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3) Mammoth Cave National Park is phenomenal (my opinion). That's why it's a national park. One of the tours will take you to see the blind fish -- not found anywhere else. I believe it's the same tour that takes you through one of the biggest cave "rooms" anywhere -- giving the name "mammoth" to this cave.
I can't answer the rest of the questions. We liked Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, but we've never done the BRP.
Donna
1. They are quite similar, but as long as you are going that way and have time it wouldn't hurt to do them both. Note that it will cost you 15 bucks to use the Skyline Drive unless you have a NP pass. I'd highly recommend you take the inland route to get to Front Royal - I-78 to I-81 to I-66. It's a lot more pleasant drive than fighting your way down I-95. If you want an excellent fast food burger and some great frozen custard in Front Royal, I recommend Spelunker's. It's right across the street from the Super 8, which I also recommend.
2. Yes - US-441.
Thanks GLC. So the Super 8 is decent enough?
Nothing fancy, but it's definitely acceptable.
Are you headed north to Louisville after Mammoth Cave? If so, I'd recommend US 31E. That'll take you through several small towns, including Hodgenville (Lincoln's birthplace) and Bardstown (My Old Kentucky Home, plus some nice shops, a Civil War museum, and the Old Talbott Tavern -- it's small-town Kentucky at its best). It also puts you in the vicinity of a couple of distilleries (Maker's Mark and Jim Beam), Bernheim Forest & Arboretum (great hiking!), and the Catholic heart of Kentucky (Abbey of Gethsemane in Trappist, KY and the Sisters of Nazareth in Loretto, KY). Between Bardstown and Louisville (in Mt. Washington), you'll pass a great BBQ joint called Bootleg BBQ.
If you follow 31E into the city, once you pass through the suburbs, you'll land right in the Highlands, which is full of eclectic shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses. 31E will then take you right downtown.
It's a great drive. I took it again just this past spring when I had to get home from that area and I-65 was shut down due to an accident. It's much more pleasant than the interstate!
ETA: If you're up for it, the caving tour at Mammoth Cave is quite the adventure! I believe you have to reserve it in advance (and last time I went, they suggested reserving most tours in advance, because they can sell out).
THanks morgail.
I will likely not go to Mammoth Caves. Rather, I will likely go to a cavern or 2 in Virginia off Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway.
So I might travel into Kentucky then from Gatlinburg, TN. Which would take me to Lexington first then Louisville.
If you have any similar recommendations for that route, please let me know.
Thanks!
Not a specific road or route, but around Lexington you'll find horse farms on just about any back road. Kentucky Horse Park is just north of Lexington. Distilleries in the area are Woodford Reserve, Four Roses. It's a beautiful part of the state to drive around, so I hope you get some time to just wander! Fort Boonesborough is in that general area. On the road from Versailles to Lexington, you'd go right by the "Versailles Castle" which is this crazy castle-looking building. It has an interesting history. I think it's a hotel now: http://www.thecastlepost.com/