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Fall foliage is about to reach peak status and you’re probably wondering where you can catch some great roadside views near Paintsville, Kentucky. There are several back roads and byways which will give you unsurpassed views of the season. Even if you do miss the leaves turning, these four scenic drives are sure to take your breath away.
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
The first stop on your list needs to be the Red River Gorge Scene Byway. It’s one of just three national scenic byways in the state of Kentucky and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s a 45-mile stretch of road which provides incredible sight after incredible sight. You’ll drive from Stanton to Zachariah, Kentucky, through the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area. This beautiful place features over one hundred stone arches, dense lush foliage, and plenty of waterfalls. When you add in some fall foliage, it’s hard to pass up the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.
If you’re ready to take your time and explore the gorge more, there are several accessible hiking trails of varying difficulties. Leaving from Stanton, you’ll begin your journey by traveling through an old railway tunnel spanning 900 feet.
Mammoth Cave Parkway
If you’re up for a road trip, it’s worth making your way out to the Mammoth Cave Parkway on Kentucky Highway 70. It’s just under four hours to your destination, so be sure to begin early. The Mammoth Cave Parkway provides several breathtaking sights.
To add to your adventure, bring your vehicle across the River Ferry. This ferry is actually just a medium-sized platform which crosses the river along a wire. This activity is also free, which makes it a great addition to your road trip. Since your total drive time from Paintsville is so extensive, look to plan an alternate route home to maximize the variety of scenery you see.
Old Frankfurt Pike
The next drive begins just a couple hours away in Lexington, Kentucky. The Old Frankfurt Pike runs from Lexington to Frankfurt and offers up a scenic drive that’s difficult to top. Throughout your drive, you’ll pass old historical farmhouses, fields with plenty of horses, and rustic wooden fences. Parts of the road are lined in trees that tower over the road, creating beautiful archways.
Pine Mountain Road
The last stop on your bucket list of scenic drives has to be Pine Mountain Road. It’s about 90 minutes southeast of Paintsville, Kentucky. This thin, paved route will take you through dense foliage that is peppered with boulders and lush moss growth. Drive this route and you’ll feel like you’re in another world entirely.
Kentucky is home to a wide array of different sights and landscapes. If you don’t mind doing a bit of driving, there are tons of great opportunities to see country landscapes, mountain roads, and forest highways. What are you waiting for? Check out some of these beautiful scenic drives today! Even if these destinations seem far, you’re still going to pass incredible landscapes while you drive to your destination.
Image via Pixabay.com
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