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Need your opinion on Kentucky road trip...

Iowawegian

By Iowawegian
in Watering Hole

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Iowawegian

Iowawegian

Posted
Posted

It's time for me to plan our annual road trip. Our oldest son has picked Kentucky. We will be leaving from Iowa, going interstate through Illinois, Indiana, then starting in Louisville, KY and riding the state for a week. We like to ride on quiet roads rather than 4 lanes.

 

We've never been there so I'm asking for help on roads that are really scenic rides.

Also, if there is any places that are "must see's".

 

We will be moteling it, instead of camping this time. We tend to stay in small towns (pop 250-2,000)and stay away from large city's. It's always fun to check in to a local motel and walk to the nearest pub/diner, so if anyone has any suggestions I would sure appreciate it.

 

 

Thanks for any input...

Deb & Gary

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Ky. Rider

Ky. Rider

Posted
Posted

I live in the western end of the state and will be glad to show you around or give you tips on our area but if you are coming in from Indiana you are not likely to get over this far west. On this web site you will find a planned m&e Memorial Day weekend based out of Lexington and led by Midrsv. I'd say a must would be the horse farm areas outside of Lexington (lots of good mc roads) and then another must would be the Red River Gorge/Natural Bridge area southeast of Lexington. If you could possibly hook up with us on MD weekend you could ride with the group. I'm sure others from across the state will post but if I can be of further assistance and if you find yourself coming through my area give me a call. We can put together 3 days of good riding around here easy enough.

Bill

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bryan52577

bryan52577

Posted
Posted

Deb,

I have been on both of these routes and can say they are both very good riding!!!! I find these on the net then ride them myself. Sometimes they are not so good but these are fun and great views. There is one other I will see if I still have it on here somewhere.

I am sure others will kick in too.

Have fun, and when are you going?

Bryan

 

Title: KY 499 to 52 - Richmond to Beattyville

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_7a.jpg

State: Kentucky

 

Submitted By: SMP

 

Date Submitted: Oct 07

 

Motorcycle Type: 83 Honda V65 Magna

 

Motorcycle Road Length: 44 Miles

Motorcycle Road Scenery:

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/5_red_star_mini.gif

The scenery along this route consists mostly of Appalachian foothills, small farms and tobacco fields. KY 499 winds beautifully through gentle country. Soon views of the Appalachian foothills will appear on your right. Stay awake though, it is curvy. At Irvine turn right on KY 52. You'll cross the Kentucky River, twist through the depot town of Ravenna, and head into the foothills. The road begins to climb and even switch back with views of sheer cliffs. Beattyville isn't much but fuel was available Note: you can add about 50 miles to this trip with a ride to the north of Beattyville on KY 11 through the gorgeous natural bridge country.

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_7b.jpg

Motorcycle Road Quality:

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/5_red_star_mini.gif

The roads are great. 499 is twisty and smooth with tight little rises and dips but very narrow. 52 is wider but has great sweeping turns and even some 15 mph turns as you climb. The pavement on 499 was fantastic and 52 was very good.

 

Motorcycle Roadside Amenities:

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/2_red_star_mini.gif

Nuttin' Honey -- 499 has lovely churches but no real amenities. Irvine and Ravenna have gas, food etc. There is a very sparse c-store 6 miles west of Beattyville but they didn't have any gas in the pumps.

Directions:

Written directions:

Start this route just south of Richmond, KY and bordering the south side of the Lexington-Blue Grass Army Depot. There you will find where US Highway 421 and Kentucky route 499 intersect -- that is your starting point. From there simply go east towards Irvine. In Irvine you will take a right on to Kentucky route 52 and take this east/southeast as it takes your right into Beattyville, KY -- your route's end point.

If you want to head back the way you came but take 1571 along the Kentucky River for a different route back to Ravenna. Return to Richmond re-riding 52 and 499 back to the west. You may choose to stay on 52 back to Richmond but it isn't anything to speak of .

