Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in Kentucky, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

If you plan to go on a motorcycle trip in the future, a possible location to have some exciting adventures with your vehicle is in Kentucky or “the Bluegrass State.” The landscape in this region is defined by dense forests, high ridges, deep valleys, sprawling plateaus, and rich coal fields. Many of the notable areas within Kentucky include the Bluegrass Region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Western Coal Field, the Pennyroyal Region, and the Jackson Purchase Region.

If this description has piqued your interest, then this article will serve as your guide on the most notable motorcycle roads and destinations within the state of Kentucky. There will also be supplementary information on Kentucky’s motorcycle laws and possible types of motorcycle luggage.

2. Best Roads and Destinations in Kentucky

2.1 Rabbit Hash Ride

Distance: 45 miles
Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Start: Union
End: Union

Starting out in Union, you have the opportunity to admire exotic plants including trees and flowers alongside the trails within the Boone County Arboretum. You can also stretch your legs before you embark at Union Park.

As you head southward, you will pass through Walton. You can admire the races at the Florence Speedway. Later on in the loop, you may want to sample the drinks at the Verona Vineyards in close proximity to Verona.

As you head westward, you can check out the Big Bone Lick State Historic Site which is known for its bison, dinosaur bones, and campgrounds. When you arrive in Rabbit Hash, you can visit the Rabbit Hash General Store. You can purchase a hearty meal and mingle with other motorcyclists who happen to be traveling this route.

2.2 Red River & Nada Tunnel

Distance: 52 miles
Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Start: Stanton
End: Pine Ridge

Traveling through the northern section of the Daniel Boone National Forest, you will depart from Stanton. As you head eastward towards Nada, you will pass through the Nada Tunnel. This narrow 900-foot long tunnel cuts through the mountains with the rocky entrances being covered in lush greenery.

If you take a slight detour towards Slade, you can check out the Natural Bridge State Resort Park which gives you a great view of the dense foliage below. You can also check out the animals that are kept at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo.

As you continue to follow alongside the Red River, you will pass by the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Swift Camp Creek Trail - Red River Gorge.

2.3 Kentucky Route 32 - Morehead to Louisa

Distance: 66 miles
Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Start: Morehead
End: Louisa

If you decide to linger in Morehead, you can check out the exhibits at the Kentucky Folk Art Center and even pick up a memento of your visit at the Museum Store. Much of your surroundings will be mountain tops and dense forests due to this town being located within Daniel Boone National Forest.

After you exit the Daniel Boone National Forest, you will travel eastward alongside the Christy Creek until you reach Newfoundland. When you turn southward, you will transition to following alongside the Little Sandy River.

When you reach Sandy Hook, you can then turn eastward again until you come across the extended fingers of the Yatesville Lake. Within close proximity to Louisa, you can explore Yatesville Lake State Park.

2.4 Cave Run Lake Loop

Distance: 29 miles
Time: 42 minutes
Start: Morehead
End: Morehead

Staying within the boundaries of Daniel Boone National Forest, it is recommended that you stock up on supplies and fuel before you leave Morehead since much of this loop will take you through the mountain wilderness.

As you head southward, you will descend into a valley that has plenty of sweeping turns. Much of the scenery will come from the dense forests, rolling hills, deep valleys, and the sparkling surface of Cave Run Lake. You may catch sight of Carrington Rock peeking over the treetops as you proceed deeper into the forest.

2.5 Kentucky 499 to 52 - Richmond to Beattyville

Distance: 48 miles
Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Start: Richmond
End: Beattyville

As you head southward away from Richmond, you can visit the Battle of Richmond Visitor Center if you have a love for history. You can enjoy the fresh air and calm atmosphere of Battlefield Park if you decide to take a break.

After clearing the park, you will abruptly turn eastward and follow Kentucky Route 499 all the way until you reach the Daniel Boone National Forest. Most of your surroundings will include the Appalachian foothills, small farms, and tobacco fields. The roads will travel over the rolling foothills and curve through the gentle countryside.

After crossing over the Kentucky River, you will follow alongside it as you ride across the Daniel Boone National Forest. At the end of the route, you will find yourself in Beattyville. You can check out the Three Forks Historical Center and the Lee County Memorial Park.

