There’s a saying that “the only way out is through,” but when it comes to scenic drives in Kentucky, we happen to think just the opposite: that *the* way itself is through. For scenic road trips, the journey is the destination, and in Kentucky, what a beautiful, wonderful, marvelous journey it is. Take, for example, the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, a 43-mile route that’s truly one of the most sublime scenic drives in Kentucky and takes you to some of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky. Come along with us as we drive through Land Between the Lakes on this immensely scenic route. Doe Valley Lake, Kentucky is just one of the gorgeous sights you’ll see along the way.

Land Between the Lakes (LBTL) is an absolutely splendid area with a rich and engaging landscape. This region stretches across the Kentucky and Tennessee borders, right between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
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Surrounded by two legendary lakes: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes is 170,000 acres of dazzling beaches, vibrant wildflowers, and constellation-dotted skies. It’s a magical region teeming with wildlife, where wild buffalo quite literally roam free.
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And guess what? All of this natural splendor can be enjoyed via the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, a 43-mile route that's truly one of the most sublime scenic drives in Kentucky.
Land Between the Lakes/Flickr
The route literally runs straight through Land Between the Lakes, for an immersive and up-close experience that's wholly accessible -- truly unrivaled.
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As it's only 43 miles long, this drive could be easily be accomplished in an hour or two -- but we recommend taking it slow and savoring each and every sinuous turn and scenic vista.
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Doe Valley Lake, Kentucky is just one of the beautiful sights you'll see along the way. It's a popular golf course, campground, and fishing spot with a marina perfect for a day of boating.
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There's no shortage of highlights along the way, either, from Grand Rivers, home to the lovely Lighthouse Landing, an inn and restaurant that's a slice of Cape Cod in the Bluegrass...
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...to the Great Western Furnace, one of eight iron furnaces that operated from the mid-1800s and into the early 1900s.
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Feel free to get out and stretch your legs on this easy, 0.3-mile loop trail!
As you drive, be sure to proceed slowly and with caution, as the road is often shared by cyclists (motorcyclists *and* bicyclists) as well as folks exploring via horseback and foot.
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A place of untold beauty and splendor, there's no place in Kentucky quite like Land Between the Lakes. So hop into the car for a leisurely afternoon along the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, one of the very best scenic drives in Kentucky.
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And if you feel inclined to hit the trails, you can walk on water on this Kentucky water trail in Land Between the Lakes!

Have you driven this immensely scenic drive in Kentucky before? Did you know Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway ran through Land Between the Lakes? This is one road trip sure to leave a lasting impression.

Curious about what to expect along this scenic route? Check out this overview c/o Interstate411:

Safe travels, friends! Make sure to keep stocked with road trip snacks for your journey!

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More to Explore

Best Views In Kentucky

Raymond Goldfield | August 23, 2023

Where Can I Find The Best Views In Kentucky? 

The Woodlands Trace Scenic Byway offers some of the best views in Kentucky, but don't miss these hidden gems!

  • The Falls Campground might just be the most beautiful campground in all of Kentucky, located in the small town of Louisa. This is a rural campground, without the bells and whistles of resort campgrounds, but it makes up for it in stunning natural beauty. It's a popular spot for fishing and swimming, with a sandy lakeside beach, but the highlight definitely has to be The Falls of Blaine Creek. A campground with a private waterfall? It doesn't get any better than that.
  • Black Mountain is the highest point in Kentucky, located a staggering 4,145 feet above sea level. The land is private property, but you can sign a waiver to visit. This rural location is ideal for those who want amazing views in a classic outdoor adventure. While there aren't hiking trails on the mountain, the Black Mountain Offroad Adventure Area lets visitors drive through the wilderness and go ziplining on the way to some incredible views.
  • Eighteen at the Radisson offers very different kinds of views - towering over the city of Covington, with a great sightline to Cincinnati, Ohio across the Ohio River. This skytop restaurant at a mid-priced hotel is eighteen floors up, and every seat has an amazing view. If you can tear your eyes away from the skyline, you'll find prime rib and seafood among the highlights at this acclaimed steakhouse.

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