Grab your favorite road trip snacks and be sure to have a good playlist ready and head out for a drive on this beautiful scenic byway in Kentucky. Located in western Kentucky, the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, or just The Trace as it’s commonly called, runs from Grand Rivers, through the Land Between the Lakes, and wraps up after you cross the border into Tennessee. If you’re already in the area, or looking for a place for a scenic drive, it’s a great way to experience all this region of Kentucky has to offer.
The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway runs north/south along Kentucky Lake, right through the heart of the Land Between the Lakes.
GoogleMaps This gently winding road is filled with history and has long been used as a byway by both people and animals. Today, you can drive it and experience all this area has to offer. Look up your own directions using this map to the Google map above.
This photo shows how the road winds through the forest, but is not far from the largest lake in Kentucky.
Federal Highway Administration As you can imagine, this trip is best made in the spring, summer, or fall when you can truly take in the natural beauty of the area.
There’s quite a bit to do along the byway, if you’d like to make stops while you travel.
Federal Highway Administration This stretch technically runs from Grand Rivers into Tennessee and is about 43 miles long. It should take about an hour and a half if you just drive it, but it will be longer of course if you make stops along the way. Take a closer look at this map and the area on this site.
Since you’re likely starting in Kentucky, go ahead and begin in picturesque Grand Rivers.
Facebook/Lighthouse Landing Stop and see the lighthouse at Lighthouse Landing and grab breakfast at a local restaurant. Or even get carryout and have a picnic.
And then head south into Land Between the Lakes.
Facebook/Land Between the Lakes As with many destinations right now, it’s best to check before you visit to see what is open and available. Right now the Elk & Bison Prairie is closed due to construction, but keep an eye on the LBL website to see when it will reopen.
As a side trip from the byway, consider a trip across the scenic Eggner’s Ferry Bridge.
Facebook/Land Between the Lakes This bridge has quite the story and you may even want to park and walk across it as a memorable roadside stop. Learn all about the bridge in our previous article.
As you continue to head south toward Tennessee, you can just enjoy the windows down and the views, or make more stops to search for bald eagles, take a hike, or even get out on the water.
Google/Homeplace 1850s Working Farm And as one last stop, even though it’s technically in Tennessee, consider a visit to the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm. This historic site is fascinating and all ages will enjoy learning and exploring. Learn all about this destination on its website.
The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway in Kentucky is a wonderful destination for a simple weekend drive or if you want to make a few days of it and stop at many worthy spots along the way. Have you driven this scenic byway in Kentucky? What is your favorite road to travel along in the Bluegrass? Let us know in the comments!
GoogleMaps
This gently winding road is filled with history and has long been used as a byway by both people and animals. Today, you can drive it and experience all this area has to offer. Look up your own directions using this map to the Google map above.
Federal Highway Administration
As you can imagine, this trip is best made in the spring, summer, or fall when you can truly take in the natural beauty of the area.
This stretch technically runs from Grand Rivers into Tennessee and is about 43 miles long. It should take about an hour and a half if you just drive it, but it will be longer of course if you make stops along the way. Take a closer look at this map and the area on this site.
Facebook/Lighthouse Landing
Stop and see the lighthouse at Lighthouse Landing and grab breakfast at a local restaurant. Or even get carryout and have a picnic.
Facebook/Land Between the Lakes
As with many destinations right now, it’s best to check before you visit to see what is open and available. Right now the Elk & Bison Prairie is closed due to construction, but keep an eye on the LBL website to see when it will reopen.
This bridge has quite the story and you may even want to park and walk across it as a memorable roadside stop. Learn all about the bridge in our previous article.
Google/Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
And as one last stop, even though it’s technically in Tennessee, consider a visit to the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm. This historic site is fascinating and all ages will enjoy learning and exploring. Learn all about this destination on its website.
Plan your drive along The Trace with this site that offers more information, maps, directions, and photos.
And for another scenic drive in Kentucky, check out this one that takes you through the heart of horse country.
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Address: Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, Dover, TN, USA
