10 Best Scenic Trips in Kentucky
Content
- No. 10 – Route 10 Country Tour
- No. 9 - State Route 92
- No. 8 - Red River Gorge Scenic Lane.
- No. 7 - Red River and Nada Tunnel.
- #6 - Big Lick Loop
- No. 5 - Ohio River and Trail of Tears
- No. 4 - Elk Creek Winery Loop.
- No. 3 - Duncan Hines Scenic Lane.
- No. 2 - Old Frankfurt Pike
- No. 1 - Lincoln Heritage Scenic Lane
It doesn't take long to figure out why Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of how richly colored the grass is due to the fertile soil. The region is also known for its racing history and centers of bourbon production. These things alone make spending time in the area worthwhile and enjoyable, but there's more to Kentucky than meets the eye. Its rivers and state parks are full of recreational opportunities, and wildlife like deer, turkey, and elk thrive. Step off the beaten Interstate onto a back road or two-lane highway for a closer connection to the state, starting with one of our favorite Kentucky scenic drives:
No. 10 – Route 10 Country Tour
Start Location: Alexandria, Kentucky
Final location: Maysville, Kentucky
Length: Mile 53
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
For a tour of rural Kentucky without detracting from nature, nothing beats Route 10. Small towns and rural farms dominate the landscape, while valleys with patches of forest delight the eye. The larger city of Maysville on the banks of the Ohio River is especially picturesque, and a series of downtown flood wall murals document the city's rich history.
No. 9 - State Route 92
Start Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky
Final location: Pineville, Kentucky
Length: Mile 38
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
Much of this tree-lined road passes through the foothills of the state and skirts the Kentucky Ridge State Forest. Much of the countryside is rural and there are few gas stations, so stock up on fuel and provisions at the start or end of your trip. In Pineville, you can climb Pine Mountain to see the unusual rock formation Chain Rock, which is a popular photo spot.
No. 8 - Red River Gorge Scenic Lane.
Start Location: Stanton, Kentucky
Final location: Zacharias, Kentucky
Length: Mile 47
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This winding road runs right through the Red River Gorge National Geological Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest. With over 100 natural stone arches, waterfalls and dense foliage, the setting is an outdoor enthusiast's dream and offers plenty of photo opportunities. In the Slade, consider taking the opportunity to go kayaking or rock climbing for a thrill, or just visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, which is full of venomous snakes.
No. 7 - Red River and Nada Tunnel.
Start Location: Stanton, Kentucky
Final location: Pine Ridge, Ky
Length: Mile 29
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
Much of this trip follows the Red River, so travelers can almost always stop to throw a rope or take a dip in the water when the mood improves. In Stanton, don't miss the easy one-kilometer hike to the Sky Bridge, which is great for photos with the bridge's natural stone archway. On Route 77, you will come across the 900-foot Nada Tunnel, which was once a railroad tunnel and serves as a link between Red River Gorge and the Daniel Boone National Forest.
#6 - Big Lick Loop
Start Location: Carrollton, Kentucky
Final location: Carrollton, Kentucky
Length: Mile 230
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
Ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway through the Kentucky countryside, this route follows two scenic routes between Carrollton and Big Lick Hollow on the outskirts of New Haven. The trails at Big Lick Hollow offer panoramic views of the North Fork River and the quaint town of New Haven, full of railroad history. In the spring, you will likely encounter the three-month-long Highland Renaissance Festival or the Celtic Festival in the month of September.
No. 5 - Ohio River and Trail of Tears
Start Location: Marion, Kentucky
Final location: Marion, Kentucky
Length: Mile 89
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This trip showcases two of Kentucky's notable locations - the Ohio River and part of the Trail of Tears - as well as many rolling hills and wooded areas. Make a stop in Smithland to see its historic buildings and maybe enjoy some water activities like fishing or swimming near the dam. If you decide to spend the weekend here, consider staying overnight in Benton, where you can attend the Friday or Saturday night show at the Kentucky Opry.
No. 4 - Elk Creek Winery Loop.
Start Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Final location: Louisville, Kentucky
Length: Mile 153
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
Take your time on this journey through rolling hills, sleeping cities, and sprawling farmlands, but watch out for sharp turns along the way. Stop to explore the capital Frankfurt, where several old churches may be of interest, including the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, built in 1835. Creek Winery with great views and delicious adult drinks.
No. 3 - Duncan Hines Scenic Lane.
Start Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Final location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Length: Mile 105
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
With at least three important stops along this route, set aside a day to take in the sights to the fullest, starting with the Museum of Kentucky at Bowling Green, the birthplace of cake-making legend Duncan Hines. Once in the Green River Valley with stunning views, stop to explore Mammoth Cave State Park, which has 400 miles of mapped underground passages and much more to explore. Back in Bowling Green, end the day at the National Corvette Museum just across the street from the assembly plant that makes all these supercars.
No. 2 - Old Frankfurt Pike
Start Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Final location: Frankfurt, Kentucky
Length: Mile 26
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
Passing right through the heart of the Kentucky Bluegrass region, expect great views of the farmland from this two-lane country route. Consider touring the Kentucky Horse Park or Lexington National Cemetery before you start to get a taste of the racing traditions and Civil War history that have shaped the region. Once in Frankfurt, Cove Spring Park offers many recreational activities, such as a hike to Hearst Falls, to help unwind after a day.
No. 1 - Lincoln Heritage Scenic Lane
Start Location: Hodgenville, Kentucky
Final location: Danville, Kentucky
Length: Mile 67
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This scenic drive through various small towns and bourbon country is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon and is easily accessible from cities like Louisville or Lexington. Travelers traveling this route have the opportunity to explore sites of interest to Civil War enthusiasts such as the Bardstown Civil War History Museum and the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. While in Bardstown, known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World", be sure to try an ounce or two at Maker's Mark Distillery or Jim Beam's American Stillhouse.
