Taking the backroads is nothing new in the Bluegrass State and in fact, we typically prefer it. There’s nothing like a scenic drive on a beautiful afternoon and Kentucky offers so many picturesque places to enjoy one. There are definitely many well known routes throughout the state, but this mountain road is a bit of an underappreciated scenic drive in Kentucky. Hal Rogers Parkway connects Somerset to Hazard and is actually as controversial as it is scenic. Take a closer look at this beautiful drive and be sure to let us know if you’ve taken it before!

The Hal Rogers Parkway runs east/west from Somerset to the town of Hazard in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.
Google Maps
The road was originally named Daniel Boone Parkway and was a toll road from 1971 to 2003. The tolls were then removed after US Representative Hal Rogers worked to secure other funding.
When the road was renamed after Hal Rogers, it didn't come without controversy.
@geepixonly, Contributed Photo
Many locals believed the parkway should still be named after Daniel Boone. But the name was not changed and the road was actually extended from London to Somerset. Today it is a total of about 90 miles.

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The entire stretch of road is worth exploring and there are many stops to make along the way.
Google/Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park
If you're a lover of history, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park is a great spot to stop for lunch. There are other nearby hiking trails and things to do in London if you want to extend your day.
Then continue on to Manchester (where the beautiful photo above was taken) and, eventually, to Hazard.
Facebook/City of Hazard - Queen City of the Mountains
The views around Hazard are incredible and offer more ways to get out and stretch your legs.
If you want to continue your drive through this area of Kentucky, consider heading further east to Carr Creek State Park.
Google/Sam Hoskins
In the summer months, this park is home to the longest beach in the state and makes for a lovely place to wrap up your day of taking an underappreciated scenic drive in Kentucky.

From Somerset to Hazard, there are quite a few nearby attractions to enjoy as you take this drive in Kentucky. Hal Rogers Parkway is known for its toll booth history and controversial name, but don’t forget to take it now for beautiful scenery and mountain views.

Have you driven on the Hal Rogers Parkway? Did you drive on it when it was a toll road? Let us know in the comments!

Take a closer look at Carr Creek State Park and see if you’d like to wrap up your drive at this spot.

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Hal Rogers Pkwy, London, KY, USA