Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the “Top of the South” welcomes you to Kentucky with outdoor adventure, fascinating history and bourbon galore.

Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look. Enjoy archery or clay shooting at the prestigious Elk Creek Hunt Club, then treat yourself to a glass of local wine at Elk Creek Vineyards – one of several wineries in the region.

More Things To Do In The Northern Kentucky River Region

The vibrant riverfront cities of Covington, Newport and Maysville reveal gems like quaint MainStrasse Village and Newport on the Levee, an entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, nightlife and the world-renowned Newport Aquarium. Taste the past, present and future of Kentucky bourbon at distilleries such as Old Pogue and New Riff, and visit Boone County Distilling Co. to learn why they say their bourbon is "made by ghosts." Perhaps the best way to experience Northern Kentucky's bourbon scene is on The B-Line, a trail of bourbon distilleries, bars and restaurants that winds through the region before you journey deeper into Bourbon Country.

Explore Kentucky history at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, home to a bison herd and many prehistoric fossils belonging to mammoths and mastodons that once roamed this region. See an authentic Civil War battle reenactment at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Flemingsburg, the Official Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky, is a photographer's dream. And the awe-inspiring Ark Encounter is a must-stop, whether you're interested in Bible history or just want to see a modern engineering marvel; this true-to-scale replica of Noah's Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world.

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Cycling the Kentucky Bourbon Experience

At any given time, the number of barrels of bourbon being aged in Kentucky is greater than the number of residents—the state produces 95% of the world’s bourbon, so it’s safe to say bourbon is a way of life out here. 46 distilleries have teamed up with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association to create the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which showcases the best bourbon the state has to offer. The Bourbon Trail®, combined with central Kentucky’s rolling green hills and scenic views of Thoroughbred horse farms, makes for an unforgettable—and quintessentially Kentucky—experience.

WHAT MAKES IT GREAT

Established in 1999, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® includes some names you’ve definitely heard—think Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey—along with a few that only true bourbon aficionados are probably familiar with. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has mapped and published directions for three bike tours of the Bourbon Trail®: a 50-mile tour that includes three distilleries, plus 115-mile and 150-mile tours, both of which take cyclists to six distilleries. Maximize your experience by splitting one of the longer tours into two days—the longest route travels through a couple of historically significant towns, along with the Perryville Battlefield and Old Fort Harrod State Park, where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married.

Between distilleries, you’ll ride challenging terrain. Using local knowledge of the safest and most scenic routes, our local cycling experts have designed recommended routes for the self-sufficient cyclist. Each rider plans their own trip, carries their own gear/equipment and arranges accommodations.

WHO IS GOING TO LOVE IT

Anyone is welcome to ride the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, regardless of age or interest in the bourbon itself—there’s no age limit on distillery tours, though visitors must be over 21 to sample bourbon. The ride itself is best suited to experienced and confident cyclists. In addition to long distances and challenging, hilly terrain, roads on the tour occasionally pass through heavily trafficked areas.

DIRECTIONS, PARKING & REGULATIONS

Since biking the Bourbon Trail® is officially sanctioned, distilleries won’t be fazed when they see cyclists pull up, though they do ask that visitors bring a change of shoes rather than wearing cycling cleats on a tour. There’s no fee for riding the route, but some of the distilleries charge a small fee for admission on a tour.

Northern Kentucky River Region