Wilderness Road Heritage Highway

Story of the Byway

Visitors can explore Kentucky’s natural and cultural history by travelling along the Wilderness Road Heritage Highway. The route itself was crucial to America’s settling of the west and played an important role during the Civil War. Visitors will begin at the Tennessee-Kentucky border near Middlesboro and continue northwest to Berea. As visitors begin their journey, they should make a stop at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west and was traveled by Native Americans, hunters, and pioneers alike. Visitors will find scenic trails, caves with stalagmites, and a reconstructed 20th century settlement in the park. In the area, visitors might also enjoy visiting Pine Mountain State Resort Park, which features 12 miles of self-guided trails and an 18 hole golf course.

As the route continues into Barbourville, visitors should be sure to check out the Dr. Thomas Walker State Historical Site. Dr. Thomas Walker, born in Virginia, organized and led the first expedition through Cumberland Gap in 1750. At this site, visitors can visit a replica of his cabin, the first Kentucky Home, play mini-golf, ride a giant slide, enjoy kid-friendly recreation, and shop for gifts and t-shirts. Also in the area is Union College.

Continuing northwest to London, visitors will encounter the McHargues Mill within the Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park. The mill is a reproduction working watermill built in 1939 with authentic interior works. The millstones used were brought over the Wilderness Road in 1805, and freshly ground corn meal is available for purchase. The park itself honors the pioneers who braved the wilderness to settle in Kentucky and features a museum spread across seven buildings and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment such as a pool, minigolf, and treetop adventures.

Visitors will discover the byway’s Civil War history before reaching Renfro Valley at Camp Wildcat in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Camp Wildcat Battle was fought early on in the Civil War on October 21, 1861 and was a welcomed win for the Union following Confederate victories at First Manassas and Ball’s Bluff. Upon reaching Renfro, music lovers love exploring Kentucky’s Country Music Capital. Visitors should be sure to stop at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center featuring two unique show theaters, two RV parks, and the Renfro Valley shopping village. Visitors from April to December will be treated to classic country, bluegrass, and southern gospel music at this venue.

The route continues north to its termination point in Berea, Kentucky. In Berea is Berea College, founded in 1855. Berea College was the first college in the American south to be coeducational and racially integrated, and it charges its students no tuition. While in Berea, visitors should be sure not to miss the Berea Artisans Center. The gallery sells made-in Kentucky arts, crafts, and specialty foods and is free to visit for the public. While at the center, visitors should keep an eye out for exhibits that display the unique works of Kentucky’s craft artisans. This final destination on the byway is a great place for visitors to stop and relax before heading home!