Top Motorcycle Roads in Kentucky
Kentucky offers some of the most scenic and thrilling motorcycle routes in the eastern United States. From winding roads through the Appalachian foothills to picturesque rides through horse country, the Bluegrass State has something for every rider. Before we dive into Kentucky’s offerings, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia also boast fantastic riding opportunities that complement Kentucky’s routes.
1. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
- Location: Stanton to Natural Bridge State Park
- Distance: 31 miles
- Key features: Scenic route through Red River Gorge, historic 900-foot Nada Tunnel
- Highlights: Beautiful scenery, Kentucky’s towering canyons, twists and curves along Red River
- Notable attractions: Natural Bridge State Park, Red River Gorge Geological Area
This route takes riders through the heart of the Red River Gorge, offering breathtaking views of Kentucky’s natural beauty. The historic Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot-long former railway tunnel, adds a unique element to the ride.
2. Cumberland Valley Cruise
- Location: Southern Kentucky
- Distance: 20 miles
- Key features: Scenic route to Cumberland Falls
- Notable attraction: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Route 90 leads riders to one of Kentucky’s natural wonders, Cumberland Falls. The road offers a mix of curves and straightaways, culminating in the opportunity to view the impressive waterfall known as the “Niagara of the South.”
3. Route 32 – Morehead to Louisa
- Location: Eastern Kentucky
- Distance: 66 miles
- Key features: Winding road through Appalachian foothills
- Highlights: Spectacular mountaintop views, ride beside Yatesville Lake
- Best time to ride: Spring and fall for best views
Route 32 offers a challenging and rewarding ride through the Appalachian foothills. The winding road provides plenty of excitement, while the scenic views of Yatesville Lake and the surrounding mountains make for an unforgettable experience.
4. Kentucky Route 10
- Location: Northern Kentucky (Alexandria to Maysville)
- Distance: 58 miles
- Key features: Picturesque country landscape, numerous curves
- Highlights: Rural scenery, cornfields, low-rolling hills
- Difficulty: Good for all skill levels due to open visibility
Kentucky Route 10 is a pleasant ride through the state’s northern region, offering a mix of gentle curves and straight stretches. The open countryside provides excellent visibility, making it suitable for riders of all experience levels.
5.Russell Cave Road (KY-353)
- Location: Near Lexington
- Distance: 21 miles
- Key features: Scenic route through horse country
- Highlights: Beautiful horse farms, rolling hills
This shorter ride near Lexington showcases Kentucky’s famous horse country. Riders can enjoy views of world-renowned horse farms set against the backdrop of the state’s signature rolling hills.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Kentucky
1. Red River Gorge Loop
- Location: Eastern Kentucky
- Distance: 52 miles
- Key features: Scenic ride through Daniel Boone National Forest
- Highlights: Red River Gorge, Nada Tunnel, Natural Bridge State Park
- Best time to ride: Spring or fall for best foliage views
This loop takes riders through some of Kentucky’s most stunning natural scenery, including the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. The ride through Daniel Boone National Forest is particularly beautiful during spring and fall when the foliage is at its peak.
2. The Trace (Through the Land Between the Lakes)
- Location: Western Kentucky
- Key features: Scenic ride through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
- Highlights: Beautiful lake views, wildlife viewing opportunities
The Trace offers a unique riding experience through the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Riders can enjoy scenic views of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley while potentially spotting diverse wildlife.
3. Rabbit Hash Ride
- Location: Northern Kentucky
- Distance: 45 miles
- Key features: Scenic countryside ride, historic town visit
- Highlights: Ohio River views, visit to historic Rabbit Hash General Store
This ride takes motorcyclists through picturesque Northern Kentucky countryside, offering views of the Ohio River. The highlight is a visit to the quirky town of Rabbit Hash, home to the famous Rabbit Hash General Store.
4. Elk Creek Winery Loop
- Location: Central Kentucky
- Key features: Scenic ride through Bluegrass Region
- Highlights: Horse farms, winery visit, pastoral scenery
Combining the best of Kentucky’s horse country with its burgeoning wine industry, this loop offers riders a taste of the Bluegrass Region’s diverse attractions.
5. Kentucky Horse Farm Cruise
- Location: Central Kentucky (near Lexington)
- Key features: Scenic ride through horse country
- Highlights: World-famous horse farms, beautiful countryside views
This ride showcases Kentucky’s equestrian heritage, taking riders past some of the world’s most renowned horse farms. The rolling hills and picturesque landscapes make for a memorable cruise.
When planning your Kentucky motorcycle adventure, consider exploring routes in neighboring states as well. Ohio offers scenic rides along the Ohio River, while Indiana provides beautiful routes through its southern hills. To the south, Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains offer challenging mountain roads, and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast in the region.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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