2.6 Kentucky Route 92

Distance: 38 miles
Time: 48 minutes
Start: Williamsburg
End: Pineville

Within close proximity to Williamsburg is the Cumberland Museum which hosts plenty of taxidermies, statues of stuffed exotic animals from around the world baring their teeth at you. After you depart, you will follow alongside the Cumberland River.

As you follow this route, the road will have sweepers and curves that travel over the rolling foothills and underneath the coverage of the dense foliage. Much of your surroundings will include rich farmlands and meandering brooks.

During the final leg of your journey, you will travel alongside the Kentucky Ridge State Forest. Depending on the season, you can go to the Pine Mountain State Resort Park or the Laurel Cove Amphitheater deeper within the forest.

2.7 Trail of the Lonesome Pine

Distance: 25 miles
Time: 49 minutes
Start: Cumberland, Kentucky
End: East Stone Gap, Virgina

While you are still in Cumberland, you can go and explore the Kingdom Come State Park. You can head up to the tops of Log Rock or Raven Rock to get a good look of the sprawling valleys below.

After you head out, you will follow Kentucky Route 160 as you head towards the Kentucky-Virginia border. Along the way, you can pull over and head up the Little Shepherd Trail if you would like to engage in hiking. When you stop in Benham, you can check out the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum.

Before you cross over into Virginia, you should be able to see in the distance Black Mountain, the highest mountain peak in Kentucky.

2.8 The Harrodsburg to Willisburg Loop

Distance: 45 miles
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Start: Harrosburg
End: Harrosburg

Starting out in Harrodsburg, you can check out the natural scenery at the Old Fort Harrod State Park which is a replica of a settlement during the 18th century. If you consider yourself a history enthusiast, you can visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

Heading towards the northern half, you should be able to see the Anderson Dean Community Park in the distance. Much of your surroundings will include cattle farms, tobacco fields, and small country communities. As you travel along the curving roads and elevation changes, make sure to watch out for any farm animals, bicyclists, and farm equipment from crossing the road.

When you make it to Willisburg, you can check out the King’s Country if you have an interest in hunting wild game. You can also give yourself a reward for reaching the halfway point by seeing the Horseshoe Bend Vineyards and Winery.

2.9 Kentucky Route 80 - Somerset to Glasgow

Distance: 86 miles
Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Start: Somerset
End: Glasgow

Beginning in Somerset, you can check out the exhibits at the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center if you have an interest in the supernatural. Looking at the artifacts, stories, and displays may send an exhilarating chill up your spine. If you are looking to get a treat before continuing riding your motorcycle, try browsing the Mole Hole Gourmet Chocolate.

As you continue westward, the road will have many sweeping curves that travel around and over rolling hills. You can pick up souvenirs and supplies at the Russell Springs Antique Mall and the Main Street Mini Mall in Russell.

If you decide to keep pressing on, you can stop in Edmonton. You can check out the local films at the Barn Lot Theater or pick up trinkets at the 2 Cousins Lil’ Piddlin’ Barn. Upon arriving in Glasgow, you can spend time at Paradise Point or Fort Williams.

2.10 Elk Creek Winery Loop

Distance: 101 miles
Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Start: Middletown
End: Peewee Valley

Starting just outside the perimeter of Louisville, you head eastward in the direction of Shelbyville. Within the proximity of your first stop, you can check out the pumpkins at Gallrein Farms or pick the fruit growing at the Mulberry Orchards.

When you get to Frankfort, you will turn northward while traveling alongside the Kentucky River. But before you get too far away, you should be able to admire the beauty of Cove Springs Park and the bison living at Salato Wildlife Education Center.

As you head westward back in the direction of Louisville, most of the route will navigate around or over rolling hills with plenty of farms and small towns along the side.

2.11 Kentucky Route 587

Distance: 27 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Start: McKee
End: Lee County

Traveling along the eastern edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, you can admire the Flat Lick Falls that are close to McKee. If you wish to take a break from riding a motorcycle to ride a horse instead, you can take advantage of this opportunity at Triple R Ranch.

Most of the road will be wide sweeping turns that go around or over rolling hills within the forest as you travel in a northeastward direction. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife including deer, groundhogs, and foxes.

2.12 Black Mountain Kentucky Loop

Distance: 279 miles
Time: 5 hours 41 minutes
Start: Mount Sterling
End: Mount Sterling

Start your route from Mount Sterling, you should hang around to take in the local attractions. These include the Ruth Hunt Candies, the Montgomery County History Museum, and Gateway Ghost Walk.

