Kentucky Adventure Trail
- OTG Crew
- Oct 29, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 27
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
Download Digital Mapping Files
If you need help working with digital mapping and GPX files, please check out our FAQ section.
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
Mine Made Adventure Park
Southfork Elk View
North Fork Kentucky River
Jackson, KY
Muir Valley Nature Preserve
Nada Tunnel
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Red River Jump Rock
Red River
Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (DBBB)
Beattyville, KY
Kentucky River
Wildcat Battle Monument
Natural Arches
Laurel River Lake
Dog Slaughter Falls
Cumberland River
Williamsburg
Splitbow Arch
Wagon Arch
Yamacraw Historic Bridge
Princess Falls
Twin Arches
Pickett Fire Tower
Oscar Blevins Historic Farmstead
East Rim Overlook
Jellico, KY
Pineville Overlook
Middlesboro, KY
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center
Cumberland Gap
Pinnacle Overlook
Hensley Settlement
Black Mountain
Powell River
Pound River
Birch Knob Observation Tower
Mill Rock Point Overlook
Williamson, WV
Land Managers & Other Resources
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.
Terms of Use: Should you decide to travel a route that is published on Overlandtrailguides.com, you do so at your own risk. Always take the appropriate precautions when planning and traveling, including checking the current local weather, permit requirements, trail/road conditions, and land/road closures. While traveling, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, and carry the appropriate safety, recovery, and navigational equipment. The information found on this site is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by Overland Trail Guides, the route accuracy and current conditions of roads and trails cannot be guaranteed.
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This KAT (Kentucky Adventure Tour) route is regularly updated due to closures by the author(s) and only posted here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KentuckyAdventureTour/files/files
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