A favorite Kentucky pastime is hopping in the car and going for a scenic drive. We prefer the back roads in the Bluegrass State and we’re sharing the ultimate back road with you today, one that you absolutely must see to believe. Located in scenic southeastern Kentucky, the Little Shepherd Trail is a curvy mountain road that twists and turns more than 350 times as it leads to the most stunning views in the state. The windiest road in Kentucky is not for the faint of heart, but your heart will surely fall in love with this magical drive in our beautiful state.
If you’ve never visited southeastern Kentucky then you may be surprised to find beautiful mountainous landscape and winding roads that lead to sweeping views.
YouTube/EKB-TV All of this in a state that is well known for its gently rolling hills of horse country. In this region of Kentucky, near and within Kingdom Come State Park, is the incredibly curvy road, Kentucky Highway 1679, also known as the Little Shepherd Trail.
The “trail” is a 38-mile road that winds along Pine Mountain. It’s a very narrow road, paved in some areas and not in others, and offers a one-of-a-kind driving experience in our state.
Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Thomas If driving, you may want to keep in mind that the current paved sections are US 421 to KY 2010 and KY 160 to Creech Overlook.
While beautiful, this serpentine drive is not for the faint of heart.
YouTube/EKB-TV Many sections do not have a guard rail and the overlooks are steep and massive. It may be a bit thrilling, but the views are definitely worth it.
The hundreds of curves throughout the drive mean you better be on your best driving game when tackling this road. It’s only one lane, so definitely take your time and be cautious.
Facebook/Letcher County Tourism
The landscape along the winding road is so unique and picturesque.
Photo Courtesy of Sky Marietta Fall through the Little Shepherd Trail is magical, with plenty of rich color in the trees. Springtime brings wildflowers that decorate the rock formations, towering along the road. It’s truly stunning all year long.
As you drive through the mountain, you’ll come across several stopping points with designated overlooks. Do not miss the chance to pull over and enjoy the views.
Photo Courtesy of Walter Powers If you can catch a moment when the fog is rolling in, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled upon heaven, right here in the mountains of Kentucky.
The sweeping views from atop the mountain and along the road will take your breath away.
Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Thomas You’ll wonder why it’s taken you so long to enjoy this region of Kentucky.
And make sure to stick around for the sunset.
Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Thomas In fact, Letcher County Tourism offers Sunset Driving tours along the Little Shepherd Trail and you can find more information on these tours here.
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure with a naturally beautiful pay off, head to southeastern Kentucky and the Little Shepherd Trail.
Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Thomas
A drive along this winding road is an unforgettable experience and with so much to see in this area of Kentucky, it would make the perfect weekend getaway to enjoy a magical piece of the Bluegrass State.
Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Thomas
Take a drive along The Little Shepherd Trail in this beautiful video:
YouTube/EKB-TV
All of this in a state that is well known for its gently rolling hills of horse country. In this region of Kentucky, near and within Kingdom Come State Park, is the incredibly curvy road, Kentucky Highway 1679, also known as the Little Shepherd Trail.
Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Thomas
If driving, you may want to keep in mind that the current paved sections are US 421 to KY 2010 and KY 160 to Creech Overlook.
Many sections do not have a guard rail and the overlooks are steep and massive. It may be a bit thrilling, but the views are definitely worth it.
Facebook/Letcher County Tourism
Photo Courtesy of Sky Marietta
Fall through the Little Shepherd Trail is magical, with plenty of rich color in the trees. Springtime brings wildflowers that decorate the rock formations, towering along the road. It’s truly stunning all year long.
Photo Courtesy of Walter Powers
If you can catch a moment when the fog is rolling in, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled upon heaven, right here in the mountains of Kentucky.
You’ll wonder why it’s taken you so long to enjoy this region of Kentucky.
In fact, Letcher County Tourism offers Sunset Driving tours along the Little Shepherd Trail and you can find more information on these tours here.
Little Shepherd Trail and the area of Kingdom Come State Park is a stunning region of Kentucky that everyone should discover for themselves. Have you driven on the windiest road in the state? If not, would you? Let us know in the comments!
And for another scenic excursion, you can have in lovely Letcher County, check out our previous article here.
Also, if you enjoy these naturally beautiful photos of Kentucky, check out our Kentucky Nature Lovers Group on Facebook here and request to join!
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