 

 

 

 

 

Title: KY Route 62

State: Kentucky

 

Submitted By: PIGLT

 

Date Submitted: Aug 09

 

Motorcycle Type: Suzuki s50

 

Motorcycle Road Length: 250 Miles

Motorcycle Road Scenery: http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/4_red_star_mini.gif

This road runs east and west through central ky. It has just about everything along it. It passes through several counties and beautiful old historic towns like Bardstown and Princeton. It runs along the Pennyrile state park and crosses over the dam at Land Between the Lakes. The dam has two areas to pull off and watch the boats or just look at the lake. Be sure to keep an eye on the sky in this area, there are several bald eagles nesting along the lakes. This road offers everything from wide open farm land to twist and turns through some thick forest areas, Each county or town has something a little different.

Motorcycle Road Quality: http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/5_red_star_mini.gif

Rt 62 is a well maintained road. Most of the traffic is local since ir runs along the BG Parkway and WK parkway. It's a good road for an experienced rider or a beginner. There are some twist and turns and some flat wide open areas. The speed limit goes from 25mph going through the small towns to 55mph through the farm areas.

Motorcycle Roadside Amenities: http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/5_red_star_mini.gif

This road runs through so many small towns that you are never to far from a gas station or store. There are at least three walmarts along the way. several of the towns have many chain hotels and resturants. It runs through many town squares with old historic buildings and many mom and pop diners. It also goes through Roscine, Bill Monroe's home town where you can visit his childhood home and his grave. he has a beautiful headstone. There are campgrounds in Bardstown, Elizabethtown and Pennyrile State Park is less than two miles off the road. Land Between the Lakes offer several State resort Parks withen a 20 minute ride. If you are heading west out of Elizabethtown there aren't many places to spend the night until you get around the Princetown and Eddyville area. If you plan on staying at one of the state parks call ahead, they fill up in the summer and fall. Note: If you decide to visit Bill Monroe's home, be very careful. The road to his home is a twisty gravel road. It's one way in and one way out. If you can do it safely follow the exit road. It's about 100 yards and fairly straight. the entrance is about 1/4 mile of narrow up hill twisty gravel. Not real safe for a large cruiser.

Directions:

Written directions:

Rt 62 can be picked up around the Lawrenceburg KY area in the east or at I24 around Land Between the Lakes in the west. It runs along the WK parkway and the BG parkway and can be pickd up in several different towns along the way.

 

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Guest scarylarry

Guest scarylarry

Posted
Posted
I have a Bro-in-law in Paducah that keeps telling me about the "Land Between the Lakes". It's top end is 20-30 miles miles east of Paducah and goes south between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. I hope to finally ride it with him this summer.

If you make LBL a must stop is Patti's for the best pork chop around they are located and the end of LBL on Ky. side, I do believe they have a website too

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bryan52577

bryan52577

Posted
Posted

Deb,

Here is that tunnel, it's a neat ride too!

 

Bryan

 

Title: Red River & Nada Tunnel

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_4a.jpg

Nada Tunnel Entrance

State: Kentucky

 

Submitted By: Chopper King

 

Date Submitted: Feb 07

 

Motorcycle Type: 01 H/D Sportster S

 

Motorcycle Road Length: 25 Miles

Motorcycle Road Scenery:

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/5_red_star_mini.gif

I think this is one of the most unique rides I have ever been on. You will be riding along the Red River. This was a logging river at one time. There are numerous rock formations and outcroppings to amaze and amuse. Make sure you stop to get a drink at the spring coming out of the pipe along the road (on Rt 77 before the Nada Tunnel). It is the best water I have ever had. The day we rode was very hot and still, a cool drink and head dunk felt mighty good. Riding along the river allows many opportunities to pull off to explore trails or take a dip. Keep your eyes peeled and you will see some big rocks with a ladder on them which you can climb on and jump into river. Now you will come upon the Nada Tunnel. My friend who told me about this route didn't tell me about the tunnel. I really don't call it a tunnel. I say it is a 12 ft. by 12 ft. by 900 ft. hole in a mountain. Take your sun glasses off after the spring as this tunnel isn't lit. This is a slow cruise road, stop often and enjoy nature.

