Ride Kentucky’s Route 32: Morehead to Louisa

Pick up SR32 east from exit 137 on Interstate 64 (I-64) near Morehead. Make sure to fill your gas tank before you leave the area, since filling stations are few and far between along this rural highway.

About three miles from the I-64 interchange, you’ll make a left hand turn at a traffic light to follow SR32 along E. Wilkinson Blvd. On this section, SR32 runs in concurrence with U.S. Route 60. Follow the road for about two miles, then you’ll make a right-hand turn at a traffic light to continue east on SR32.

For the next 22 miles, SR32 will treat you to wonderful curves as you pass through valleys and along the ridgeline, in a mix of farmland and forest. As you come into Newfoundland, KY, you’ll arrive at a stop sign at a T-intersection. Here you will turn right to follow where SR32 runs in concurrence with SR7. Along this short, 3.75-mile stretch, you’ll find opportunities for fuel, food, and a rest stop.

Once you pass through the community of Sandy Hook, you’ll follow SR32 for 39 miles to Louisa. The section of SR32 from Sandy Hook to Louisa is relatively technical in some areas, and features beautiful, forested mountain terrain. You’ll also ride along Yatesville Lake, a popular recreation area.

Once in Louisa, the choice is yours. Turn around and enjoy SR32 in the other direction back to Morehead or cross the Big Sandy River and explore West Virginia.

Our map focuses on the section of SR32 between Morehead and Louisa.

Weather in northeastern Kentucky is relatively mild all year, but evening temps can drop below freezing in the winter and spring, so plan accordingly. Changes in weather can affect rural, mountain roads, so always make sure to check the forecast. Review the monthly averages for Grayson, Kentucky, to help you plan your trip to the Appalachians.

This is a wonderful rural route with almost no crossroads—but every road has its share of hazards. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you ride:

• Loose gravel can reduce traction, so keep your eyes on the road ahead and slow down if you see any coming up.

• Keep an eye out for tractors and other farm equipment. Give these large vehicles plenty of space and watch for debris.

• Take a leisurely pace on this road. Enter curves at a moderate speed as some can surprise you.

• Watch out for domestic animals and wildlife in the farmlands and forests.

• If you want to spend some time enjoying the scenery, find a safe spot to pull over first. When you're riding this curvy road, keep your focus where it should be: on the road ahead of you.

For a motorcycle rider like you, the biggest attraction of SR32 is probably its lack of commercial attractions. For an added thrill on your ride, consider adding an extra loop on your way back from Louisa to Morehead.

On your way back to Morehead, 19 miles west of Newfoundland, turn left onto State Route 173 (SR173). SR173 is a 10.6-mile roller coaster along a mostly wooded ridgeline. It will bring you to a stop sign at a T-intersection with SR7. Make a left turn heading north. In just over five miles, you’ll arrive at another T-intersection with a stop sign. Make the left onto SR32/SR7 and resume your ride back to Morehead.