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Writer's pictureMikki Simmons

FALL DRIVE #1: MONTICELLO TO FORBUS GENERAL STORE

Discover the Perfect Fall Drive: Perfect for all types of vehicles with several alternate routes to extend the approximate 60 mile loop, as well as a suggested extra stop.


As the leaves change colors and the southern Kentucky autumn air sets in, there is no better time for a scenic drive through the beautiful backroads surrounding Monticello, Kentucky. As we kick off this series with this drive, we endeavor to provide non-locals with some routes for beautiful drives to simply enjoy the scenery, take great photos, catch fall foilage, and to discover the lesser known parts of the incredible Lake Cumberland area. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, this route offers stunning views, peaceful roads, and a taste of local charm. Pack up your camera, put on your favorite backroad playlist, and enjoy this picturesque loop from Monticello to the historic Forbus General Store near Pall Mall, Tennessee.


Highlighted route on map for an excellent fall drive in the Lake Cumberland area
Highlighted Route for Fall Drive #1 from Monticello, KY to Forbus General Store


Leaving Monticello, head west on Highway 90. You can take an alternate route and hit 200 and stay off the highway, but for this drive, we took 90 down to Connie's Market. Even on Hwy 90, you'll get the opportunity to see some beautiful Wayne County Farms, and our local fan favorite, The Cow House.


After about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at Connie's Market—a small, quaint spot that’s a favorite among locals (you can't miss it; it's right across the road from the BIG cross). It’s the perfect

Large metal cross at sunset
Cross at Sunset Located Directly Across from Connie's Market on West Hwy 90

place to grab a snack, get that last chance gas, or grab some supplies for the road. You could also fuel up at The Grub Hub with sandwich meats and light snacks just a little bit before hitting the turnoff at Connie's.


From Connie's Market, continue your journey by turning onto KY-1009 for a couple of miles before turning right onto KY-696. This backroad is one of the highlights of the drive—curving through woods and fields and is gorgeous anytime of the year. Keep your camera ready, as this is the ideal spot for pulling over to snap a few photos of Kentucky’s fall brilliance. At the tip top of Poplar Mountain, you'll find a great pulloff where you can photograph a soaring overlook into Wayne County.

beautiful fall overlook; scenic
Overlook into Wayne County at the top of Poplar Mountain

Crossing into Tennessee, the route leads to the historic Forbus General Store. Known for its old-time charm and welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect pit stop. Order a classic burger and a hand-spun milkshake while you take in the memorabilia from days gone by. And in timeless general store style, shop the aisles of treasures and canned goods while you wait. The store has been a local gathering place for over a century, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you enjoy your meal while listening to locals or hang out on the porch watching the traffic drive by.


wooden Indian, historic general store.  Photo by Mikki Simmons
Forbus General Store near Pall Mall, TN

sunset backroads near Lake Cumberland
Beautiful Stretch of Road Near the Kentucky & Tennessee Line

After filling up at Forbus, it’s time to head back. Take the quiet backroads through Sunnybrook and Powersburg, where the scenery is just as stunning on the return trip. These rural roads are less traveled, allowing you to truly unwind and take in the beauty of the rolling hills, tree-lined paths and switchbacks in the road. If you're lucky, you might catch a sunset over the horizon as you near Monticello.






Soybean Harvest with combine
Picturesque Harvest Sunset on Hwy 90 on the Return to the Heart of Lake Cumberland

This fall drive is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and simple pleasures of life in southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. The combination of scenic roads, local stops, and the warm glow of autumn foliage makes for an unforgettable day trip. You might also consider the add-on stop of visiting the Alvin C York Park (a short drive from Forbus on S 127) for another general store, a beautiful man made waterfall from an old mill, a hidden swinging bridge, and the home and farm of WWI hero Alvin C. York. Whether you visit Alvin C. York Park (and farm) on this trip or another, it is a must see (with a picnic).


Red barn in the country with a barn quilt
Scenic Barn Near Powersburg

Doe with soybeans and silo in the background.  Photo by Mikki Simmons
Doe Crossing the Road: Ready to spring through that field of ready-to-harvest soybeans. Seeing the deer hop through these golden fields is truly a beautiful sight, and allows you to marvel at the complexity of the animal kingdom.

Kentucky horse and colt.  Photos by Mikki Simmons
Beautiful Horses Can be Spotted Along the Entire Loop


Pro Tip: Plan your trip for late October to early November for peak fall colors!

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