Here in Kentucky, the wanderlust is real. Luckily, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable road trips in Kentucky! Why? Well, for starters, Kentucky is an absolutely beautiful state, brimming with forestry, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and an abundance of natural wonders, both natural and manmade. There’s a ton of history here, too, allowing for some of the best historical day trips in the country. So gas up the car and get ready to make some sweet, road trip memories in Kentucky!

1. Bourbon Tour My Old Kentucky Home
Madriger/Flickr
There are several different bourbon trails to enjoy in Kentucky including Versailles, Bardstown, Louisville, Lexington, and Clermont, just to name a few. Highway 245 at exit 112 off I65 takes you towards Bardstown, but you pass a nice winery by Bernheim Forest, which also makes an excellent break point. You will run into Jim Beam, Kentucky’s biggest selling distillery. On towards Bardstown, you will find Heaven Hill Distillery, the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train and My Old Kentucky Home.
2. Lincoln Heritage Scenic Byway/Museum
Joseph Novak/Flickr
Kentucky may *not* be known as The Land of Lincoln, but this beloved president had big ties to The Bluegrass State. Everyone knows who Lincoln was, but not all know about the scenic byway tour that takes you for a trip down Lincoln memory lane. The journey starts on US 31 E and US 150 in Hodgenville. There you can visit Lincoln's birthplace, childhood home, and the Lincoln Museum. Next stop is Bardstown, home of the Civil War Museum and three renowned distilleries. Keep going and you will run into Springfield and Lincoln Homestead State Park. This will be followed by the site of the biggest Civil War battle in Kentucky, Perryville, and lastly Danville. This is where Kentucky’s actual statehood was determined. This is an epic trip sure to please history buffs.
3. US 23 Country Music Heritage Museum
Nathan Fields/Google Local
Another scenic byway tour in The Bluegrass State, this road in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachians is known as the Country Music Highway. It runs from Ashland to the north, to Whitesburg in the south. You travel through the mountains and pass country music and several coal mining heritage sites. Plus, you will also pass by Loretta Lynn’s Butcher Hollow and the beautiful Jenny Wiley State Park. This Kentucky road trip is a must for all country music fans!

Related Stories

You Won't Believe Everything You'll Find Along This Classic Kentucky Road

You Won't Believe Everything You'll Find Along This Classic Kentucky Road

 The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Kentucky

The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Kentucky

 This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Kentucky

This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Kentucky
4. Wilderness Road Heritage Highway Pine Mountain
hapauldi/Flickr
Leading from Middlesboro to Berea, this wonderful drive follows the journeys of some of our earliest pioneers. We began near the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, where Daniel Boone created his own Wilderness Road. Heading north, travelers will see the beautiful Pine Mountain Resort Park with its beautiful foliage and forests. Next we see the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park, can catch a country music show at Renfo Valley Entertainment Center and see the recreated pioneer village. Last stop is Berea, the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, that's perhaps the most delightful town in the entire state.
5. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Christina Ramey/Flickr
If you have visited Red River Gorge, you already know this is one of the most incredible journeys you can make in Kentucky. The eponymous scenic byway is a 46 mile drive that passes through the amazing Nada Tunnel as and into the Gorge’s geological area. This is a great place to stop, hike, and experience the splendor of Kentucky nature. Visiting the incredible Sky Bridge and the Angel Windows are a must -- and both are accessible via an easy walk. If you grow weary of driving, simply paddle down Red River or take the sky lift to the Natural Bridge. The journey is sure to be absolutely breathtaking.
6. Woodlands Trace Land Between the Lakes
US Forest Service/Flickr
US Forest Service/Flickr
This scenic byway runs by Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which is one of the absolute most beautiful places in Kentucky. You will see postcard-worthy woodland scenery and pristine lakeside settings. There are a variety of short detours you can take as well, including the Elk and Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory, The Homeplace, Nature Station, plus several waterfront picnic areas. This area offers plenty of fun activities like horseback riding, camping, and boating, too, if you want a break from the car as well.

Each one of the above road trips in Kentucky will leave you with a new feel for the true beauty of The Bluegrass State. The scenic beauty you pass will be unforgettable, and the parks and other attractions are scrapbook-worthy experiences. There are countless serene drives and attractions like these all across the Bluegrass State — what is your favorite spot to go for a road trip in Kentucky?

For more unforgettable road trips in Kentucky, definitely check out these bucket-list worthy adventures!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Unforgettable Road Trips in Kentucky

Sarah | March 31, 2021

What's the most beautiful place in Kentucky?

While the above unforgettable road trips in Kentucky certainly lead to the state's most spectacular wonders, the award for "most beautiful place in Kentucky" would have to go to Red River Gorge. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure. And the adventures begin before arriving at the park itself. The 900-foot Nada Tunnel, known as the "Gateway to Red River Gorge," is former a railroad tunnel that offers a shortcut to the park. Red River Gorge is renowned for its outdoor recreation, offering next-level hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and camping. The park draws upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to neophyte nature lovers. There's truly something for everyone at Red River Gorge. The Gorge is perhaps best-known for its incredible hiking trails, offering drop-dead gorgeous views of waterfalls, canyons, caverns, and other splendid natural features. Red River Gorge truly is a bucket list-worthy adventure in The Bluegrass State. 

What are some scenic drives in Kentucky?

One of Kentucky’s favorite pastimes is an afternoon drive on a scenic back road. The Bluegrass State is full of these gems, some connect small towns, while others surround the perimeter of a natural wonder. No matter what type of scenery you prefer, you’ll find it on one of the very best scenic drives in Kentucky. One of our favorites is Mammoth Cave Parkway. In Mammoth Cave, Kentucky HWY 70 becomes Mammoth Cave Parkway and makes for an absolutely splendid scenic afternoon drive. But to add a little adventure to your drive, try out the tiny Green River Ferry. You can access it from the Parkway and it's free to use.

What are the best road trips in Kentucky?

If you're partial to waterfalls, this scenic road trip through a portion of the Bluegrass takes you to 6 of the best waterfalls in Kentucky. Some of them can be seen with just a few steps from your car, while others require a bit of hiking. But all of these stunning areas of Kentucky are worth a visit and you can turn this loop into an unforgettable weekend road trip. Fans of the macabre, meanwhile, will love our haunted road trip, which takes travelers to some of the absolute creepiest places in Kentucky.

 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Ic-8005D, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
66 Lincoln Square, Hodgenville, KY 42748, USA
US 23 Country Music Highway, 100 Stave Branch Rd, Staffordsville, KY 41256, USA
Wilderness Road, Wilderness Rd, Lexington, KY, USA
Slade, KY 40376, USA
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA