Irvine-McKee Loop
63 miles, 2 hours of pleasure driving. This loop is on paved roads. Irvine is 21 miles from Richmond on State Route 52. State Route 89 turns south before the bridge into Irvine. Route 89, designated as a Scenic Byway, follows the winding, broad valley of Station Camp Creek for seven miles before crossing the creek. The 21 miles from Station Camp Creek, crossing to U. S. Highway 421 in McKee, follows ridges with steep drops into river valleys. Take U. S. Highway 421 east for three miles to State Route 587, and climb to a ridge top. Route 587 starts at the Jackson County High School and generally follows broad ridges for 11 miles to the intersection with County Route 1209 leading back to Irvine. County Route 1209 drops from the top of a broad ridge into the valley of Station Camp Creek. Travelers will enjoy several outstanding views of the valley along the 14 miles to State Route 89. This loop is 63 miles long and is comfortable at 25 to 40 miles per hour.
This picturesque trail is great for exploration by bicyclists.
Route 89 has been designated a Kentucky Scenic Byway.
Jackson County is also part of the Southern I-75 Corridor which connects Rockcastle, Laurel, Jackson, and Whitley Counties.