The Top Places to See When Driving From Atlanta, Georgia to Lexington, Kentucky

Taking a road trip is always a great way to explore new places, especially when traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, to Lexington, Kentucky. You can enjoy a scenic drive while exploring some great attractions along the way. This route is approximately a 6-hour drive, a perfect getaway for a weekend trip. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to experience. Here are the top places to see when driving from Atlanta to Lexington.

Sightseeing and Historical Landmarks

Stone Mountain Park

Start your journey from Atlanta and drive to Stone Mountain Park for a breathtaking view. It is located on 3,200 acres near Atlanta, with a massive granite mountain towering 825 feet high. There's ample space for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park also offers bike rentals, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake. Take the cable car ride to the top of the mountain for amazing views of the surroundings. Tackle the challenging hike to the top for a more rewarding experience.

Tennessee Valley Railway Museum

Drive for an hour and 30 minutes from Stone Mountain Park along I-75 North to the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum. It is located in Chattanooga, where you get a one-of-a-kind experience. Step back in time by enjoying a ride on a vintage train in a beautifully restored car. You can enjoy various themed rides, such as the Murder Mystery Dinner Train or the Haunted Halloween Special. The railway also offers educational tours, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Ruby Falls

From the railway museum, it is only 15 minutes to Ruby Falls, an exciting natural wonder located 1120 feet below the top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. Take an elevator to descend into the waterfall's underground passages, which leads to the spectacular, the 145-foot underground waterfall. The waterfall is illuminated by LED lights, giving it a mystical ambiance. During the guided tour, you will learn the waterfall's history and how it was discovered by the builder Leo Lambert in 1928.

Mammoth Cave National Park

After spending time in Chattanooga, head off to Mammoth Cave National Park and enjoy one of the most exceptional natural wonders in the world. It is approximately a three-hour drive from Chattanooga. Its 53,000 acres offer varied experiences, including guided cave tours, kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park boasts an abundant cave system, with 412 miles of cave fish, ranging in complexity. You can watch bats fly from the cave in the evening, making it a unique sightseeing experience.

Outdoor Activities and Scenic Drives

Red River Gorge

Hit the road again and drive for two hours to Red River Gorge, Kentucky, to enjoy the great outdoors. The national park spans 45 square miles and boasts beautiful cliffs, valleys, and waterfalls. Natural Bridge, Chimney Rock, and Sky Bridge are some of the famous rock formations in the park. The park's hiking trails range from easy to challenging, providing something for everyone. You can also try rock climbing, swimming, and fishing in the area.

Bourbon Trail

Kentucky is famous for its bourbon whiskey. Hit the road and drive to the Bourbon Trail, which leads you through picturesque bluegrass and horse country. You will explore legendary bourbon distilleries through charming towns such as Bardstown, Frankfort, and Lexington. Learn about bourbon's history, how it's made, and sample the exquisite flavors in each distillery. The trail starts and ends in Lexington, covering a total of 225 miles.

Bernheim Forest

Before ending your trip in Lexington, visit Bernheim Forest, located only a 40-minute drive from downtown Louisville. The privately-owned forest boasts pristine landscapes consisting of meadows, streams, and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Bernheim Forest is an ecological wonder that all nature enthusiasts must visit. You can explore the canopy tree walk, where you walk up a ramp to see the forest from a new perspective. The forest's awe-inspiring sculptures are a sight to see and provide a retreat for artists.

Conclusion

Driving from Atlanta, Georgia, to Lexington, Kentucky, is full of natural wonders, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and unique attractions. This road trip is perfect for a weekend expedition or an extended vacation. You can hike, bike, fish, sample bourbon, and explore some of the country's most stunning natural formations. So plan your trip and hit the open road to experience everything that this route has to offer!