Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in Kentucky, United States

If you plan to go on a motorcycle trip in the future, a possible location to have some exciting adventures with your vehicle is in Kentucky or “the Bluegrass State.” The landscape in this region is defined by dense forests, high ridges, deep valleys, sprawling plateaus, and rich coal fields. Many of the notable areas within Kentucky include the Bluegrass Region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Western Coal Field, the Pennyroyal Region, and the Jackson Purchase Region.

If this description has piqued your interest, then this article will be your guide on the most memorable motorcycle roads and destinations within the state of Kentucky. 

Distance: 45 miles
Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Start: Union
End: Union

Starting in Union, you have the opportunity to admire exotic plants including trees and flowers alongside the trails within the Boone County Arboretum. You can also stretch your legs before you embark at Union Park.

As you head southward, you will pass through Walton. You can admire the races at the Florence Speedway. Later on in the loop, you may want to sample the drinks at the Verona Vineyards close to Verona.

As you head westward, you can check out the Big Bone Lick State Historic Site which is known for its bison, dinosaur bones, and campgrounds. When you arrive in Rabbit Hash, you can visit the Rabbit Hash General Store. You can purchase a hearty meal and mingle with other motorcyclists who happen to be traveling this route.

Distance: 52 miles
Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Start: Stanton
End: Pine Ridge

Traveling through the northern section of the Daniel Boone National Forest, you will depart from Stanton. As you head eastward towards Nada, you will pass through the Nada Tunnel. This narrow 900-foot long tunnel cuts through the mountains with the rocky entrances being covered in lush greenery.

If you take a slight detour towards Slade, you can check out the Natural Bridge State Resort Park which gives you a great view of the dense foliage below. You can also check out the animals that are kept at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo.

As you continue to follow alongside the Red River, you will pass by the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Swift Camp Creek Trail - Red River Gorge. 

Distance: 66 miles
Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Start: Morehead
End: Louisa

If you decide to linger in Morehead, you can check out the exhibits at the Kentucky Folk Art Center and even pick up a memento of your visit at the Museum Store. Much of your surroundings will be mountain tops and dense forests due to this town being located within Daniel Boone National Forest.

After you exit the Daniel Boone National Forest, you will travel eastward alongside Christy Creek until you reach Newfoundland. When you turn southward, you will transition to following alongside the Little Sandy River.

When you reach Sandy Hook, you can then turn eastward again until you come across the extended fingers of Yatesville Lake. Within proximity to Louisa, you can explore Yatesville Lake State Park. 

Distance: 29 miles
Time: 42 minutes
Start: Morehead
End: Morehead

Staying within the boundaries of Daniel Boone National Forest, it is recommended that you stock up on supplies and fuel before you leave Morehead since much of this loop will take you through the mountain wilderness.

As you head southward, you will descend into a valley that has plenty of sweeping turns. Much of the scenery will come from the dense forests, rolling hills, deep valleys, and the sparkling surface of Cave Run Lake. You may catch sight of Carrington Rock peeking over the treetops as you proceed deeper into the forest.

Distance: 48 miles
Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Start: Richmond
End: Beattyville

As you head southward away from Richmond, you can visit the Battle of Richmond Visitor Center if you have a love for history. You can enjoy the fresh air and calm atmosphere of Battlefield Park if you decide to take a break.

After clearing the park, you will abruptly turn eastward and follow Kentucky Route 499 until you reach the Daniel Boone National Forest. Most of your surroundings will include the Appalachian foothills, small farms, and tobacco fields. The roads will travel over the rolling foothills and curve through the gentle countryside.

After crossing over the Kentucky River, you will follow alongside it as you ride across the Daniel Boone National Forest. At the end of the route, you will find yourself in Beattyville. You can check out the Three Forks Historical Center and the Lee County Memorial Park.

Distance: 38 miles
Time: 48 minutes
Start: Williamsburg
End: Pineville

Within proximity to Williamsburg is the Cumberland Museum which hosts plenty of taxidermies, statues of stuffed exotic animals from around the world baring their teeth at you. After you depart, you will follow alongside the Cumberland River.

As you follow this route, the road will have sweepers and curves that travel over the rolling foothills and underneath the coverage of the dense foliage. Much of your surroundings will include rich farmlands and meandering brooks.

During the final leg of your journey, you will travel alongside the Kentucky Ridge State Forest. Depending on the season, you can go to the Pine Mountain State Resort Park or the Laurel Cove Amphitheater deeper within the forest.

Distance: 25 miles
Time: 49 minutes
Start: Cumberland, Kentucky
End: East Stone Gap, Virgina

While you are still in Cumberland, you can go and explore the Kingdom Come State Park. You can head up to the tops of Log Rock or Raven Rock to get a good look at the sprawling valleys below.

After you head out, you will follow Kentucky Route 160 as you head towards the Kentucky-Virginia border. Along the way, you can pull over and head up the Little Shepherd Trail if you would like to engage in hiking. When you stop in Benham, you can check out the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum.

Before you cross over into Virginia, you should be able to see in the distance Black Mountain, the highest mountain peak in Kentucky. 

