The crown jewel of Kentucky, Red River Gorge is teeming with outdoor recreation and adventure, offering next-level hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and camping. It’s also one of the most scenic places in the country, and you can experience its grandeur on the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. This 46-mile scenic drive in Kentucky is one of the most beautiful routes you’ll ever take, and it is a perfect way to experience the resplendence of the area. If you’re been looking for the “best scenic drives near me” in Kentucky, it’s safe to say: Your search is over.

Red River Gorge is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in Kentucky. Known as the "Grand Canyon of Kentucky," it is a canyon system along the Red River in the eastern part of the state.
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This Daniel Boone National Forest scenic drive highlights the gorge, which is a magical place any time of the year, offering some of the very best outdoor recreation in the country...
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...and the adventure begins even before you enter the park, itself.
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The 900-foot Nada Tunnel, known as the "Gateway to Red River Gorge," is a former railroad tunnel that offers a shortcut into the park.
Driving through the one-lane Nada Tunnel is a harrowing experience, but it's part of the excitement of a trip to the gorge. And in the interest of full disclosure, locals also claim it's haunted!
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The tunnel is just the beginning of the beauty that awaits along this supremely scenic drive in Kentucky. Grab a map from the Slade Welcome Center (30 L&E Railroad Pl, Slade, KY, 40376) and chart out your adventure!
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Spanning 46 miles, start to finish, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway packs quite a punch in terms of history, points of interest, and stunning vistas. The scenic byway follows the twists and turns of Red River, the first National Wild and Scenic River in Kentucky, with each view somehow better than the last.
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Along the way, you'll pass Gladie Cultural and Environmental Learning Center, a pastoral area that has a reconstructed log home dating back to the late 1800s.
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The road continues on KY-715. You'll definitely want to pull over and stop at Swift Camp Creek Overlook - the views here are iconic!
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Speaking of stops, although this scenic drive in Kentucky spans just 46 miles, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to stop and smell the roses... or, in this case, see the views!
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Because these views? Pardon the pun, but, gorgeous.
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The journey truly is part of the experience. Have you taken this Daniel Boone National Forest scenic drive before? Isn’t it absolutely beautiful? You can learn more about this beautiful byway at the U.S. Forest Service website. Check out this video from YouTubers Little Bit Moore for a sneak peek of some of the highlights along this scenic drive in Kentucky:

Looking for more scenic drives in KY? This route through Kentucky Horse Country is breathtakingly beautiful! And if you need a place to stay in the Gorge, this dome Vrbo is pretty spectacular.

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Scenic Drives in Kentucky & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | August 22, 2023

Besides the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, what are some other scenic drives in KY?

I don't know about you, but in my opinion, there are few things more therapeutic than hopping in the car and setting off on a long, leisurely ride. Some of the best scenic drives in KY are:

  • Cumberland Cultural Heritage Highway

This lovely drive is almost 200 miles long and features lots of breathtaking sights, including the famous Cumberland Falls.

Running from Louisville to Ashland, this nearly 200-mile highway almost spans the entire length of Kentucky, and it offers something for everyone.

A drive through beautiful Horse Country never disappoints. Between its rolling hills and white picket fences, this route is picture-perfect.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Kentucky?

Scenic drives aren't the only way to experience Kentucky's natural beauty. One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking, and some of the most beautiful hikes in Kentucky include:

This 4.4-mile hike in the Red River Gorge is moderately challenging, but it's so worth the effort. Prepare to be amazed as you take in stunning views of the eponymous Courthouse Rock that rises high above the rest of the landscape.

At less than a mile long, the Chimney Top Trail is one of the shortest and sweetest hikes in all of Kentucky. Perfect for families, this partially-paved path features breathtaking views of the surrounding treetops.

Located in the iconic Mammoth Cave National Park, this 2.8-mile loop features boardwalks, lush greenery, and plentiful wildlife.

 

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Featured Addresses
Red River Gorge Geological Area, Robbie Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380, USA