Woodlands Trace


State: Kentucky
Length: 43 mi / 69 km
Time to Allow: Plan for 1.5 hours to drive through the area or take a whole day to explore.

This scenic byway is situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, giving you unique access to gorgeous views from all angles, no matter which direction you look while driving along. Not only is the scenic byway gorgeous in its own right for the natural beauty that can be found all along the rolling hills and lakeshores, but it also offers a unique view of the fall foliage, should you find yourself in the area during the colder months. For those brave souls who find themselves taking a road trip in the middle of winter, this byway gives you access to clear, open views of the forest once all of the foliage has fallen to the ground and the snow covers the earth.

Woodlands Trace byway takes you directly to countless outdoor recreation opportunities, including various camping opportunities ranging from a night in a cabin to a night under the stars, hiking opportunities for meandering trails too intensive mountain excursions, and plenty of water weigh entertainment options, including canoeing, kayaking, or motorboating. Those interested in the history of the area can travel back to the 1850s or discover historic civil war sites at various locations along the way. For those looking for a quiet day in the countryside, there are plenty of picnicking opportunities where you can spend a nice sunny day drawing or photographing the mountain flowers or autumn foliage.

This byway gives you direct access to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, an incredible national resource that features 170,000 acres of public land that spans Kentucky and Tennessee. Not only does this location feature an 1850s reenactment location that allows visitors to experience the day-to-day life of a historic farm, but it also has a stunning planetarium to help you truly appreciate the gorgeous splendor of the night sky. Those looking to camp in this area will find campsite options ranging from isolated to fully developed, and those looking to experience the natural wildlife up close will find plenty of chance to see elk and bison, along with smaller animals, throughout the park.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful drive to take you to Calvert city, or are hoping to take advantage of any number of recreation opportunities available along this byway, Woodlands Trace is an incredible stop on any trip. Not only does it allow you to experience the pristine wilderness of Kentucky, but it also allows you to take in the gorgeous views from an angle you may not see anywhere else. this byway allows you to experience the outdoors from the comfort of your car, while still giving you the option to pull off to the side of the road to step into nature. whether you’re a history buff looking to learn more about the civil war, or a fan of outdoor recreation, you’ll never find yourself bored when traveling along the scenic byway.

More Kentucky Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Kentucky by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Kentucky Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.