Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Campbellsville, Kentucky, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee
If you are looking for a scenic drive that combines nature, history, and culture, you should consider going from Campbellsville, Kentucky, to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The trip spans about 160 miles and takes approximately three hours, but you should allow for more time to enjoy the sights along the way. One notable stop on the route is Pall Mall, TN, the birthplace of Sergeant Alvin C. York, one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I.
1. Green River Lake State Park, Kentucky
Green River Lake State Park is a beautiful, 8,210-acre park located just south of Campbellsville, Kentucky. Besides being one of the top fishing spots in the region, the park offers abundant hiking trails that meander around the lake and through the woods. Visitors can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats to explore the lake or join Ranger-led programs and events that range from stargazing to bird watching. The park has plenty of picnic areas with playgrounds and shelters, perfect for a family lunch or a romantic date.
Favorite food: Smoked pork belly sliders at the park's restaurant.
2. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Kentucky
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born in a humble log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the site and features a replica of the original cabin, a granite memorial building, and a visitor center that exhibits artifacts, photos, and videos related to Lincoln's life and legacy. Visitors can walk the 56 steps of the Memorial Building, representing the 56 years of Lincoln's life, and enjoy the scenic views from the top.
Favorite food: Kentucky Hot Brown at the nearby Lincoln Jamboree.
3. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a rugged, 125,000-acre park that straddles the border between Tennessee and Kentucky. The park is named after the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, which carves deep gorges and cliffs through the sandstone and shale formations. Visitors can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, and even off-road drive on the park's 500 miles of trails and roads. The park also offers numerous camping sites, fishing spots, and rock climbing areas.
Favorite food: Cornbread and pinto beans at the Blue Heron General Store.
4. Historic Rugby, Tennessee
Historic Rugby is a quaint, 1880s Victorian village located in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Tennessee. Founded by British colonists, the village aimed to create a cooperative agricultural and cultural community based on the principles of the English Arts and Crafts movement. Today, Historic Rugby preserves the original buildings, streets, gardens, and artifacts of the village, and offers guided tours, workshops, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can stay at the village's restored Victorian houses, enjoy a meal at the Harrow Road Café, or browse the shops and galleries that sell local crafts and arts.
Favorite food: Cottage pie at the Harrow Road Café.
5. Museum of Appalachia, Tennessee
The Museum of Appalachia is a living tribute to the cultural heritage of the Appalachian region, located just north of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Founded by John Rice Irwin in the 1960s, the museum features over 250,000 artifacts, exhibits, and structures that showcase the customs, traditions, music, crafts, and daily life of the people who lived in the mountains for centuries. Visitors can explore the 65-acre outdoor museum that includes log cabins, barns, schools, churches, gardens, and farm animals, or wander through the indoor galleries that display quilts, pottery, tools, instruments, and artworks made by local artists.
Favorite food: Fried chicken and hominy at the museum's restaurant.
If you are up for a scenic drive that offers diverse attractions for all ages and interests, the route from Campbellsville, Kentucky, to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, should be on your bucket list. From exploring a picturesque state park to delving into American history, from hiking the rugged trails of a national recreation area to strolling through a quaint Victorian village, and from immersing yourself in the cultural richness of Appalachia to savoring its traditional cuisine, this trip has it all. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road for an adventure you will never forget.