AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Old Frankfort Pike Historic and Scenic Byway

Kentucky
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
F4a Nugent's Crossroad Historic District · Public Domain. Chris Amos · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Old Frankfort Pike Historic and Scenic Byway extends over 15 miles through a memorable historic landscape in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. Old Frankfort Pike invites the traveler on an extraordinary drive through miles of countryside that were once typical of the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass, but rarely survive today with such cohesion and integrity. Here, traditional diversified agriculture and the international equine industry thrive and coexist in a unique landscape that has evolved over the past 200 years.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
The oldest surviving community place on Old Frankfort Pike is the Offutt-Cole Tavern (aka Lee’s Tavern) at the Byway and US 62, Midway Pike in the Nugent's Crossroad Historic District. Since about 1799, the two-story log and brick building has anchored the crossroad as an inn and stage coach stop and later a tollgate house.
F4a Nugent's Crossroad Historic District
Public Domain. Chris Amos · Photo credits
Untold years of travel along the route that originated as a buffalo trail or "trace", have carved the roadbed below the level of pastures along either side. Dry-laid limestone fences define the road’s tree-lined corridor.
F1a Old Frankfort Pike
Public Domain. Chris Amos · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.