Backroads of Appalachia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a passion for the Appalachian Region.

Through motorsports-focused tourism, we work to drive economic development, job training, and opportunity in the impoverished areas of Appalachia.

We have established numerous gps-enabled routes to help people discover Central Appalachia by trekking along the backroads throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio and select areas of Virginia and Tennessee. We have selected beautiful scenic highways that are incredibly fun to drive or ride.

Backroads of Appalachia is based in Lynch, Kentucky, in Harlan County — one of the poorest counties in Kentucky. Our town once boomed with 10,000 people but now has fewer than 500 residents. There are scores of distressed former coal towns just like Lynch all along the winding Appalachian backroads.

We encourage you to explore the communities along your route to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, or stay the night. We welcome your support of local businesses, which provide jobs, relieve poverty, and improve the quality of life for the people of Appalachia.