• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Recapture the historic charm of Southern and Eastern Kentucky, an integral part of America's frontier, on this rich road trip.

Follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone as he led the first group of settlers through the Gap in the Cumberland Mountains back in 1775. You can re-live the excitement of the pioneers as they moved north into Kentucky, blazing the trail that would become the Wilderness Road, eventually luring more than 200,000 settlers to the western territory.

Now absorbed into US 25E and KY 229 and named a national scenic byway, the Wilderness Road Heritage Highway tracks the original route through rural countryside from Cumberland Gap to London, Kentucky.

Day 1- Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Armed with maps and the modern convenience of a GPS system, it’s ‘Westward Ho’ from Lexington to Pine Mountain State Resort Park (800/325-1712), the perfect family hub for the next few days. It’s 119 miles of mostly interstate driving along Hwy 25-E, approximately 38 miles off I-75 in Pineville.

Depending on timing, a good place to stop for lunch or an early dinner along the way would be in the town of Corbin. At the Junction of 25-E and 25-W, you’ll find the original Col. Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, as it appeared in the 1940’s. If you’re looking for dinner at a more formal restaurant, stop at The Vintage House, 215 Roy Kidd Avenue at 25-W. Here and throughout the trip, you’ll find that the food is traditional, children of all ages are welcome, and most restaurants have kids’ menus.

Are we there yet? Yes we are! Pine Mountain State Resort Park, located on State Pine Road in the heart of the Kentucky Ridge State Forest, is surrounded by the gentle seclusion of beautiful mountain scenery. The park was created in 1924, and the passage of time has not diminished the original sandstone and chestnut log construction.

At The Lodge (800/325-1712), there are 30 spacious guest rooms with full amenities, each featuring a balcony or patio on which to enjoy the mountain view. The resorts one- and two-bedroom cottages feature a more rustic charm. There are also nine one-bedroom log cabins that have stone fireplaces and private decks, and eleven two-bedroom log cabins with porches or decks surrounded by woodland settings. Grills are available for the cabins and cottages. This is a great family bargain with rates varying with the season from $ to $$. We suggest that you phone for reservations at the Resort well in advance.

With 14 miles of self-guided trails, the Resort is a hiker’s paradise where you can explore Chained Rock, the Hemlock Garden, Honeymoon Falls, Rock Hotel and Living Stairway. There’s a bike trail for your riding pleasure, a swimming pool with a tube slide, and interpretive programs on native plants and animals are under the direction of a naturalist. The 120-seat dining room serves traditional family Kentucky cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For the golf buffs, there’s the award winning Wasioto Winds (606/337-1066) 18-hole links-style golf course set in the midst of the spectacular beauty of the mountains, and a miniature golf course offers fun for the entire family (fees are charged per round).