| Motorcycle
Roads Home > Kentucky Motorcycle
Roads |
| |
| |
| Title:
Red River & Nada Tunnel |
Nada
Tunnel Entrance |
State:
Kentucky
Submitted
By: Chopper King
Date Submitted: Feb 07
Motorcycle Type: 01 H/D Sportster S
Motorcycle Road Length: 25 Miles
|
|
| |
Motorcycle
Road 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.
|
|
|
Motorcycle
Road Quality: 
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities: 
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Additional
Information:
|
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.
|
|
| |
|
|
