If you enjoy a good scenic drive through Kentucky, then you’ve surely come across Old Frankfort Pike. This stretch of country road takes you from Lexington to Frankfort (or vice versa), and is one of the most scenic drives in Kentucky, if not the entire country! While this acclaimed road is famous for its scenery, there are also plenty of stops you can make along the way to make an entire, delightful day out of your leisurely drive through the Kentucky bluegrass. Here are some things you must do along this scenic route:
Enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Flickr/Wandering Photo Nut It’s a truly magical experience to drive along Old Frankfort Pike. Originally a toll road between Lexington and Frankfort, this classic route is lined with stone and wood fencing, with plenty of scenic horse farms and rolling hills. Whether you choose to stay right on this road, or venture off a bit, there is plenty to experience.
Visit a horse farm.
Flickr/Anthony WinStar Farm in Versailles is located just off the Pike and definitely worth booking a tour. You can reserve tickets through VisitHorseCountry, and get up close to some of the most beautiful and talented Thoroughbreds in the world. (You can also visit the eponymous Kentucky Horse Park!)
Check out downtown Versailles.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Also just off the route, the idyllic town of Versailles is a quaint community, filled with delicious eateries, local shops and bed and breakfast options.
Grab a bite to eat.
Facebook/Wallace Station Deli and Bakery All of the driving will surely make you hungry and the place to stop along Old Frankfort Pike is Wallace Station. Order anything from the menu - it’s all good - and enjoy it on their large deck out back, overlooking horse country.
Visit downtown Midway.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Another charming town just off the road, Midway has a railroad track right through its picturesque downtown. Visit one of the local stores or antique shops and spend a few hours in this simply lovely town.
Hop on the Bourbon Trail.
Flickr/smde A visit to this area isn’t complete without a trip to Woodford Reserve. Even if you don’t care for bourbon, enjoy the beautiful grounds and delightful interiors of this historic property.
Explore nature in the capital.
TripAdvisor/cb714me When you end your trip in Frankfort, be sure to check out the Capitol Building, but also take some time to explore Cove Spring Park. This park has about 240 acres of wetlands, streams, springs, waterfalls, forested ravines and other natural and historic features and is the perfect place to end your day tackling one of the most scenic drives in Kentucky!
Is Old Frankfort Pike your favorite drive in Kentucky? Do you have a favorite destination along the route? Share your experience with us in the comments! And for more of the best scenic drives in Kentucky, be sure to check out these amazing country backroads that are all perfect for a day trip!
Flickr/Wandering Photo Nut
It’s a truly magical experience to drive along Old Frankfort Pike. Originally a toll road between Lexington and Frankfort, this classic route is lined with stone and wood fencing, with plenty of scenic horse farms and rolling hills. Whether you choose to stay right on this road, or venture off a bit, there is plenty to experience.
Flickr/Anthony
WinStar Farm in Versailles is located just off the Pike and definitely worth booking a tour. You can reserve tickets through VisitHorseCountry, and get up close to some of the most beautiful and talented Thoroughbreds in the world. (You can also visit the eponymous Kentucky Horse Park!)
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Also just off the route, the idyllic town of Versailles is a quaint community, filled with delicious eateries, local shops and bed and breakfast options.
Facebook/Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
All of the driving will surely make you hungry and the place to stop along Old Frankfort Pike is Wallace Station. Order anything from the menu - it’s all good - and enjoy it on their large deck out back, overlooking horse country.
Another charming town just off the road, Midway has a railroad track right through its picturesque downtown. Visit one of the local stores or antique shops and spend a few hours in this simply lovely town.
Flickr/smde
A visit to this area isn’t complete without a trip to Woodford Reserve. Even if you don’t care for bourbon, enjoy the beautiful grounds and delightful interiors of this historic property.
TripAdvisor/cb714me
When you end your trip in Frankfort, be sure to check out the Capitol Building, but also take some time to explore Cove Spring Park. This park has about 240 acres of wetlands, streams, springs, waterfalls, forested ravines and other natural and historic features and is the perfect place to end your day tackling one of the most scenic drives in Kentucky!