As you travel through many of the natural sites in Kentucky, you will pass through the Daniel Boone National Forest and come close to the proximity of the Jefferson National Forest across the Kentucky-Virginia border.

The highlight of this route is traveling up the Black Mountain which provides you the best view of the entirety of Kentucky. As you climb up the road, there will be plenty of curves and switchbacks near precarious edges so make sure to be mindful of your speed.

3. Motorcycle Laws in Kentucky

3.1 Kentucky Motorcycle Helmet Laws

You are required to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are under the age of 21, have less than a year’s worth of riding experience, or hold a motorcycle instruction permit. Motorcyclists that are 21 years old or above can choose to not wear protective headgear when operating their vehicles. However, it is best to have a motorcycle helmet on at all times so that your head and neck are protected from severe or fatal injuries due to an accident.

Your motorcycle helmet must have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, has been manufactured by the Snell Memorial Foundation, and is built with visibility and protection in mind. The two types of models that fit these criteria would be three-quarter and full-face helmets.

As you select your motorcycle helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker
Can be fitted around your head snugly
No visible signs of damage
Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)
Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter only)
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant
Gives you a clear, peripheral view
Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap
Allows airflow without fogging up
Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 Kentucky Motorcycle Passenger Laws

Kentucky does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. However, any passengers under the age of 21 must be wearing protective headgear while riding with you.

If you wish to transport another person, your motorcycle must be outfitted with a designated passenger seat and footrests. These are necessary to provide both secure and safe seating for your passenger. The number of passengers you can carry depends on how many your motorcycle is designed to handle without hindering its functionality.

The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.

Criteria to look for in motorcycle passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.

3.3 Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Features

Part of your responsibility as a motorcyclist is to make sure your vehicle’s primary components are kept in good working condition. Any faulty equipment on your motorcycle could be a potential risk to your safety and the safety of other drivers traveling alongside you. Preferably every time before you head out on a trip, you should conduct a thorough inspection of your motorcycle. If you notice any signs of damage, you should provide maintenance using your repair tools or take it into a repair shop to be seen by a professional mechanic.

You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to be considered street legal in Kentucky. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:

Horn
Wheels
Tires
Handlebars
Front and Rear Brakes
Controls
Headlight (Low & High Beams)
Taillight
Break Light
Exhaust system
Muffler
Rearview mirrors

3.4 Kentucky Lane Splitting Laws

As there are no laws that clearly define lane splitting as being legal or illegal in Kentucky, it is up to the best judgment of the motorcyclists. However, it is highly recommended you avoid lane splitting if possible since this practice tends to increase the risk of getting into an accident.

What is considered lane splitting is when you ride on top of the dividing lines between traffic lanes, ride between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, or attempt to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you.

You are not allowed to lane share with another vehicle, even if it is a motorcycle.

You are entitled to make full use of the space within your current lane.

4. Motorcycle Luggage for Kentucky Motorcycle Tour

For your Kentucky motorcycle trip, there may be occasions where you travel on highways devoid of roadside amenities. Other times, you may spend significant time off of your motorcycle at roadside attractions. In case you run into trouble or wish to take a break, it is best to bring along a long list of belongings such as repair tools, provisions, water container, electronics, etc. Therefore, it is pragmatic to have baggage attached to your motorcycle that is capable of carrying all of these items.

Listed below are the Motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:

5. Parting Words

As you have probably gathered from reading this article, planning out a motorcycle trip to Kentucky is much more complex than simply figuring out your intended route and the final stop of your journey.

Whether you are an out-of-state tourist or a Kentucky resident, you should take the time to review Kentucky’s motorcycle laws. Having a good idea of the regulations for motorcycle helmets, passengers, safety features, and lane splitting will ensure that your trip will run smoothly.

Your motorcycle luggage must be designed for your specific motorcycle model plus have adequate storage capacity needed to house all the items you bring with you. As excess weight could affect your motorcycle’s balance, it is best to only take what you absolutely need.

If you have previously visited websites that provide information on popular motorcycle routes, you may be inclined to read about the examples that are frequently visited by most motorcyclists. However, if you conduct a bit more research, you may find other routes that are not as well-known but equally enjoyable to travel on.