north on NC-226 and then turn right on US-19W N. The road will take you through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’ll see magnificent views all around. Once you hit US-11E N, you’ll head toward Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and pass through historic downtown Cumberland Gap. From there, you’ll take US-25E N, which will take you through rural Kentucky before you reach Lexington.

Other Routes

There are other routes you can take, but they may add more time to your drive. If you head through Charlotte and then take I-77 N, you’ll pass through Charleston, West Virginia, and then head south into Lexington. The distance is approximately 455 miles, and it should take you around 8 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

Another option is to head west through Tennessee and then loop around to Lexington. You’ll take I-26 W and then I-81 N before heading south on I-75. This route is about 500 miles and will take around 9 hours to drive.

Conclusion

Driving from Bakersville, North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky can take anywhere from 5 to 9 hours depending on the route you take and traffic patterns. To avoid traffic, try to leave during non-rush hour times. Regardless of which route you take, you’ll get to see some beautiful scenery along the way. Safe travels!