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_4b.jpg

Motorcycle Road Quality:

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/3_red_star_mini.gif

This is just your regular 2 lane black top road. It was in good shape in 06. It has the usual repaired potholes but nothing out of the ordinary for this type of road. The road is quite twisty and hilly, I think it follows and old Indian trail. I would caution to take it easy as it is a local road and some are just putting along. Watch for the Nada Tunnel which is after the spring a little bit. Keep watching for the 12 ft. clearance signs. Each entrance to the tunnel is out of a small curve so go slow and peek in first. I made a lot of noise going through the tunnel i.e. blowing my horn, revving my motor, and such. I told my wife it was for safety, but she didn't believe me.

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_4c.jpg

Motorcycle Roadside Amenities:

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/images/icons/4_red_star_mini.gif

This route is not populated so no shopping or such. The area does have some nice attractions. Make sure you stop at visitors center and look around. We got a fridge magnet with picture of Nada Tunnel in winter with icicles hanging off it. Also much area history. Look for the story of Old 96, cracked me up. Make sure to take side trip through Natural Bridge state park. It has some wonderful lookouts and trails. We haven't stayed at this State Park Lodge but if they are as nice as the rest I'm sure it would make a great stay, and their restaurants always have good food if you need a bite to eat. We are going back this way next summer and hope to stay at lodge and explore some more of the area. Maybe even take that swim this year.

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_4d.jpg

Going east through the Nada Tunnel

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_4e.jpg

This is the Gladie House that can be found off of 715. You can't go inside it but you can walk around the property

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_4f.jpg

Here is Sky Bridge. I would recommend taking the 1 mile loop hike to see it in person. Be prepared for the stairs at the end of the trail! :)

Directions:

Written directions:

Get yourself to the starting point of Stanton, KY (about 35 miles southeast of Lexington, KY) then just head south on the Bert Combs Parkway until you get to Rt 77 (also known as Nada Tunnel Rd) where you need to go east (turn left). Keep following 77 until Rt 715 turns off to the right. This will take you back to the Bert Combs Parkway at Pine Ridge, Ky. If you take 77 to the right off of Bert Combs Parkway you will enter Natural Bridge State Park.

 

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/KY/KY_MAP_4.gif

 

Additional Information:

I looked this up in the Scenic Byways book I have and it says takes 1 hour to drive and 5 hours to enjoy. That is the best I can tell you. Take your time and explore here as it is so beautiful and peaceful.

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vic venture

vic venture

Posted
Posted
I have a Bro-in-law in Paducah that keeps telling me about the "Land Between the Lakes". It's top end is 20-30 miles miles east of Paducah and goes south between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. I hope to finally ride it with him this summer.

 

 

If you ride the land between the Lakes, be sure to eat at Patties settlement near the dam end (North west)of the ride. I suggest the pork chops. :stirthepot:

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Keitho

Keitho

Posted
Posted

If you are going to ride the "Land of the Lakes" you have to ride "The Trace",(Hwy 453).

 

Take it from the North starting at US 62, this is a long smooth and curvy stretch of road. There are lots of side roads coming of "The Trace".

 

The one that we took is "Fort Henry Road" which is 7KM North of the finish of the Trace, which ends at "Donalson Pkwy",Hwy 79.

 

Take Fort Henry Road West until it changes to Blue Springs road, continue West until it turns back into Fort Henry Road, continue on this South until it comes to an end at "Donalson Pkwy"' (Hwy 79). Take a left (east) and head another 9KM to Cindy's Catfish Kitchen on the North side of 79, for there lunch buffet.

