Overall Route Rating
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4.58 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.58
38 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jan 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
September 23, 2009
There was thee other bike with my group. We rode…
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Guest
June 20, 2009
Thank you for posting this route. It was…
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Written Directions

Get yourself to the starting point of Stanton, KY (about 35 miles southeast of Lexington, KY) then just head south on the Bert Combs Parkway until you get to Rt 77 (also known as Nada Tunnel Rd) where you need to go east (turn left). Keep following 77 until Rt 715 turns off to the right. This will take you back to the Bert Combs Parkway at Pine Ridge, Ky. If you take 77 to the right off of Bert Combs Parkway you will enter Natural Bridge State Park.

Scenery

I think this is one of the most unique rides I have ever been on. You will be riding along the Red River. This was a logging river at one time. There are numerous rock formations and outcroppings to amaze and amuse. Make sure you stop to get a drink at the spring coming out of the pipe along the road (on Rt 77 before the Nada Tunnel). It is the best water I have ever had. The day we rode was very hot and still, a cool drink and head dunk felt mighty good. Riding along the river allows many opportunities to pull off to explore trails or take a dip. Keep your eyes peeled and you will see some big rocks with a ladder on them which you can climb on and jump into river. Now you will come upon the Nada Tunnel. My friend who told me about this route didn't tell me about the tunnel. I really don't call it a tunnel. I say it is a 12 ft. by 12 ft. by 900 ft. hole in a mountain. Take your sun glasses off after the spring as this tunnel isn't lit. This is a slow cruise road, stop often and enjoy nature.

Drive Enjoyment

This is just your regular 2 lane black top road. It was in good shape in 06. It has the usual repaired potholes but nothing out of the ordinary for this type of road. The road is quite twisty and hilly, I think it follows and old Indian trail. I would caution to take it easy as it is a local road and some are just putting along. Watch for the Nada Tunnel which is after the spring a little bit. Keep watching for the 12 ft. clearance signs. Each entrance to the tunnel is out of a small curve so go slow and peek in first. I made a lot of noise going through the tunnel i.e. blowing my horn, revving my motor, and such. I told my wife it was for safety, but she didn't believe me.

Tourism Opportunities

This route is not populated so no shopping or such. The area does have some nice attractions. Make sure you stop at visitors center and look around. We got a fridge magnet with picture of Nada Tunnel in winter with icicles hanging off it. Also much area history. Look for the story of Old 96, cracked me up. Make sure to take side trip through Natural Bridge state park. It has some wonderful lookouts and trails. We haven't stayed at this State Park Lodge but if they are as nice as the rest I'm sure it would make a great stay, and their restaurants always have good food if you need a bite to eat. We are going back this way next summer and hope to stay at lodge and explore some more of the area. Maybe even take that swim this year.

Going east through the Nada Tunnel

This is the Gladie House that can be found off of 715. You can't go inside it but you can walk around the property

Here is Sky Bridge. I would recommend taking the 1 mile loop hike to see it in person. Be prepared for the stairs at the end of the trail! :)

Motorcycle Road Additional info

I looked this up in the Scenic Byways book I have and it says takes 1 hour to drive and 5 hours to enjoy. That is the best I can tell you. Take your time and explore here as it is so beautiful and peaceful. We are going back again this summer and doing more exploring of our own. - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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brddog122
April 28, 2016
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Rode this in April of 16. Pavement was very good and traffic was very light. After the tunnel, river below on one side rock cliffs on the other. hardly a straight piece of tarmac on the route. Was a real pleasure to ride.
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Mooseman
September 10, 2014
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
One of the best kept secrets in Kentucky! Only passed two cars and three bikes the whole loop, great weekday ride. The video on YouTube does not do it justice! Roads are freshly paved and it was an absolute joy to ride.
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Guest
August 18, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This ride was awesome! Everything from the scenic views, the curvy roads, to the quick stops to walk some of the trails... it was all great. Make sure you bring your camera!!!! I'll be posting some of my pictures on here to share. I would highly recommend you bring some sort of water supply and a snack because you'll most likely end up staying a lot longer than you planned for. I didn't plan on staying but about 2 hours and ended up staying for 6 - 7 hours. I would recommend you stop at the Sky Bridge (1 mile trail loop.) There are plenty of areas to pull off on the side of the road if you decide to stop and park for a few minutes to take pictures, hydrate, or snack. Also, be prepared for the roads to be wet in some spots due to the moisture as well as vehicles stopped in the road. If you stop off to see the "Suspension Bridge" (1/2 Mile Trail Loop) there is a swimming hole on the way to the bridge if you want to cool off; there is also a huge rock to jump off of too. The fresh spring water is about a 1/4 -1/2 mile on the right before you get to the Nada Tunnel if you're heading east on 77, and yes... it's good! The only thing that freaked me out was the used bar of soap sitting on the rocks.
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