Kentucky Route 26 serves as a shorter alternate route for traffic using US 25W between Williamsburg

Williamsburg, Kentucky

As of the census of 2000, there were 5,143 people, 1,928 households, and 1,127 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,102.5 people per square mile . There were 2,118 housing units at an average density of 454.0 per square mile...

 and Corbin

Corbin, Kentucky

- Economy :Originally formed by L&N Railroad, rail transport was the backbone of the local economy in the first half of the twentieth century. While the railroad continues to play an important role, the decline of the rail industry in the latter half of the twentieth century, as well as the loss...

 in Whitley County

Whitley County, Kentucky

Whitley County is a county located in the state of Kentucky. 2005 census projections list its population at 38,029 . The county seat is at Williamsburg, though the largest city is Corbin, and the county's District Court sits in both cities...

. The southern terminus of KY 26 is at US 25W north of Williamsburg, and its northern terminus is also at US 25W, this time in Corbin. Traveling from Williamsburg, while US 25W treks northwesterly past I-75 in the direction of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a park located just southwest of Corbin, Kentucky and is contained entirely within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park encompasses and is named for its major feature, tall Cumberland Falls...

, then comes back in a northeasterly direction, crossing I-75 again on the way into Corbin, KY 26 stays on the east side of I-75 for its entirety, providing a more direct path between the two cities.