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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth USAKentuckyThe Trace Panoramic Road
Tennessee

The Trace Panoramic Road

Grand Rivers - Land Between the Lakes - Dover

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Wildlife Wildlife
The Trace Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages2 km81 h/stage0.6

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a The Trace Panoramic Road in Kentucky?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
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The Trace Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Trace Panoramic Road is an 81km journey through the stunning countryside of the United States, starting in Grand Rivers and ending in Dover. Along the way, you will be able to explore the beautiful landscape of Land Between the Lakes. It is a great chance to take in the stunning views and capture some amazing photographs. The best time of the year to drive the Trace Panoramic Road is in the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition. This road trip offers an unforgettable experience and is suitable for all drivers, regardless of budget. Take the chance to explore the amazing attractions along The Trace Panoramic Road and create some wonderful memories. With a recommended time of one day, you can be sure to make the most of your journey.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 81 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Grand Rivers

Distance 81 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 24.2 kWh Airports LEX , SDF
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Grand Rivers is a small town situated on the banks of the majestic Kentucky Lake in the United States. It is the starting point of the Trace Panoramic Road, one of the most picturesque road trips in the region. From Grand Rivers, you can take in the breathtaking views of the lake, enjoy the wildlife, and explore the many attractions in town. The Kentucky Lake is a great spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. It is also home to some of the best camping sites in the area. There are plenty of trails and paths to explore, and you can also take a relaxing cruise on the lake. Grand Rivers is also home to the Grand Rivers Historic Museum, which provides a glimpse into the history of the area. In town, there are several restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore. The town is also home to the beautiful Badgett Playhouse, where you can enjoy live performances of music, theatre, and comedy. Additionally, Grand Rivers is home to a golf course, and a popular shopping center with a variety of shops and boutiques. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Nashville International Airport (BNA). There are car rentals available at this airport, making it easy to start your road trip on the Trace Panoramic Road. Grand Rivers is an ideal starting point for the Trace Panoramic Road, with its stunning views of the lake, its rich history, and its many attractions. Whether you are looking to enjoy the outdoors, explore the town, or just relax, Grand Rivers is the perfect place to start your road trip.

1 Grand Rivers - Land Between the Lakes

Distance 34 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 10.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an exciting journey from Grand Rivers to Land Between the Lakes. This 21mi drive will take you less than an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way. Start by visiting the Grand Rivers City Park, where you can take a stroll along the lake and admire the views. After that, take a short drive to the Badgett Playhouse, an old-fashioned theatre where you can enjoy a show. A few miles further, you'll find the Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway, where you can watch some exciting races. At the end of the road, you'll reach Land Between the Lakes, a great place to explore nature and wildlife. Here, you can visit the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, where you can learn about the history of the area, and the Elk & Bison Prairie, where you can spot some of the local wildlife. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great trip!

2 Land Between the Lakes - Dover

Distance 46 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: fast 13.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Land Between the Lakes, United States! This stage of your road trip will take you from Land Between the Lakes to Dover, a 29mi drive that should take you no more than an hour. Here, you'll find plenty of interesting attractions to explore. Start off your journey at Kentucky Lake, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and swimming. You can also explore the area's history at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, where you can learn about the culture and lifestyle of a typical 19th-century farm. As you make your way to Dover, you'll pass the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, where you can explore the region's natural beauty and wildlife. Here, you can take a hike, go horseback riding, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. Your final destination is Dover, where you can visit the Dover Museum, which showcases the area's rich history and culture. You can also take a stroll along the Dover Riverwalk and explore the scenic views of the river. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Dover

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Dover, United States is the perfect ending point for the Trace Panoramic Road road trip. Located in the state of Delaware, Dover is the capital city and home to some of the best attractions the state has to offer. The Dover International Speedway is a must-see and a great place to enjoy a day of racing. The Air Mobility Command Museum is also a great place to visit, where you can learn about the history of the US Air Force. For those looking to explore the outdoors, Dover is home to the beautiful First State National Monument. This National Monument is made up of numerous parks and historic sites, making it the perfect place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops in Dover, allowing you to enjoy some local cuisine and pick up some souvenirs. For travelers looking to fly into Dover, the closest international airport is the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). From there, you can easily rent a car or take a bus to get to Dover. Alternatively, you can drive in from other parts of the country and enjoy the scenic views of the Trace Panoramic Road. At the end of your road trip, Dover is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the attractions the city has to offer. From racing at the Dover International Speedway to exploring the First State National Monument, Dover has something for everyone. So why not make Dover the end of your Trace Panoramic Road trip?

The Trace Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

The Trace Panoramic Road, also known as The Trace in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, is an 81km (50-mile) journey that starts in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, and ends in Dover, Tennessee. This Scenic Drive takes you through a unique area nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in the southeastern United States. The route is rich with opportunities for photography, outdoor activities, and moments of serenity.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

Beyond the stunning landscapes, The Trace Panoramic Road allows access to several key destinations within Land Between the Lakes. The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum offers a chance to step back in time and see life as it was before the Civil War. The Elk & Bison Prairie is a highlight where visitors can encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, the Woodlands Nature Station is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, providing close encounters with native species and educational programs.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal time for this Road Trip is during the spring and autumn months, when the foliage transitions through a vibrant palette of colors and wildlife is particularly active. These seasons also offer comfortable temperatures and less crowded attractions. However, the area is open year-round, with each season offering its own unique beauty.

Potential Risks:

The journey is generally safe for all drivers, but it's important to be mindful of potential risks such as rapidly changing weather conditions, wildlife crossings, especially deer and turkeys, and staying alert on the winding, two-lane Road. Additionally, cell phone service can be spotty in the recreation area, so plan accordingly.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The Land Between the Lakes was designated a national recreation area by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
  • The Trace Road itself is steeped in history, following a route used by Native Americans and early settlers.
  • This Road Trip is budget-friendly, as many of the attractions along the way are free or have a nominal fee.
  • The entire route can be driven in about 2 hours without stops, but it's recommended to allow a full day to take advantage of all the sights and recreational opportunities.

A good choice for:

The Trace Panoramic Road is more than just a drive; it's an invitation to explore and appreciate the tranquil beauty of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. With its gentle pace and diverse attractions, it's an excellent choice for Road Trip enthusiasts looking to connect with nature and history in the heart of America's countryside.

Facts for safer driving in Kentucky

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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