Road Trips from Berea, KY: Exploring the Beauty of Kentucky's Surrounding Areas

Introduction

Berea, KY, is a charming city located in the heart of Kentucky. While the city itself has plenty to offer visitors, its central location makes it a great starting point for exploring the surrounding areas. From rolling hills to towering mountains, Kentucky's surrounding areas are home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country. In this blog post, we'll highlight some of the best road trips from Berea, showcasing the unique attractions and breathtaking views of Kentucky's surrounding areas.

Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

Located just an hour's drive from Berea, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Kentucky's surrounding areas. The drive takes visitors through the stunning Red River Gorge, a canyon system carved by the Red River over millions of years. Along the way, visitors can stop at overlooks to take in the breathtaking views, hike through the forest to see stunning rock formations and waterfalls, and even go rock climbing or zip-lining.

Attractions:

• Natural Bridge State Resort Park
• Red River Gorge Geological Area
• Miguel's Pizza
• Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center

Lexington and Horse Country

Just a short drive from Berea, the city of Lexington and the surrounding Horse Country are a great destination for anyone interested in Kentucky's rich history and culture. Visitors can tour horse farms and learn about the region's horse racing heritage, explore the vibrant arts and culinary scenes of downtown Lexington, and even visit historic sites like the Mary Todd Lincoln House or the Lexington Cemetery.

Attractions:

• Keeneland Race Course
• The Kentucky Horse Park
• Lexington Opera House
• Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Located just over an hour's drive from Berea, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and outdoor adventure. The park is home to stunning natural beauty, including scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls, as well as historic sites like the Pinnacle Overlook and Hensley Settlement.

Attractions:

• The Wilderness Road
• Gap Cave Tour
• Tri-State Peak Trail
• Middlesboro Crater

Mammoth Cave National Park

Located just over an hour and a half from Berea, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest-known cave system. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, hike through the surrounding forest, and even go canoeing or kayaking on the Green River. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, deer, and wild turkeys.

Attractions:

• Mammoth Cave Tours
• Green River Canoeing and Kayaking
• Wild Cave Tours
• Hiking Trails

Bardstown and the Bourbon Trail

Located just over an hour's drive from Berea, Bardstown, and the Bourbon Trail are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Kentucky's famous bourbon industry. Visitors can tour distilleries and learn about the history and production of bourbon, explore historic sites like My Old Kentucky Home and the Civil War Museum, and even sample some of Kentucky's finest cuisine and craft beer.

Attractions:

• Kentucky Bourbon Trail
• My Old Kentucky Home State Park
• Bardstown Civil War Museum
• The Rickhouse Restaurant and Lounge

Conclusion

Berea, KY, is a great starting point for exploring the natural beauty and unique attractions of Kentucky's surrounding areas. From the stunning Red River Gorge Scenic Byway to the historic Bardstown and Bourbon Trail, there's no shortage of amazing road trips to take from Berea. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best of Kentucky's surrounding areas!