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Drives Kentucky Nashville, Kentucky and the Cumberlands

Highway 52: Irvine to Beattyville

KY 52, Millers Creek Road, Beattyville Road · Irvine → Beattyville

Twisty23 mi40 min1,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,200 ftOne way
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The drive

KY 52 links Irvine in Estill County to Beattyville in Lee County, running about 23 miles across the river country of eastern Kentucky. It starts in Irvine, where KY 52 shares the road with KY 89, and passes Ravenna before it enters Lee County.

The road ends at Beattyville, where KY 52 briefly overlaps KY 11. The route is made of bends and short climbs, and it has little through traffic.

Most drivers arrive at Irvine from Richmond or Lexington, which is why the drive is described in this direction.

Along the way

  1. Irvine (KY 89)
  2. Beattyville (KY 11)
Elevation
1,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,200 ft
IrvineBeattyville
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
IrvineBeattyville
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Part of the road is signed Millers Creek Road (KY 1571) on some maps; it is the same drive.
  • Traffic is light and the road is rural, so plan fuel before you start.
  • Check GoKY for closures before you go, especially after heavy rain.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check GoKY (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet).

Questions about this drive

How long does KY 52 from Irvine to Beattyville take?

It is 22.7 miles and takes about 40 minutes.

Is KY 52 between Irvine and Beattyville busy?

No. It has little through traffic.

Where do I check KY 52 for closures?

GoKY, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's traffic site, lists current closures.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 52: Irvine to Beattyville, from Irvine to Beattyville