Where to Stop on your Road Trip South: Eastern Kentucky
It may be small but the beauty is unmatched. Explore with your eyes or taste buds in the Kentucky mountains. Only an hour out of your way if you're passing through Lexington or two hours south of Huntington!
Grab a Bite
Nothing beats this campers retreat. Miguel's is famous to it's locals and the frequent campers that set up shop in the pizza shack's backyard.
Grab yourself a made to order pizza and pop open Kentucky's very own Ale8 (bottle opener station provided). Pick it up before or after your hike as it sits just outside the entrance to the state park.
This may be the nostalgia talking but this is my favorite place to grab a bite to eat or a dessert to go! Spencer's, or known locally as the dairy bar, is an old-fashioned staple of the tiny town it calls home. You'll never see an unfriendly face when ordering your lunch with a walk-up window. Expect traditional American diner foods and affordable prices!
Take a Hike
There is a lot to see but I will stick with the tried and true favorites.
Naural Bridge
I know this rocky bridge well, having visited it in one way or another almost every year. You have a couple options to reach the top- take the skylift in the warm season and enjoy a foot dangling steep climb, or take your time trekking up a mile or so and squeeze your way through "Fat Man's Gulch" (a very narrow rocky crawl space). Not to worry though! The trail is well-kept and there are plenty of benches to take a breather and enjoy the forest.
Red River Gorge
A stone throw away from Natural Bridge we have Red River Gorge, which may be the more family-oriented stop for nature lovers. This area has hikes for the leisurely and zip-lines for the adventurous. And if you are turning your pit stop into something more permanent, find a cabin or set up camp- the area is beautiful year round!
Check out the state park's website to get your trail maps or stop by a visitor center or general store before heading out.
There is no better way to stretch your legs than taking a stroll through the immense greenery of Appalachia. These hot spots aren't too out of the way from the main road so if you find yourself looking for a pit stop, don't forget about the sights, sounds, and tastes of Eastern Kentucky!
The home for unique & authentic travel
