How far is Rocky Top, TN from Middlesboro, KY?
The driving distance from Rocky Top, TN to Middlesboro, KY is about 50.4 miles (81.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.4 miles (58.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 07m 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 03m.
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 Rocky Top and Middlesboro.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rocky Top and Middlesboro.
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1
Start on 4th Street
4 m · 9 sec · 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto South Main Street
1360 ft · 40 sec · South Main Street
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3
Continue on North Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward Louisville
5.4 mi · 6 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 25W North, TN 63 East: Caryville, Jacksboro, La Follette
823 ft · 20 sec
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6
Keep slight right
73 m · 6 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto West Central Avenue
3.7 mi · 5 min · West Central Avenue
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8
Continue on Jacksboro Pike
3.3 mi · 5 min · Jacksboro Pike
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9
Continue on Jackson Pike
1528 ft · 20 sec · Jackson Pike
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10
Continue on West Central Avenue
2.6 mi · 3 min · West Central Avenue
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11
Continue on General Carl W Stiner Highway
10 mi · 11 min · General Carl W Stiner Highway
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12
Continue on Appalachian Highway
18.1 mi · 21 min · Appalachian Highway
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13
At the end of the road, turn left onto Cumberland Gap Highway
3224 ft · 51 sec · Cumberland Gap Highway
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14
Continue on Cumberland Gap Parkway
3.9 mi · 6 min · Cumberland Gap Parkway
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15
Turn left onto East Cumberland Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · East Cumberland Avenue
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16
Turn right onto 21st Street
155 m · 28 sec · 21st Street
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17
Turn left onto Lothbury Avenue
53 m · 8 sec · Lothbury Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lothbury Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rocky Top and Middlesboro.
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
Continue on 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.
Sunny leaving Rocky Top and Areas Of Fog then Sunny near Middlesboro.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rocky Top to Middlesboro?
The road trip is about 50.4 miles (81.1 km) and usually takes 01h 03m 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 25.2 miles from Rocky Top and 25.2 miles from Middlesboro.
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 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 $6.46 one way or $12.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rocky Top and Areas Of Fog then Sunny near Middlesboro.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rocky Top and Middlesboro. Straight-line distance: 36.35 mi (58.5 km).
#1 Rocky Top
Rocky Top is a place in Tennessee, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 36.2178600, -84.1546500 |
| Altitude | 264 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Middlesboro
City in Bell County, Kentucky, United States of America
| Population | 10,730 |
| Coordinates | 36.6084200, -83.7165800 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Middlesboro (-83.71658, 36.60842)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 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 | $3.63 | $6.46 | $12.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.10 | $7.30 | $14.60 |
| Premium | $4.52 | $8.05 | $16.09 |
| Diesel | $5.86 | $10.43 | $20.85 |
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 Tennessee · Nov 08, 2026