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Address: Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Kentucky July 01, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best scenic drives in Kentucky? You really can’t beat the scenery along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of 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 byway is one of most beautiful drives you’ll ever take, and is a perfect way to take in the resplendence of Red River Gorge — without planning a bigger trip. This easy scenic day trip really is one you ought to take! Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Kentucky? If you enjoy cruising down country roads, there are an abundance of scenic backroads in Kentucky! There is an abundance of gorgeous scenery that can invigorate the senses and soothe the soul. If you are looking to get out and take a peaceful drive, you cannot go wrong on these scenery-filled byways. In addition to Old Frankfort Pike, some of our favorite scenic byways in Kentucky include Country Music Highway, Big Bone Lick Scenic Byway, Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway, and Pine Mountain Road. What’s the most famous scenic drive in Kentucky? Great River Road is the superlative superstar of scenic trips, as it’s a nationally known and recognized byway! Located in the southwestern corner of Kentucky is a stretch of the Great River Road, which takes you along the Mississippi River. This road actually begins in Minnesota and follows America’s largest river all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. In our state, it traverses four counties and many scenic stops along the way. The drive on its own is beautiful any time of year and provides a wide variety of scenery. You’ll be able to take in many views of the river and the stunning landscape of this region of Kentucky. It really is a bucket-list-worthy adventure!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Kentucky
July 01, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best scenic drives in Kentucky? You really can’t beat the scenery along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of 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 byway is one of most beautiful drives you’ll ever take, and is a perfect way to take in the resplendence of Red River Gorge — without planning a bigger trip. This easy scenic day trip really is one you ought to take! Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Kentucky? If you enjoy cruising down country roads, there are an abundance of scenic backroads in Kentucky! There is an abundance of gorgeous scenery that can invigorate the senses and soothe the soul. If you are looking to get out and take a peaceful drive, you cannot go wrong on these scenery-filled byways. In addition to Old Frankfort Pike, some of our favorite scenic byways in Kentucky include Country Music Highway, Big Bone Lick Scenic Byway, Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway, and Pine Mountain Road. What’s the most famous scenic drive in Kentucky? Great River Road is the superlative superstar of scenic trips, as it’s a nationally known and recognized byway! Located in the southwestern corner of Kentucky is a stretch of the Great River Road, which takes you along the Mississippi River. This road actually begins in Minnesota and follows America’s largest river all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. In our state, it traverses four counties and many scenic stops along the way. The drive on its own is beautiful any time of year and provides a wide variety of scenery. You’ll be able to take in many views of the river and the stunning landscape of this region of Kentucky. It really is a bucket-list-worthy adventure!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You really can’t beat the scenery along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of 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 byway is one of most beautiful drives you’ll ever take, and is a perfect way to take in the resplendence of Red River Gorge — without planning a bigger trip. This easy scenic day trip really is one you ought to take!
Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Kentucky?
If you enjoy cruising down country roads, there are an abundance of scenic backroads in Kentucky! There is an abundance of gorgeous scenery that can invigorate the senses and soothe the soul. If you are looking to get out and take a peaceful drive, you cannot go wrong on these scenery-filled byways. In addition to Old Frankfort Pike, some of our favorite scenic byways in Kentucky include Country Music Highway, Big Bone Lick Scenic Byway, Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway, and Pine Mountain Road.
What’s the most famous scenic drive in Kentucky?
Great River Road is the superlative superstar of scenic trips, as it’s a nationally known and recognized byway! Located in the southwestern corner of Kentucky is a stretch of the Great River Road, which takes you along the Mississippi River. This road actually begins in Minnesota and follows America’s largest river all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. In our state, it traverses four counties and many scenic stops along the way. The drive on its own is beautiful any time of year and provides a wide variety of scenery. You’ll be able to take in many views of the river and the stunning landscape of this region of Kentucky. It really is a bucket-list-worthy adventure!
