Wind through the heart of Appalachian Kentucky on the Country Music Highway, a 144.1-mile journey celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage. This National Scenic Byway stretches from US 119 near Whitesburg north to KY 2 in Greenup, tracing the hollows and ridges that shaped country music legends like Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Naomi and Wynonna Judd.

The route unfolds through dramatic eastern Kentucky landscapes—mist-shrouded mountains, winding creek valleys, and small towns where front-porch picking remains a way of life. Stop at the Butcher Hollow homestead where Loretta Lynn grew up, explore the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, or catch live music at venues dotting the corridor. Historical markers throughout honor the musicians who emerged from these hills.

Beyond the music, discover Breaks Interstate Park’s stunning canyon, charming downtown Paintsville, and the rolling farmland of the Ohio River valley as you travel north. Local diners serve up authentic Appalachian cooking—don’t miss the opportunity for home-style biscuits and gravy.

Best time to visit: Late spring through fall offers optimal driving conditions and vibrant foliage. Allow a full day to experience the route properly, or spread it across a weekend to savor the music venues and mountain hospitality.

Explore Nearby

• Paintsville Lake State Park — State Park in Kentucky
• Dawkins Line Rail Trail — State Park in Kentucky
• Yatesville Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky
• East Fork Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky
• Daniel Boone National Forest — National Forest in Kentucky