On Wednesday morning, city officials and guests celebrated the designation of Old Frankfort Pike as a National Scenic Byway. They also officially opened the Visitors Viewing Area which features a 3,800-pound bronze statue of Secretariat + interpretive panels that tell stories of the area.
The National Scenic Byways Program is a voluntary, community-based program from the Federal Highway Administration that recognizes + protects America’s most eye-catching roads.
In order to receive a designation, the road must feature at least one of these six core qualities — scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archaeological, or cultural.
Old Frankfort Pike’s designation means that this stretch of beautiful bluegrass countryside has features that do not exist elsewhere in the United States + is unique enough to be a tourist destination.
Have we caught your eye yet? Well if we haven’t, these drives certainly will. We’ve listed out a few of our favorite must-see State + National Scenic Byways.
Midway-Versailles | US-62 | 6.3 miles
The route is full of exactly what you’d expect — rolling hills, elaborate barns + horse-filled fields — thanks to farms including Adena Springs, Stonewall, and Lane’s End.
Lexington-Versailles | Pisgah Pike | 5.1 miles
You guessed it, more horse farms. But we’re also treated to a little history with the 1812 Pisgah Church. Wildflowers + bright trees await in the largest rural historic district in Kentucky.
Lexington-Harrodsburg | Shakertown Road | 2.4 miles
- It’s definitely the longer route to Harrodsburg, but #worthit. Along this stretch to the historic Shaker Village is one of the longest continuous stretches of hand-laid stone fences in the state.
Stanton-Leeco | Red River Gorge Scenic Byway | 46 miles
- Worth the drive, the Red River Gorge area offers winding roads, arches, caves + amazing hiking with cliff lines in every direction.
