AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Country Music Highway

Kentucky
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Highway 23 near Pikeville Looking South · Public Domain. Photo by Dennis Adams · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Country Music Highway is Eastern Kentucky s heritage route. The sites and sounds along the byway capture all aspects of the region s history, including Native American culture, pioneer settlement, coal mining, country music, crafts, architecture, the Civil War, and natural resources.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
A lone driver approaches a curve through tree-covered, rounded mountains on Highway 23, the Country Music Highway, near Pikeville, Kentucky.
Highway 23 near Pikeville Looking South
Public Domain. Photo by Dennis Adams · Photo credits
Mountain shadows fall across Highway 23.
Highway 23 near Pikeville Looking South
Public Domain. Photo by Dennis Adams · 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.