Moonshine Trails: Kentucky's Secret Highways of the Prohibition Era

If there’s one thing Kentuckians have always excelled at, it’s making alcohol, whether the government likes it or not.

During Prohibition, when the country was suffering from a severe case of sobriety, Kentucky’s rugged hills became a playground for moonshiners.

These backwoods chemists crafted high-proof liquor in hidden stills and ran it across state lines using souped-up cars—essentially inventing what would later become NASCAR.

Yup, you heard that right. According to some folks, the birth of NASCAR was spawned by ripping and rolling through the Kentucky hills faster than Bo and Duke.

Today, you can walk (legally) in their footsteps at Moonshiner’s Hollow Interpretive Trail in Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park.

It’s a scenic way to learn about the real history of Prohibition—one that involves car chases, revenuers, and a whole lot of whiskey.

And if you are up for a legit hike (drive), check out the Moonshiner’s trail. 

Akin to the Bourbon trail but, you know, a little more down to earth. This trail takes you through a lot of the moonshiner's run, and it isn’t just a 1.5-mile easy hike, which I prefer…

Want to plan a visit? Check out Alltrails or Explore the KY Wildlands.