If you’re searching for a “take me home, country roads” moment in Kentucky, you’ll find it along Old Frankfort Pike and Pisgah Pike. Together, this duo of byways covers 20 miles in the heart of horse country, for an easy road trip that’s downright divine. This region in central Kentucky is pure pastoral perfection — horse stables, family-run farms, country stores, winsome small towns, and rural scenery — and these roads allow for a slow savor of it all. What puts this scenic drive over the top, however, is that Pisgah Pike rolls through an enchanting tunnel of trees that’s unlike any other place in Kentucky.
Just outside of Lexington, the route along Old Frankfort Pike and Pisgah Pike is a drive every Kentuckian should take. These beautiful backroads in Kentucky allow drivers to really sit back and enjoy the resplendence of this region.
Kentucky Tourism/Facebook
This area is nationally recognized for its natural and cultural significance: Old Frankfort Pike was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2021.
Anthony/Flickr
Old Frankfort Pike National Scenic Byway extends 15 miles through the heart of horse country, connecting Frankfort to Lexington. When paired with Pisgah Pike, you have the makings of a divine day trip in the Bluegrass!
Anthony/Flickr
You can start at either end of the byway (Frankfort or Lexington), which is also known as KY 1681. This 15-mile drive is picture-perfect for a scenic Sunday afternoon adventure.
hrobinson1114/TripAdvisor
But whatever you do, be sure to tack on the five-mile Pisgah Pike to your drive. This scenic route runs perpendicular to Old Frankfort Pike, and you’ll find it halfway between Frankfort and Lexington.
hrobinson1114/TripAdvisor
Pisgah Pike runs north and south from Old Frankfort Pike to U.S. 60 between Versailles and Lexington, and it is five of the prettiest miles you’ll ever traverse.
David Cornwell/Flickr
It’s an area of breathtaking bucolic beauty, with old churches, horse farms, a castle(!), and magnificent old trees.
The Kentucky Castle
In fact, the towering trees along this small stretch of road form the most magical tunnel of trees you’ll find in Kentucky! One of the most popular images of Kentucky is this view along Pisgah Pike, in fact.
Anthony/Flickr
It’s an iconic image and one of the most breathtaking spots in Kentucky, no matter what time of year you visit. But during the fall, when the leaves are changing and the days are crisp and short, it’s a drive that will fill you with so much love and appreciation for the beautiful Bluegrass State.
Anthony/Flickr But during the fall, when the leaves are changing and the days are crisp and short, it’s a drive that will fill you with so much love and appreciation for the beautiful Bluegrass State.
Did you know Old Frankfort Pike was a designated National Scenic Byway? Have you driven through this tunnel of trees in Kentucky before? We’d love to hear about your experiences along this beautiful route!
Kentucky Tourism/Facebook
Anthony/Flickr
hrobinson1114/TripAdvisor
hrobinson1114/TripAdvisor
David Cornwell/Flickr
The Kentucky Castle
But during the fall, when the leaves are changing and the days are crisp and short, it’s a drive that will fill you with so much love and appreciation for the beautiful Bluegrass State.
For another scenic road trip in the Bluegrass, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway offers 46 miles of Kentucky grandeur, and is definitely one to add to your bucket list!
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Address: Pisgah Pike, Kentucky 40383, USAAddress: Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY, USA
