It will take longer than a weekend to explore all the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky, where steep ridges and thick forests have long hidden its natural wonders and inspired its rich art and music heritage.

The solution: Follow one of three suggested loops below to meander through the backwoods and highlands of East Kentucky to experience the region’s breathtaking natural wonders, hear the toe-tapping music of the stars born along the Country Music Highway and soak in a bit of history as told by the native coal miners and railroaders you are sure to bump into along the way.