How far is Middlesboro, KY from Rocky Top, TN?
The driving distance from Middlesboro, KY to Rocky Top, TN is about 50.6 miles (81.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.4 miles (58.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 04m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Campbell County, Tennessee, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Middlesboro and Rocky Top.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Middlesboro and Rocky Top.
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1
Start on Lothbury Avenue
53 m · 10 sec · Lothbury Avenue
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2
Turn right onto 21st Street
155 m · 30 sec · 21st Street
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3
Turn left onto West Cumberland Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · West Cumberland Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Cumberland Gap Parkway
3.4 mi · 6 min · Cumberland Gap Parkway
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Cumberland Gap Parkway
1.1 mi · 2 min · Cumberland Gap Parkway
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6
Turn right onto Appalachian Highway
18.1 mi · 21 min · Appalachian Highway
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7
Continue on General Carl W Stiner Highway
10 mi · 11 min · General Carl W Stiner Highway
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8
Continue on East Central Avenue
2.6 mi · 3 min · East Central Avenue
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9
Continue on Jackson Pike
1536 ft · 20 sec · Jackson Pike
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10
Continue on Jacksboro Pike
3.3 mi · 5 min · Jacksboro Pike
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11
Continue on West Central Avenue
3.8 mi · 5 min · West Central Avenue
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12
Continue on Royal Blue Road
649 ft · 8 sec · Royal Blue Road
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Knoxville
5.7 mi · 6 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
1058 ft · 26 sec
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15
Keep slight right
74 m · 6 sec
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16
Turn slight right onto North Main Street
1.4 km · 2 min · North Main Street
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17
Continue on Main Street
1331 ft · 43 sec · Main Street
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18
Turn right onto 4th Street
4 m · 1 sec · 4th Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Middlesboro and Rocky Top.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Appalachian Highway
Turn right onto Appalachian Highway
18.1 mi · 00h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Areas Of Fog then Sunny leaving Middlesboro and Sunny near Rocky Top.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Middlesboro to Rocky Top?
The road trip is about 50.6 miles (81.5 km) and usually takes 01h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
LaFollette is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.3 miles from Middlesboro and 25.4 miles from Rocky Top.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.4 miles (58.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:22 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.76 one way or $13.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Fog then Sunny around Middlesboro and Sunny near Rocky Top.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Middlesboro and Rocky Top. Straight-line distance: 36.35 mi (58.5 km).
#1 Middlesboro
City in Bell County, Kentucky, United States of America
| Population | 10,730 |
| Coordinates | 36.6084200, -83.7165800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rocky Top
Rocky Top is a place in Tennessee, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 36.2178600, -84.1546500 |
| Altitude | 264 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rocky Top (-84.15465, 36.21786)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.78 | $6.76 | $13.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.37 | $7.82 | $15.64 |
| Premium | $4.81 | $8.61 | $17.21 |
| Diesel | $6.05 | $10.83 | $21.67 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Kentucky · Nov 08, 2026