The Ultimate Road Trip: From Bardstown, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee

If you're looking for a picturesque road trip that combines scenic beauty with cultural attractions, look no further than the drive from Bardstown, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee. This journey will take you through charming small towns, rolling hills, and stunning countryside. The total distance of this trip is about 178 miles, and the drive time is approximately 3 hours, but there are different routes you can take depending on your preferences.

The Classic Route

The most direct and straightforward route to get from Bardstown, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee is taking the classic route. This will take you down the I-65 S and I-40 E highways. The total distance for this journey is 178 miles, and it should take you around 3 hours. You'll pass through beautiful rural areas, including stunning farmland scenery with sprawling countryside vistas. On this route, you may be able to spot horses grazing in fields and see the occasional Amish farmer on a horse-drawn buggy.

The Historic Route

For those who want to add some history into their road trip adventure, consider taking the historic route. This goes through the impressive Mammoth Caves National Park, which will add approximately 35 minutes to the total driving time. On the way, you can explore the amazing cave structures and learn about Kentucky's history. From the Mammoth Caves National Park, take the US-31W S highway and then turn onto the Western Kentucky Parkway until reaching the I-65 S. Then continue on the I-40 E as usual. This route will take approximately 3.5 hours.

The Scenic Route

For a more scenic and winding route, take the KY-55 S highway from Bardstown, Kentucky. You'll be passing through colorful forests and verdant hills, including the Green River Lake State Park. Soon, you'll hit the Cumberland Parkway and make your way to Cookeville, Tennessee, where you can stop at the alluring Center Hill Lake. This route may add around 15-20 minutes more and total driving time will be around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Must-Visit Pit Stops Along the Way

No road trip is complete without stopping at some exciting attractions along the way. Luckily, there are plenty of places to visit during the drive from Bardstown to Crossville. If you opt for the Classic or Scenic Route, you can make a point to stop by Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky, a unique theme park that is sure to delight both history buffs and dinosaur enthusiasts. Or, try some of the local bourbon distilleries around the Bardstown area, including the Maker's Mark Distillery or the Jim Beam American Stillhouse.

If you do decide to take the Historic Route, it's worth stopping by at the nearby Civil War battlefield sites, including the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, about a 10-minute drive away from Perryville, Kentucky, and Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover, Tennessee. You may also wish to explore the Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace National Park, an iconic and fascinating tourist destination.

In conclusion, driving from Bardstown, Kentucky to Crossville, Tennessee offers many options, whether you choose to take the classic, historic, or scenic route. The approximately 3-hour drive is worth every moment, with plenty of sights, attractions, and pit stops along the way. So, pack up your car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure!