Scenic Splendor: 6 Incredible Scenic Drives in Kentucky (2024)

• Paramount Art Center (Ashland, KY) – If you’re a big movie buff, this is a can’t-miss stop for you! The Paramount Arts Center first opened in 1931 and is one of the first transitional theaters built for “talking pictures” made by none other than Paramount Studios. Today it still stands as a theater that hosts events such as concerts, stand-up comedy, ballet, and more!

• Hatfield-McCoy Feud Driving Tour (Pikeville, KY) – Everyone knows the famous feud between two southern families, the Hatfields and the McCoys. This is a self-guided driving tour in which you have the chance to see some of the most notable sites from the feud between these two families.

When to go: This drive would be beautiful at any time of the year, but we especially recommend the Fall season when the leaves have changed, and you can see all of the colors in the landscapes and scenic areas around you.

Make a stop off the byway to visit Big Bone Lick State Park, where there are a number of fun activities and beautiful sights to see. Popular highlights include a visit to the Bison herd, taking a tour of the Big Bone Lick Museum, hiking trails, digging for fossils, and searching for Salt Springs along the Big Bone Creek trail.

When to go: The byway and campsite are open year-round. In order to take advantage of all activities and facilities, it is best to visit between the months of March-November as some facilities are only available on a seasonal basis.

Pro tip: If you would like to camp at the Big Bone Lick campsite, it is recommended to make a reservation ahead of time as space is limited.

3. Best Scenic Drives in Kentucky: Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway

• Distance: 184 miles
• Time Needed: 1-2 days

The Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway is one of the most popular byways in the state of Kentucky because of its beautiful landscapes made up of a number of routes and bodies of water in the area. A drive down CCHH will leave you relaxed and free from worries and stress!

There are a number of bodies of water that you will pass by as you make your way down the CCHH, including Dale Hollow Lake, Green River Lake, Big South Fork National Area, and most notably, Lake Cumberland, one of the best US lake vacation destinations for families.

While you can make the drive in just a single day, we recommend taking a couple of days when you reach the end of your trial at the beautiful Lake Cumberland, where you can enjoy fun outdoor/water activities, including rafting, fishing, swimming, and camping making for the perfect family-friendly getaway.

When to go: The Summer months are the best time to take this road trip to ensure that you are able to take full advantage of Lake Cumberland and all of the fun the area has to offer. During this time, not only will the temperatures be nice, but the water will also be warm enough to enjoy!

While the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway will only take about an hour if you drive it straight through, be sure to account for some time in your agenda to stop and enjoy some of the landmarks along the way.

Some notable attractions along the way include the Nada Tunnel, the Gladie Visitor Center, where you can learn about the history and heritage of the Red River Gorge, and of course, views of the beautiful Red River.

You don’t want to miss The Gorge Underground Adventure where you will get the chance to travel through the cave in either your own kayak or ride as a passenger during a boat tour.

When to go: Red River Gorge is open year-round for visitors, but the best time to visit is typically between the months of April-September. Try to avoid visiting during rainy conditions, as this can make outdoor activities a bit more difficult to navigate through and enjoy.

• Pro tip: Vehicles larger than 12 feet in width or height should enter the Gorge from the KY 715 end of the byway, and large vehicles may have trouble passing through the Nada Tunnel.

Can’t-miss stops along the drive include The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Historic Site, where you can see the First Lincoln Memorial and Lincoln’s boyhood home, America’s oldest Trappist Monastery as well as the Bourbon Trail, which features eight bourbon distilleries that make for a great bourbon tour. (Fun fact: Bourbon is known as America’s official spirit)

• Pro Tip: It is highly recommended that you make reservations when visiting any of the bourbon distilleries as they are very popular, and spots may fill up quickly.

When to go: This particular drive would be great at any time of the year. Keep in mind that if you are traveling during the winter months, it is best to pack layers, blankets, and extra food/water in your vehicle.