Sometimes going for a ride in the country can have a re-energizing effect. Just cruising down the highway and looking at all the amazing scenery provides a calm one cannot get in the hustle and bustle of the city. We are blessed to live in a state with so much beautiful land, reminiscent of a postcard come to life. Nothing relaxes quite like a trip down the best scenic drives in Kentucky and, fortunately, scenic country roads are plentiful here. Gas up the car and pack some snacks for the road, because you'll want to keep driving in search of splendid windshield views in The Bluegrass State. Here are 10 of the most scenic country roads in Kentucky:
1. Boone Creek Scenic Byway
The array of colors along this Byway during the fall is like driving through an artist’s palette. This route will take you along Grimes Mill Road near KY-418, and the creek that runs alongside it adds a little bit of magic song to the wind.
2. Country Music Highway
U.S. 23 is known as the Country Music Highway, as it runs through seven counties what were home to the music stars Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gail, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and more. Not to mention the incredible view of the Kentucky Appalachians. Turn up the radio and prepare to cruise with the windows down.
3. Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway
Lakes, rivers, small towns, and rural communities will greet drivers as they cruise down the CCHH. This is truly a beautiful drive that takes one’s thoughts away from anything to do with the city. Just hop on KY-90 in Parkers Lake and cruise until you reach Cumberland Falls State Park.
4. Highway 245
Taking this country highway from Clermont to Bardstown takes drivers past acres of Bernheim Forest, farm land, a dairy farm, and lots of what could be considered historic, but off the record, homes. Interestingly, this route has been around for years, but it wasn't designated as KY-245 until between 1940 and 1957.
5. Ironworks Pike
Lexington is astonishingly beautiful, and this brief route is no exception. This scenic drive is incredibly beautiful from White Sulpher to Athens. Drivers are met with an array of colors that are vivid and memorable in the fall, and spring in this area is like a breath of fresh air.
6. Kentucky Route 453 S
This is an extremely scenic road that runs between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, known as Woodland Trace. This relaxing and beautiful drive can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. Find more on the recreational activities available in this area at Recreation.gov.
7. Louisville and Nashville Turnpike
This beautiful journey begins at Lincoln’s birthplace just south of Hodgenville. It ends in Bardstown, near my old Kentucky Home State Park. The old Louisville and Nashville Turnpike was a toll road, and portions of this old highway are on the National Register of Historic Places.
8. US Highway 68
U.S. 68 runs for over 500 miles from Northern Ohio to Western Kentucky, and the entirety of this drive is stunning. In The Bluegrass State, drivers will pass a pleasant shaker village and the Perryville Battle site after passing Harrodsburg. If you are a fan of history, you'll find that this route actually passes several Civil War-era places of interest.
9. Slade around Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge is known for its beauty, and just driving past can be awe inspiring. Start the 27 mile journey southeast of Lexington off Mountain Parkway in Slade. It runs back and forth across the Parkway past the town of Pine Ridge.
10. Pine Mountain Road
This long, curvy country road in Letcher County has been the subject of much debate due to some sharp turns. However, when it comes to beauty, there's no debating the amazing scenery along the sides.
No matter where you go in The Bluegrass State, you'll find beautiful scenery bursting with epic beauty. During the spring and summer the palette is shades of green with pops of color. During autumn, the forests come ablaze with orange, red, gold and other shades. What do you think are the best scenic drives in Kentucky? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Can't get enough of our state's astonishing beauty? Another one of the best scenic drives in Kentucky is Pisgah Pike, which is a breath of fresh air in the summer months.
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