U.S. Route 62: Grand Rivers to Eddyville – Kentucky

Driving east from Grand Rivers to Eddyville, U.S. Route 62 offers a scenic and surprisingly eventful 12-mile stretch across western Kentucky. Our journey begins just north of Grand Rivers at the interchange with Kentucky Route 453 (The Trace)—a road that runs through the heart of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. While we don’t head into the preserve on this route, the influence of the nearby lakes and protected land is immediately evident. As we travel northeast, wooded patches and rolling farmland define the landscape, creating a peaceful yet engaging drive through the countryside.

Shortly after departing Grand Rivers, we cross Lake City and pass near KY-917, where one of the visual highlights of this drive appears: the crossing over the Cumberland River. This scenic crossing showcases Kentucky’s natural beauty at its finest. On a clear day, reflections of sky and tree-lined banks shimmer on the water’s surface, and for a few brief moments, the highway feels more like a parkway. If time allows, nearby pull-offs or a short detour to Buzzard Rock Resort & Marina offer nice views of the river and Lake Barkley.

Continuing into Kuttawa, U.S. 62 intersects with a major interchange carrying both Interstate 24 and Interstate 69—a critical connection point for travelers headed toward Paducah, Nashville, or Hopkinsville. Despite being a relatively small town, Kuttawa is well-positioned along this corridor and offers several roadside stops for fuel, food, and lodging. This area also provides access to Venture River Water Park, a fun family destination during the summer months.

As we leave Kuttawa behind, the highway gently curves into Eddyville, where the small-town charm returns. The route passes KY-295 and continues toward the center of town, eventually intersecting Kentucky Route 93, a connector that runs south into the heart of Eddyville. A few blocks later, we reach the intersection with U.S. Route 641, where our eastbound journey along U.S. 62 concludes. From here, travelers can continue north on US-641 to Marion or head back west toward Benton and Gilbertsville.

While this 12-mile segment might seem brief, it’s packed with connections to recreation, interstate travel, and charming small towns. Whether you’re simply passing through or making local stops, the stretch from Grand Rivers to Eddyville is a great example of western Kentucky’s blend of natural beauty and road trip convenience.