 

 

 

 

Have a great trip. Keith.

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Midrsv

Midrsv

Posted
Posted

Deb and Gary,

 

You've already been given some great advice. I'm don't know your schedule but I would like to invite you to join us Memorial Weekend.

 

See http://www.venturerider.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=164&day=2010-5-28&c=1

 

If you make it to the central KY area I would be happy to show you around if I'm available. There are several day trips you can make out of Lexington and I can help map those out for you.

 

Dennis

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RedRider

RedRider

Posted
Posted

Deb and Gary,

 

+1 on the Red River and Nada Tunnel. Make sure to stop by the Natural Bridge State Park while you are in the area. Visit Mammoth Cave. Really neat.

 

Took a weekend trip thru this area with my Mother a couple of years ago. It was a great time.

 

FWIW: You may want to check on Bed and Breakfasts instead of a hotel. They often cost about the same and you get a better breakfast out of it. You can also get some nice local info. Several of them in the area. Just Google 'Bed and Breakfast Kentucky'.

 

Have a great time.

 

I need to get over to visit you this summer.

 

RR

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Iowawegian

Iowawegian

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Posted

You people are impressive!!!! Go home for the night and come back this morning to a wealth of information!!!!!!

 

You don't know how much I appreciate all of your suggestions!!! We will be going June 12th thru the 19th! Thank you so much for all your help and now to get out the highlighter and map of Kentucky!!!

:bighug::bighug::bighug:

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dynodon

dynodon

Posted
Posted

If you need advice on overnight in the Peoria, Bloomington, IL area when you come through, let me know. If I know when you are coming through, I would like to just ride with you for a while.

 

As for when you are in Louisville, consider riding to S. Indiana a bit, the area up to French Lick is beautiful, and you should see the French Lick and West Baden resorts in that city, they are nothing short of an event in themselves.

 

If you like horses, you should visit some of the major horse farms in the Louisville area. I have been to some barns there that are better than my house by a long shot!

 

Hope you have a great trip.

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OldBear

OldBear

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Posted

If you make it to Eastern KY check out Breaks Interstate park on the KY/VA border. Beautiful roads and also great views at the park. Also, the "bourbon trail" around bardstown it pretty cool. Lots of winding country roads in KY-We've lived in many places over the years, but we really love Ky. If you're into history, check out Lincoln's birthplace (south of Elizabethtown) and his father's old farm place at Knob Creek. You can also take US 68 west from Bowling Green and see Jefferson Davis's birthplace at Fairmont.

 

Have a Great Trip!

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FuzzyRSTD

FuzzyRSTD

Posted
Posted

I would like to invite you all to visit through Morehead, Ky on Old US 60, and take a ride around the Cave Run Lake. It is a beautiful relaxing ride down ST RT 801 and ST RT 519 and ST RT 1274. Look up my info., and give me call. I would be glad to meet up and bring a good friend of mine and ride along with you around the lake if possible. I work Mon. through Fri.7:00 AM to 3:30 PM during that part of the year. My good friend and I are also planing a trip to possibly your neck of the woods. You have any suggestions for us if we end up in Iowa.

Have a good trip and be safe.

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bryan52577

bryan52577

Posted
Posted
I would like to invite you all to visit through Morehead, Ky on Old US 60, and take a ride around the Cave Run Lake. It is a beautiful relaxing ride down ST RT 801 and ST RT 519 and ST RT 1274. Look up my info., and give me call. I would be glad to meet up and bring a good friend of mine and ride along with you around the lake if possible. I work Mon. through Fri.7:00 AM to 3:30 PM during that part of the year. My good friend and I are also planing a trip to possibly your neck of the woods. You have any suggestions for us if we end up in Iowa.

Have a good trip and be safe.

 

When are you going?

We have winter season, :bawling: planting season :bang head: and harvest season :bang head:!

Pick one and I will see what I can do.

 

Bryan

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