Kentucky
Kentucky is best known for it's rolling green grass hills that gave birth to Bluegrass music and bourbon distilling. The limestone karst topography that underlies the hills and knobs of this unique landscape hold a bigger secret found in Mammoth Caves National Park, the world's longest subterranean cave system. With a little over 400 miles currently surveyed, Mammoth Caves is one of the easiest caves systems to explore as the park features over 14 miles of established trails.
Top Spots in and near Kentucky
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Vanceburg, Kentucky
Hike the Joyce Bender Trail in the Crooked Creek Nature Preserve
1.35 mi / 200 ft gainThe Crooked Creek Nature Preserve features many unique and rare plant species including an oak barrens community, oak-hickory forest, and prairie species such as: Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem and Prairie Dock. In addition to these species are five rare plant species including: Starry False Solom...Read more -
Hodgenville, Kentucky
Explore Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, was born in a small cabin in Sinking Spring just south of Hodgenville, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. When he was just two, his family moved to Knob Creek Farm, northeast of Hodgenville, where they remained until 1816. The Abra...Read more -
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Echo River Spring Trail
2.08 mi / 326.12 ft gainBluff lines, wildlife, wildflowers, streams, and cave entrances abound on this hike in Mammoth Cave National Park. The pathway is mostly paved and has interactive exhibits and viewing platforms around the spring. The highlight of the trail is a “blue hole” on the edge of the Green River. Wate...Read more -
Salt Lick, Kentucky
Hike Caney Loop Trail at Cave Run Lake
8.8 mi / 1047 ft gainStarting at the Stoney Cove Trailhead, take the trail to the left. This trail was previously marked as trail #1226. However, after the Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 was rerouted, they now run together. Therefore, the trail is very well marked by a white diamond with a turtle, signifying the Sheltowe...Read more -
Eddyville, Kentucky
Hike Hematite Lake
4.72.4 mi / 111 ft gainThe Hematite Trail is a great loop for hikers and trail runners located in the heart of Land Between the Lakes Wilderness. Beginning your hike near the picnic grounds adjacent to the Nature Station, this hike is great year round and is good for all skill levels, including families. From awesome l...Read more -
McKee, Kentucky
Resurgence Cave
4.74 mi / 341 ft gainResurgence Cave in McKee, Kentucky offers a unique hiking trail that is both challenging and rewarding. The trail is of moderate difficulty, requiring sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness. It winds through dense forest, past towering rock formations and along the edge of a clear, fast-flow...Read more -
Pine Ridge, Kentucky
Rough Trail to Hanson's Point
5.05.84 mi / 1099 ft gainThe Rough Trail to Hanson’s Point is a challenging but rewarding hike in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, offering a mix of rugged terrain and breathtaking views. Covering about 6 miles, this hike takes you through steep climbs, descents, and some unique geological features, including Hansen’s Point. ...Read more -
Louisville, Kentucky
Explore Historic Locust Grove
Built in 1790 by Major William Croghan and Lucy Clark Croghan (William & George Rogers Clark's sister), Locust Grove became a place where major national figures who helped shaped our nation collaborated and provided a gathering space for rest while within the Kentucky Frontier. James Monroe, ...Read more -
Cadiz, Kentucky
Honker Lake Trail
5.04.91 mi / 499 ft gainHonker Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kuttawa, Kentucky.Read more -
Eddyville, Kentucky
Lee S. Jones Multi Use Trail
3.5Lee S. Jones Multi Use Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Eddyville, Kentucky.Read more -
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Low Hollow
4.02.23 mi / 148 ft gainLow Hollow is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Bowling Green, Kentucky.Read more -
Park City, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail
5.016.21 mi / 1604 ft gainMammoth Cave Railroad Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Park City, Kentucky.Read more -
Smithland, KentuckyMantle Rock Trail
5.02.64 mi / 318 ft gainMantle Rock Trail is a loop trail that takes you a cave located near Smithland, Kentucky.Read more -
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Fulling Mill Falls Loop
5.01.28 mi / 105 ft gainFulling Mill Falls Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Burgin, Kentucky. Fulling Mill Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the historic town of Burgin, Kentucky. This picturesque 15-foot waterfall cascades over limestone ledges into a serene pool below, surrounded by nati...Read more -
Paducah, Kentucky
Explore the Historic Paducah River Front
4.00.5 mi / 27 ft gainVisit Paducah's thriving riverfront and take a self-guided tour of the Paducah Wall to Wall Murals along the concrete floodwall in downtown. These works of art depict Paducah's rich history in more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals by renowned artist Robert Dafford and the Dafford Murals Team...Read more
