Kentucky Bourbon & Tennessee Whiskey Trail Road Trip
Kentucky & Tennessee Road Trip
Start / End
Cincinnati, Ohio/Nashville, Tennessee
States Covered
KY
TN
National Parks
Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Daniel Boone National Forest & Cherokee National Forest
Suggested Days
6+
Suggested Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Tennessee Whiskey Trail are both worthy of individual, dedicated road trips. But when you’re short on time, this condensed itinerary is an excellent overview of both experiences. From the rolling hills of thoroughbred farms in Kentucky’s horse country to the impressive peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains in east Tennessee, this road trip has the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and boozy breaks. This two-state itinerary can also be broken into a more compact single-state road trip for a weekend getaway or mid-week break.
American spirit comes in many forms: the sippable kind for those who embibe, the soulful kind one hopes to discover on the open road, and the haunting kind that echoes through the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll have the chance to meet them all on this epic distillery road trip through Appalachia.
Preparation
Begin your journey by arriving at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Alternatively, you can follow this itinerary in reverse and begin your journey in Nashville, Tennessee. For this article, we’ll begin in Ohio and make our way south. This Tennessee and Kentucky road trip is best suited for spring, summer, and fall. Winter weather can make roads impassable in high mountain regions and many distilleries and attractions close for the season. Also make lodging reservations in advance, even if you choose to camp.
While this itinerary was written as a road trip, there are other transportation options available in most areas to ensure safe passage to and from distilleries. You can also contact distilleries directly to inquire about recommended transportation services. If you choose to drive yourself, do so responsibly.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Road Trip
CINCINNATI, OH TO LOUISVILLE, KY
From Cincinnati, begin your journey south through the picturesque rolling rolls of northern Kentucky. Just 37 miles down the road is the first stop on our Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip.
The Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, Kentucky, is a true family-owned operation. The Neelys had been (illegally) brewing Kentucky bourbon for eleven generations before opening their (legal) operation in 2015.
After a quick tour and tasting, drive another 59 miles to Louisville, also known as Bourbon City. There, continue along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on the city’s Urban Bourbon experience. From dining to history, arts and culture, there’s plenty to explore in Kentucky’s largest city!
KENTUCKY BOURBON DISTILLERIES
Next, continue on your Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip to central and eastern Kentucky. This section of the itinerary features just as many outdoor activities as bourbon distilleries. Here are a few recommendations:
James B. Beam Distilling and the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (Clermont, KY)
Two Kentucky legends and neighbors, Jim Beam and the Bernheim Arboretum, teamed up to create the Jim Beam Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. This preservation effort aims to protect the coveted limestone waters of the region. Connect with nature at the arboretum before visiting one of the world’s most famous bourbon makers.
Maker’s Mark Distillery (Loretto, KY)
Maker’s Mark Distillery wins a sustainability gold star for becoming the first Kentucky bourbon distillery to join B Corp. Member businesses focus on responsible, ethical, and environmeentally-friendly business practices. Maker’s Mark is also the biggest bourbon distillery in the world and one of the most popular places on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As they say, “Make your mark, leave no trace.”
Castle & Key Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
If you only make one stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, make it Castle & Key Distillery. Originally built in 1889 as the first bourbon tourism attraction of its kind, the property fell into disrepair during Prohibition. It was was then restored in the 2000s and became Castle & Key Distillery. Wander the grounds of the original castle-like distillery, which include a botanical garden. Then tour the historic springhouse in which all of the water for the bourbon production is sourced and stored.
Jim Beam & Sally Brown Nature Preserves (Lancaster & Nicholasville, KY)
For more of the non-potable kind of Amerian spirit, visit the Jim Beam Nature Preserve and Sally Brown Nature Preserve. These two outdoor oases are just a stone’s throw from each other south of Lexington, Kentucky. The surrounding area is known as Kentucky’s Palisades region, where steep limestone cliffs overlook the rolling Kentucky River and its babbling offshoot streams. For the complete fronteirsman experience, be sure to explore the various caves in the area.
Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville, KY)
Our last stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail portion of our itinerary is the Wilderness Trail Distillery. Located on a 167-acre farm near Danville, Kentucky, the folks at Wilderness Trail are always looking for new ways to utilize their incredible space and share their love of bourbon. These outdoor and bourbon enthusiasts have even launched their own trail running, hiking and general good vibes community. Find them by searching #WhatTrailAreYouOn on Instagram!
Unique Lodging
For fully committed bourbon lovers, book a night (or a few!) at America’s first and only bourbon barrel retreat. Complete with an on-site restaurant, Bourbon Barrel Retreats takes glamping to the next level with unique standalone bourbon barrel-shaped pods. It’s also conveniently located amongst over a dozen Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries. Without a doubt this is one of the most unique places to stay on your Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip.
MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK
A slight detour west to reach Mammoth Cave National Park is well-worth the extra miles. This extraordinary national park is a major highlight on any the Midwestern road trip. The subterranean experience is amazing, but the above-ground views are spectacular, too. In fact, this is one of the best Dark Sky Parks east of the Mississippi. There are also other smaller caves to check out in and around the nearby and aptly-named town of Cave City. Come for the caves, stay for the stargazing.
DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST
In Daniel Boone National Forest, you’ll explore some of the most rugged terrain of western Appalachia. Stretching over 700,000 acres and featuring two national wilderness areas, this wilderness has plenty of space to romp, tromp and explore. Originally named Cumberland National Forest, the history and controversy behind the renaming of the forest is reason to visit alone. Hiking, camping, climbing, and paddling are just a few of the various ways to explore this gorgeous Appalachian jewel.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail Road Trip
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
The Tennessee portion of our itinerary begins at The Cherokee National Forest. This forrested frontier is the largest stretch of public land in Tennessee. Access the Appalachian Trail or paddle your way down class I-IV rapids.
When you’re ready for a break from outdoor activities, head to Bootleggers Distillery. It’s located just a few miles outside of the national forest perimeter in Hartford, Tennessee. Bootleggers’ distillers have nearly 16 generations of distilling experience. This is also one of the smallest distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
A trip to east Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is America’s most visited national park for good reasons. Wildlife, wildflowers, and wild adventures all await in this idyllic mountain range.
Lodging options include camping, glamping and cabins. You can also book a room in the gateway town of Gatlinburg, which is also home to several stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Sugarlands Distilling Company is one noteworthy distillery that has everything from tastings to cocktail courses. Don’t forget to wet your whistle with their house-made moonshine!
KNOXVILLE, TN
When you’re ready to depart Knoxville, make a stop at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. The once fully-operational state prison is now home to Brushy Mountain Distilling. Today, you’ll still find plenty of characters behind bars of a different kind. Sip on the world’s only prison-made hooch, appropriately named “End of the Line Moonshine.”