Wilderness Road Heritage Highway
Nature and culture in southern Kentucky

Departure: Middlesboro, Kentucky
Destination: Berea, Kentucky
Time to allow: 2 days

Travel the Wilderness Road Heritage Highway and enjoy scenery, wildlife, and arts and crafts.

Day 1

  • Start: Middlesboro

    Middlesboro offers an appealing, pedestrian oriented architectural heritage and interesting sites like the Canal Walk and county museum.

  • Stop 1: Pineville

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 10 mi (16.0 km)
    Directions:

    Take 25E and head north to Pineville.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Pineville is a pedestrian friendly and relaxing town along the Wilderness Heritage Highway.

  • Stop 2: Pine Mountain State Resort Park

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 10 mi (16.0 km)
    Directions:

    Return to Pineville. From Pineville, take I-75 to exit 29 at Corbin onto US 25E.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Pine Mountain State Resort Park is the first park in the state system, and it offers outstanding views from atop Pine Mountain in the lodge.

  • End: Barbourville

    From previous stop: 28 minutes / 17 mi (27.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue on 25E and head northwest.

    Barbourville is home to Union College. With plenty of lodging opportunities, it's a good spot to spend the evening.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 37 miles / 59.2 km
Total Travel Time: 58 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Dr. Thomas Walker State Historical Site

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 2.5 mi (4.0 km)
    Directions:

    Take Exit 29 from I-75 and drive south on US 25E to Barbourville.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Cabin and site of Dr. Walker's early homestead in Kentucky. Dr. Walker was the first pioneer to find the Gap and then explore Kentucky.

  • Stop 2: Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 15 mi (24.0 km)
    Directions:

    Take US 25 from the Byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    The Mountain Life Museum provides costumed interpretation of a settlement village. Hiking trails also invite you to spend some extra time here.

  • Stop 3: Camp Wildcat

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 10 mi (16.0 km)
    Directions:

    Located just off of Wilderness Road on the east side of the Byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Camp Wildcat is the site of the first Civil War engagement in Kentucky. Participate in activities to get a close look at Civil War history.

  • Stop 4: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 15 mi (24.0 km)
    Directions:

    Located within Renfro Valley, just off of the Byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    History and culture come alive at Renfro Valley. Catch some concerts at one of many legendary venues, whether at a bluegrass festival or a gospel revival show.

  • End: Berea

    From previous stop: same location

    Enjoy some culture through the many options in Berea.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 42.5 miles / 68.0 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours 15 minutes