Kentucky Adventure Tour

The southeastern region of Kentucky is a land of untamed beauty, characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and rugged terrain. Tucked away in this picturesque landscape lies a hidden gem for adventure enthusiasts - the Kentucky Adventure Tour (KAT). This free, self-guided overland route is designed to take explorers on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Appalachia, spanning Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The KAT offers two distinct experiences, tailored for different types of vehicles. Motorcycle enthusiasts can embark on a thrilling 1000-mile loop through narrow, twisty paved roads, gravel paths, dirt roads, and trails. This journey is not for the faint of heart, as it includes challenging sections with large rocks, logs, mud, ruts, creeks, and steep hills. To conquer these trails, riders are advised to equip their bikes with full knobby tires and have prior experience in off-road conditions.

For those with 4x4 vehicles, the KAT presents an equally thrilling adventure. While the main loop can be tackled by fairly stock 4x4s with high clearance, it's essential to be prepared for rocky terrain, mud, creek crossings, and challenging hills. Aggressive tires, a rear locker, and recovery gear like a winch are highly recommended for these sections.

The KAT takes approximately 5-7 days to complete the main loop, and an additional 1-2 days if you choose to tackle the challenging sections. Along the way, you'll will encounter breathtaking vistas, serene forests, and the remote beauty of coal mining areas. While the roads are open to the public, there may be temporary closures due to work or blasting. However, the locals, including security guards, are usually friendly and willing to provide alternative routes.

Safety is paramount, especially in remote areas. It is strongly advised not to travel alone and to carry essential supplies such as water, food, and camping equipment. Gas stations are strategically marked along the route, with an average distance of around 60 miles between stops. Waypoints for accommodations, campsites, and recommended eateries are also provided.

While on the KAT, travelers may encounter downed trees or creeks that appear too challenging to cross. However, adventurers can easily navigate around such obstacles using their GPS devices. It's important to note that using a chainsaw in the Daniel Boone Forest requires a permit obtained after taking a specific class.

To begin your KAT adventure, download the appropriate GPS files from the official KAT webpage, and make sure to use the latest files before setting off, as the route may change. The files are available for motorcycles ("KAT") and 4x4s ("KAT 4x4"). Importantly, using the wrong tracks for your vehicle type can damage the trails and risk their closure.

The Kentucky Adventure Tour is a labor of love, maintained by enthusiasts for future generations of adventure seekers. Donations can be make directly to support updates and improvements, and stickers are sent as tokens of appreciation. Information on making donations can be found on the KAT website.

As supporters of trails and other natural places all over the country, All Roads Taken will donate a portion of each badge purchased in support of the KAT.

If you're interested in finding out more, check out this video from Ozark Overland Adventures as they share their experience on the trail with GoXplorUSA.