Distance: 45 miles
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Start: Harrosburg
End: Harrosburg

Starting in Harrodsburg, you can check out the natural scenery at the Old Fort Harrod State Park which is a replica of a settlement during the 18th century. If you consider yourself a history enthusiast, you can visit the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

Heading towards the northern half, you should be able to see the Anderson Dean Community Park in the distance. Much of your surroundings will include cattle farms, tobacco fields, and small country communities. As you travel along the curving roads and elevation changes, make sure to watch out for any farm animals, bicyclists, and farm equipment from crossing the road.

When you make it to Willisburg, you can check out the King’s Country if you have an interest in hunting wild game. You can also reward yourself for reaching the halfway point by seeing the Horseshoe Bend Vineyards and Winery.

Distance: 86 miles
Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Start: Somerset
End: Glasgow

Beginning in Somerset, you can check out the exhibits at the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center if you have an interest in the supernatural. Looking at the artifacts, stories, and displays may send an exhilarating chill up your spine. If you are looking to get a treat before continuing riding your motorcycle, try browsing the Mole Hole Gourmet Chocolate.

As you continue westward, the road will have many sweeping curves that travel around and over rolling hills. You can pick up souvenirs and supplies at the Russell Springs Antique Mall and the Main Street Mini Mall in Russell.

If you decide to keep pressing on, you can stop in Edmonton. You can check out the local films at the Barn Lot Theater or pick up trinkets at the 2 Cousins Lil’ Piddlin’ Barn. Upon arriving in Glasgow, you can spend time at Paradise Point or Fort Williams.

Distance: 101 miles
Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Start: Middletown
End: Peewee Valley

Starting just outside the perimeter of Louisville, you head eastward in the direction of Shelbyville. Within the proximity of your first stop, you can check out the pumpkins at Gallrein Farms or pick the fruit growing at the Mulberry Orchards.

When you get to Frankfort, you will turn northward while traveling alongside the Kentucky River. But before you get too far away, you should be able to admire the beauty of Cove Springs Park and the bison living at Salato Wildlife Education Center.

As you head westward back in the direction of Louisville, most of the route will navigate around or over rolling hills with plenty of farms and small towns along the side. 

Distance: 27 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Start: McKee
End: Lee County

Traveling along the eastern edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, you can admire the Flat Lick Falls that are close to McKee. If you wish to take a break from riding a motorcycle to riding a horse instead, you can take advantage of this opportunity at Triple R Ranch.

Most of the road will be wide sweeping turns that go around or over rolling hills within the forest as you travel in a northeastward direction. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife including deer, groundhogs, and foxes.

Distance: 279 miles
Time: 5 hours 41 minutes
Start: Mount Sterling
End: Mount Sterling

Start your route from Mount Sterling, you should hang around to take in the local attractions. These include the Ruth Hunt Candies, the Montgomery County History Museum, and Gateway Ghost Walk.

As you travel through many of the natural sites in Kentucky, you will pass through the Daniel Boone National Forest and come close to the proximity of the Jefferson National Forest across the Kentucky-Virginia border.

The highlight of this route is traveling up the Black Mountain which provides you the best view of the entirety of Kentucky. As you climb up the road, there will be plenty of curves and switchbacks near precarious edges so make sure to be mindful of your speed. 

In Kentucky, you are required to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are under the age of 21, have less than a year’s worth of riding experience, or hold a motorcycle instruction permit. 

If you are bringing a passenger with you to Kentucky, s/he must be wearing protective headgear if under 21 years old.

Since suddenly braking or a collision could cause your passenger to fall off your motorcycle, you need a passenger seat (sidecar, pillion, etc.), footrests, and handholds.

As it can be difficult for drivers in cars or trucks to spot a motorcycle both during the day or at night, it is never safe to ride if you are unable to make your presence known in any direction.

• Horn
• Wheels
• Tires
• Handlebars
• Front and Rear Brakes
• Controls
• Headlight (Low & High Beams)
• Taillight
• Break Light
• Exhaust system
• Muffler
• Rearview mirrors

It is possible to lane split in Kentucky, but there are no laws that officially declare lane splitting as legal or illegal.

You are not allowed to lane share with another vehicle, even if it is a motorcycle. But you can use the entire space within the lane you are currently in.

Since these laws are essential to riding safely in Kentucky, you may want to do further research using this link here.

As you have probably gathered from reading this article, planning out a motorcycle trip to Kentucky is much more complex than simply figuring out your intended route and the final stop of your journey.

Whether you are an out-of-state tourist or a Kentucky resident, you should take the time to review Kentucky’s motorcycle laws. Having a good idea of the regulations for motorcycle helmets, passengers, safety features, and lane splitting will ensure that your trip will run smoothly.

Your motorcycle luggage must be designed for your specific motorcycle model plus have adequate storage capacity needed to house all the items you bring with you. As excess weight could affect your motorcycle’s balance, it is best to only take what you need.

If you have previously visited websites that provide information on popular motorcycle routes, you may be inclined to read about the examples that are frequently visited by most motorcyclists. However, if you conduct a bit more research, you may find other routes that are not as well known but equally enjoyable to travel on.