Take a leisurely drive across the western Kentucky countryside as we follow U.S. Route 68 from the historic town of Cadiz to the lakeside community of Aurora. This 13-mile route offers a charming blend of rolling farmland, forested parkland, and proximity to one of the state’s most popular recreation areas—Land Between the Lakes. Note that this journey was filmed before the completion of the new Lake Barkley Bridge, so you’ll catch a glimpse of the older structure that once carried travelers across these waters.
Our journey begins just west of the Interstate 24 interchange, where U.S. 68 picks up after crossing the Little River near downtown Cadiz. Almost immediately, we’re greeted by the pastoral beauty of Trigg County: sweeping fields framed by woodlots, clusters of barns, and the occasional glimpse of distant hills. This part of Kentucky, settled in the early 1800s, retains a strong agricultural character, with crops like soybeans and corn dominating the landscape. The road itself is a modern four-lane divided highway, but the scenery evokes a quieter time, especially as we pass by roadside produce stands and the occasional old general store that hints at Cadiz’s rural heritage.
Heading westward, the road gently curves and dips through a tapestry of mixed farmland and timberland. Before long, we cross the bridge over the Lake Barkley. As mentioned, this footage captures the older bridge—an iron-truss beauty that stood sentinel over these waters for decades before being replaced by a sleek modern span. Crossing the canal, we officially enter the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre expanse of forest, wildlife, and outdoor adventure managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The difference in scenery is immediate: the open fields give way to dense woodland, with the road cutting a clean, shaded path through the trees. Wildlife sightings are common here, and it’s not unusual to see deer or wild turkeys along the roadside, especially in the quieter hours.
The final leg of our journey sees us descending through the gentle hills towards the hamlet of Aurora, located just outside the official Land Between the Lakes boundary. As we leave the recreation area behind, the landscape opens up slightly, revealing the quiet resort-style atmosphere that makes Aurora a popular destination for vacationers. Numerous campgrounds, small motels, and marinas line the road, beckoning visitors to the shores of Kentucky Lake, just a mile to the west. The town serves as a gateway to the lakes region, offering easy access to boating, fishing, and some of the best water recreation in the state. Our route concludes at the western edge of Aurora, where U.S. 68 continues toward Benton and Paducah, while we take a moment to appreciate the transition from farmland to forest to waterfront—each stretch of road offering a unique slice of western Kentucky.
In a world of expressways and bypasses, this drive along U.S. 68 from Cadiz to Aurora reminds us of the pleasures of slowing down and savoring the scenery. Whether you’re a local traveler, history buff, or just someone looking for a relaxing cruise through Kentucky’s countryside, this short but rewarding route delivers a memorable glimpse into the natural and cultural richness of the region.
🎵 Music:
Feel Good Rock by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
🗺️ Route Map
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