Kentucky Adventure Trail

The KAT is the premier overland route in Kentucky. The Kentucky Adventure Tour is the perfect amalgamation of Appalachia with its quaint towns and villages, scenic rivers, and dense forests.

Route Overview

Trip Length & Season

Adventure Rating:  Baja Trip Length:  Approx. 1,000 miles, 1-2 weeks Season:   Year round, but the shoulder seasons spring and fall tend to provide the best weather.

Digital Maps & GPX Files

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• Kentucky Adventure Trail

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Technical Ratings & Terrain

Avg Technical Rating: 2

Peak Technical Rating: 4

Typical Terrain: 60% gravel and dirt roads, 40% paved backroads. There are numerous harder options off the of the main track for those seeking adventure.

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4

Recommended Moto: A mid-weight bike or dual sport bike is recommended given some of the moderate terrain.

Adventure Vans: Sprinter and Transit vans are not recommended on this route.

Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear

Fuel: There are numerous locations to obtain fuel along the route. Generally, fuel is never more than a 70 mile drive between stations. Provisions: Provisions can be obtained in the same general vicinity as fuel. Gear: n/a

Alternative Routes

The KAT features multiple Hard options along the way. These tend to start around a rating of 4-5. A high clearance 4x4 is recommened if you plan to take on these sections.

Camping Recommendations

Dispersed camping is permitted in various areas within Daniel Boone National Forest. We encourage adventurers to take advantage of the exquisite wild camping, where permitted.  

Discovery Points

1. Mine Made Adventure Park

2. Southfork Elk View

3. North Fork Kentucky River

4. Jackson, KY

5. Muir Valley Nature Preserve

6. Nada Tunnel

7. Red River Gorge Geological Area

8. Red River Jump Rock

9. Red River

10. Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (DBBB)

11. Beattyville, KY

12. Kentucky River

13. Wildcat Battle Monument

14. Natural Arches

15. Laurel River Lake

16. Dog Slaughter Falls

17. Cumberland River

18. Williamsburg

19. Splitbow Arch

20. Wagon Arch

21. Yamacraw Historic Bridge

22. Princess Falls

23. Twin Arches

24. Pickett Fire Tower

25. Oscar Blevins Historic Farmstead

26. East Rim Overlook

27. Jellico, KY

28. Pineville Overlook

29. Middlesboro, KY

30. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center

31. Cumberland Gap

32. Pinnacle Overlook

33. Hensley Settlement

34. Black Mountain

35. Powell River

36. Pound River

37. Birch Knob Observation Tower

38. Mill Rock Point Overlook

39. Williamson, WV

Land Managers & Other Resources

Land Managers

• Daniel Boone National Forest

• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

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Route Details

The Kentucky Adventure Tour is a 1,000 mile loop (not counting the hard sections) around the hills and mountains of southeastern Kentucky. It is about 40% rural narrow twisty paved roads with the rest being gravel, dirt roads and trails. The route can be run in either direction, and you may choose to start at any location you like. Most adventurers tend to do portions of the route, but we recommend doing the entire track if you want to experienced Authentic Kentucky.

KAT Segment 1 (240 mi) Segment 1 travels from the Hindman area to just outside of the small village of Livingston. Much of this section of the route travels through the Daniel Boone National Forest, which contains numerous campgrounds and side trails to explore. The Red River Gorge Geological Area is definitely worth visiting, and provides numerous swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. KAT Segment 2 (250 mi) Segment 2 travels from the Livingston to Newcomb, and also traverses through the Daniel Boone National Forest. The route also passes through the 125,000 acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Segments 1 and 2 of the KAT both provide numerous recreational opportunities, especially those involving water (boating, swimming, fishing, etc). KAT Segment 3 (255 mi)

Segment 3 passes through a combination of forest service roads and county roads and byways. This section does pass through the Cumberland Gap area, but recreational opportunities are fewer compared to segments 1 and 2, although we definitely recommend checking out Pineville Overlook and Chain Rock.

KAT Segment 4 (185 mi) This section of the route begins in the Clintwood, VA area, and makes it's way back across the Kentucky border and concludes near Hueysville. This segment travels primarily through county roads and byways. Please be mindful of private property, as dispersed camping opportunities on this segment will be far and few between.

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