These 10 Beautiful Byways In Kentucky Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
By Jenn Shockley|Updated on August 18, 2023(Originally published June 06, 2016)
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Taking a drive across the beautiful byways of Kentucky can be a very memorable experience. There is an abundance of gorgeous scenery that can invigorate the senses and soothe the soul. If you are looking to get out and take a peaceful drive, we’re here to say that you cannot go wrong on any of these 10 scenic drives in Kentucky that have breathtaking landscapes.
10. Country Music Highway
US 23 Country Music Highway, 100 Stave Branch Rd, Staffordsville, KY 41256, USA
The Country Music Highway takes the Eastern Kentucky heritage route with sights and sounds along the way that capture the beauty and history of the area. You will see Native American culture, coal mining country, crafts, Civil War battlegrounds, and places where country music stars were born into history.
The Big Bone Lick Scenic Byway isn’t the longest byway in Kentucky, but it is one of the most wildlife filled. Drivers will see massive herds of buffalo and other large mammals. You will also notice the lush landscape and vast variety of plants and trees.
The Mississippi River has hosted French voyagers, the Underground Railroad, and several Native tribes over the centuries. It passes through some of the charming towns in Kentucky, and several other states. The Great River Road provides drivers with a glimpse into the history and people of Kentucky along the Mississippi.
This winding highway travels through the Kentucky knobs. It provides drivers with a look at the rich culture and history of our state. Travelers will ride through communities like Hodgenville, New Haven, and the most charming town in Kentucky, Bardstown. It also goes on through Perryville, home of the Perryville Battlefield, Danville, and Springfield.
This gorgeous road leads from Harlan to Whitesburg. You will see the true beauty of Kentucky at the 2,800 feet crest on Pine Mountain. You can even pull off and take a stroll on Little Shepherd Trail. The drive is around 43 miles of pure beauty in nature, and ranks high among the most scenic drives in Kentucky.
Pisgah Pike Scenic Byway offers a beautiful way to see Lexington and Versailles. You will drive past many a renowned horse farm and the medieval, yet modern Castlepost, now a B&B. Drivers will see the rolling hills of Kentucky that they sing about in folk songs, and you might even find yourself inspired to write your own song.
Riverboat Row isn’t a long drive, but it is a pleasant one. You can see historic Newport, the original Sin City. Drivers can enjoy the beauty of the river and the peaceful serenity that surrounds it. Stop and take a stroll by the river or just drive past the riverboats and peaceful scenery.
The Wilderness Road Heritage Highway is a historic route that was of grave importance during the Civil War. It also passes the beautiful Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, which offers absolutely gorgeous scenery. Wilderness Road leads to Renfro Valley, which is a famed country music venue, along with Kentucky’s craft capital, Berea.
Woodlands Trace runs between the renowned Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. It offers rolling hills and plenty of forest and waterway views. There are also plenty of places to pull off and explore the beauty along the way. It is one of the most perfect spots in Kentucky to appreciate Mother Nature in all her glory.
Red River Gorge is renowned for its beauty, so it only makes sense that the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway also deserves recognition. The Gorge is a National Natural Landmark, Scenic River, National Wild, and a National Geological Area. The drive around this breathtaking part of our state is definitely one for the bucket list.
If you were to do a search for “best scenic drives near me,” at least one of these beautiful byways would most certainly pop up at the top of the list! Do you see now why we think these are among the most scenic drives in Kentucky?
What are some of your favorite spots to go for a relaxing drive? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:
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More to Explore
More to Love about the Bluegrass State
Lysa Allman-Baldwin|August 18, 2023
Where can we go camping in Kentucky?
Nolin Lake State Park in Mammoth Cave features RV, tent, and beach spots right on the lake.
Renfro Valley KOA Holiday in Mt. Vernon is the best kid-friendly campground in the state.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mammoth Cave is a themed campground with traditional camping sites, an inflatable water park on the lake, and lots of other activities.
Berea is a charming mountain town and where you’ll find the 9,000-acre Berea College Forest.
Harrodsburg, founded in 1774, is called the “Birthplace of the West” and is the oldest city in the state and the oldest American settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Paducah is an art-centered town known for its community events and the popular Paducah Historic Riverfront.
