If you are looking to travel from LaFollette to Franklin, Tennessee, expect a journey covering 204.9 miles. This trip typically takes about 3 hours and 39 minutes, making it a manageable excursion that fits well into a single day of travel. You should budget approximately $31 for fuel to cover the distance. Because this route involves navigating local roads rather than major interstates, it is best suited for drivers who prefer a slower, more hands-on experience. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, this drive offers a direct path between these two Southeastern Tennessee locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
103.3 miles from LaFollette, TN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 40
134.5 mi
2h 24m
I 65
14.1 mi
15m
Harriman Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Frost Bottom Road
7.1 mi
12m
US 25W
5.7 mi
6m
Briceville Highway
5.3 mi
9m
North Roane Street
4.1 mi
4m
West Central Avenue
3.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 40
— 134.5 mi, about 2h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between LaFollette, TN and Franklin, TN.
1
Start on SR 63
0.8 mi·1 min·East Central Avenue
2
Continue on US 25W; SR 63
0.3 mi·19 sec·Jackson Pike
3
Continue on US 25W; SR 63
3.3 mi·5 min·Jacksboro Pike
4
Continue on US 25W; TN 63
3.8 mi·4 min·West Central Avenue
5
Continue on US 25W; TN 63
0.1 mi·8 sec·Royal Blue Road
6
Take the exit onto US 25W
5.7 mi·6 min·US 25W
Toward Knoxville
7
Take the exit onto I 75; US 25W
0.2 mi·25 sec·I 75; US 25W
Toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75; US 25W
241 ft·5 sec·I 75; US 25W
9
Turn slight right onto US 25W; SR 116
0.8 mi·1 min·North Main Street
10
Turn right onto SR 116
3.8 mi·9 min·Creek Street
11
At end of road, turn left onto SR 116
234 ft·7 sec·Briceville Highway
12
Continue on SR 116
5.2 mi·9 min·Briceville Highway
13
Continue on SR 330
166 ft·3 sec·Briceville Highway
14
Continue on SR 330
7.1 mi·12 min·Frost Bottom Road
15
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330
0.4 mi·43 sec·Dutch Valley Road
16
Continue on SR 330
0.5 mi·1 min·Walden Avenue
17
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 330
0.6 mi·1 min·East Spring Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto SR 330
0.1 mi·14 sec·Main Street
19
Continue on SR 330
0.2 mi·24 sec·Railroad Avenue
20
Turn right onto SR 330
447 ft·11 sec·Winter Gap Road
21
Turn left onto SR 61
1.2 mi·1 min·East Tri County Boulevard
22
Continue on SR 61
9.6 mi·10 min·Harriman Highway
23
Merge onto US 27
0.2 mi·10 sec·Bitter Creek Highway
24
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·15 sec·Harriman Highway
25
Continue on US 27
2.1 mi·2 min·Hannah Highway
26
Continue on US 27
4.1 mi·4 min·North Roane Street
27
Turn left
0.2 mi·25 sec
28
Merge onto I 40
134 mi·2 hr 24 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 213AToward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 53Toward I 440 West: Memphis
31
Continue on I 440
2.1 mi·2 min·Debra K Johnson Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 5Toward I 65: Nashville, HuntsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·15 sec
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
34
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·57 sec·this road
Exit 5Toward 65: Huntsville
35
Merge onto I 65
14 mi·15 min·I 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 65Toward TN 96: Franklin, MurfreesboroUse the slight right lane.
37
Turn right onto TN 96
2.3 mi·3 min·Murfreesboro Road
Use the right lane.
38
Continue on TN 96
0.3 mi·34 sec·3rd Avenue South
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Enter roundabout onto US 31 Business; TN 96
397 ft·6 sec·Public Square
40
Arrive at destination
US 31 Business; TN 96
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is straightforward since this 3-hour and 39-minute trip is easily completed in one day. With only one stop recommended, you have plenty of flexibility to pace the drive according to your own needs. Keep in mind that since you are navigating local roads, travel times can fluctuate based on local traffic conditions, so try to avoid peak hours if you want to maintain a steady pace. Before you head out from LaFollette, ensure your vehicle is prepped for a trip that demands frequent turning rather than high-speed cruising. A practical tip for this specific journey is to map out your single stop in advance, as the local nature of the roads makes spontaneous pull-offs slightly less convenient than they would be on a major interstate.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 103.3 miles from LaFollette, TN, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 45 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.3 miles or 2h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Franklin, TN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving LaFollette, TN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from LaFollette, TN
This is one driving day of about 206.6 miles and 4h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from LaFollette, TN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 40 for about 134.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 14.1 and 203.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
14.1 mi into trip|~17m in|I 75; US 25W
Take the exit onto I 75; US 25W toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 25W South: Rocky Top, Lake City
7
185.3 mi into trip|~3h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 213A
Toward I 24 East, I 440 West: Memphis, Chattano...
8
188.7 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward I 65: Nashville, Huntsville
6
188.8 mi into trip|~3h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 65 South: Huntsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 65 South: Huntsville
8
203.6 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Take the exit toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 65
Toward TN 96: Franklin, Murfreesboro
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.30 one way
$64.60 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$35.46
$70.93
premium
$4.89
$39.76
$79.52
diesel
$5.61
$45.61
$91.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62
0
$21.69
$9.92
Efficient EV
51.7
0
$18.08
$8.26
EV Truck/SUV
82.6
1
$28.92
$13.22
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
LaFollette, TN
Late night
in LaFollette on Sunday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Franklin, TN
Late night
in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
1:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Spring City, TN
103 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 6m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stones River National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it ch...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 171
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route relies on roads like Jackson Pike, Jacksboro Pike, and West Central Avenue to get you to your destination. With a highway share of 0%, you won't be cruising at high speeds on open freeways for long stretches. Instead, expect a technical drive that requires your full attention as you transition through the local topography. The character of the road is defined by its constant turns, offering a driving experience that feels much more localized than a standard highway commute.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 134.5 mi on I 40.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 40 and I 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.1 miles in near I 75; US 25W.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 206.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 14.1 miles (I 75; US 25W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between LaFollette, TN and Franklin, TN, road signs point toward Lake City, Chattanooga, Huntsville and 65: Huntsville.
Franklin is a city of 81,000 people (2018) in Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville.
There are two main areas of interest. One is the Cool Springs area, which is identified by its corporate and retail growth surrounding one of the largest malls in the Southeast, the CoolSprings Galleria. The other is historic downtown Franklin which retains much of its small town charm. It is a walkable, friendly historic downtown district, recognized as a Great American Main Street.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 6m. Total distance: 206.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 134.5 miles on I 40. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Franklin, TN before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 14.1 miles (I 75; US 25W): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stones River National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Franklin, TN, but most travelers stay overnight.
