2025's 8 Best Small Towns To Visit In Kentucky

Kentucky’s small towns pack in more beauty, history, and charm than many big cities could dream of. Nestled near mountains, rivers, and lakes, these scenic gems invite travelers to slow down and savor the Bluegrass State’s natural splendor. Whether you are chasing waterfalls in Corbin, hiking sandstone arches in Slade, tracing music history in Prestonsburg, or sampling bourbon in Bardstown, each stop has its distinct flavor of adventure. Discover 2025’s eight best small towns to visit in Kentucky—where scenery and small-town warmth meet.

Corbin

Cradled in the rolling hills of southeastern Kentucky, Corbin welcomes visitors with a mix of outdoor adventure, rich history, and small-town vibe. At Laurel River Lake, crystal-clear waters stretch across forested coves, creating an inviting playground for swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. Nearby, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park draws nature lovers year-round with its thundering 125-foot-wide cascade known as the “Niagara of the South.” Under a full moon, this remarkable spot reveals the rare moonbow, a glowing arc of light found nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere—made all the more magical by the calls of the Pileated Woodpecker and the Wood Thrush echoing through the trees.

For a taste of Americana, the Harland Sanders Café and Museum preserves Colonel Sanders’ original 1940s restaurant, where Kentucky Fried Chicken began. Visitors can step into his dining room, view his open kitchen, and explore memorabilia from KFC’s early days. Antique lovers will want to browse Antiques and Accents, the largest treasure trove of furniture, quilts, linens, pottery, and timeless décor in southeastern Kentucky.

Pikeville

Tucked among the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Pikeville is a lively hub where Appalachian heritage thrives. Each April, Hillbilly Days fills the streets with music, crafts, and mouthwatering local food, drawing thousands to celebrate regional traditions while raising funds for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Outdoor lovers can unwind at Bob Amos Park, where you can find walking trails winding past ball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds, all surrounded by the natural beauty locals cherish year-round.

For a quieter moment, Pauley Bridge invites visitors to stroll across its wooden span and take in peaceful views of the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River—a picture-perfect reminder of Pikeville’s charm. History and craftsmanship converge at Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, where each pour tells a story of moonshine-making, Bluegrass music, and the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud.

Berea

Surrounded by rolling hills and steeped in creativity, Berea is often called the arts capital of Kentucky. The town hums with activity during its many crafts festivals, where skilled artisans display everything from handwoven textiles to intricate pottery. Each September, the beloved Spoonbread Festival draws crowds eager to taste the soft, savory cornmeal dish served with a wooden spoon—a tradition as warm as the community itself. History buffs and nature lovers alike are drawn to the Boone Trace Trail, a peaceful path tracing Daniel Boone’s footsteps along Brushy Fork Creek.

Nature takes center stage just outside town at Anglin Falls, where a mile-long hike rewards visitors with the sight and sound of a 75-foot cascade tumbling into a rocky gorge. Meanwhile, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea showcases the best of the state’s craftsmanship alongside locally made foods, making it a perfect place to browse, savor, and pause during a day of exploration.

Slade

Tucked within the beauty of the Red River Gorge region, Slade invites travelers to explore its wild landscapes and small-town allure. At the heart of the area lies Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where a sandstone arch—78 feet long and 65 feet high—stands as a testament to millions of years of weathering. Hiking trails wind past striking landmarks like Lover’s Leap and Fat Man’s Squeeze, while the park’s lodge, cottages, and restaurant make it easy to linger. Just down the road, the Kentucky Reptile Zoo captivates visitors with its astonishing range of creatures, from a massive 18-foot reticulated python to venomous snakes and sun-loving tortoises.

Slade’s appeal extends beyond the trails and exhibits. The Red River Gorge Earth Shop brims with locally made art, unique gifts, and shimmering crystals sourced from around the globe. For a lighter dose of adventure, Thrillsville Adventure Golf delivers a playful challenge with an 18-hole course dotted with ponds, waterfalls, and a turning water wheel.

Maysville

Perched along the banks of the Ohio River, Maysville weaves together layers of history, art, and scenic beauty. The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center preserves regional heritage through more than 4,000 artifacts, a fine art gallery, and a dedicated genealogy research center. Within its walls, the KSB Miniatures Collection showcases an extraordinary array of tiny masterpieces gathered over five decades from artisans around the world, making it one of the most distinguished collections of its kind. Just blocks away, the National Underground Railroad Museum tells powerful stories of courage, housed in a former safehouse that once sheltered those seeking freedom.

Outside, the city’s skyline is crowned by the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, a striking suspension span from 1931 that gracefully connects Maysville to Aberdeen, Ohio. Strolling across or pausing for a view, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of the river and surrounding hills.

Prestonsburg

Set amid the scenic mountains of eastern Kentucky, Prestonsburg is a lively hub where outdoor adventure and cultural experiences meet. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park provides a rustic escape by the lake, with comfortable lodging, a marina, seasonal swimming, and trails winding through the surrounding hills. Just beyond, the tranquil waters of Dewey Lake invite fishing, boating, and camping, with forested trails perfect for an afternoon hike. Archer Park adds a family-friendly touch, with playgrounds, tennis courts, lighted basketball areas, and picnic pavilions, transforming into a sparkling wonderland during the Christmas season.

For music lovers, the Mountain Arts Center brings the region’s rich heritage to life with performances spanning country, bluegrass, and gospel, along with a rotating art gallery.

Bardstown

Steeped in history and charm, Bardstown owes its name to the pioneering Bard brothers and stands today as a captivating combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and southern hospitality. Golfers will appreciate the challenge and beauty of My Old Kentucky Home Golf and Museum, an 18-hole course stretching over 6,300 yards on Bermuda grass, with a rich legacy dating back to 1933. After a thoughtful redesign, the course now pairs its lush fairways with the historic mansion tour for an experience that celebrates both sport and story. Just steps away, the Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum transports visitors to another era with authentic log cabins, period artifacts, and exhibits dedicated to both the Civil War and women’s contributions throughout history.

A deeper sip of Bardstown’s spirit comes at Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History, where rare bottles, moonshine stills, and Presidential whiskey lore chart America’s distilling past from colonial days to modern times. No visit would be complete without a stop at Lux Row Distillers, where a 17th-century stone house greets guests to a 90-acre farm steeped in bourbon tradition. Surrounded by the aroma of fermenting mash, you will explore the birthplace of Rebel Bourbon, Ezra Brooks, and other storied labels—making Bardstown an essential stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a small town with a distinctly bold flavor.

Horse Cave

In south-central Kentucky, Horse Cave surprises visitors with adventures both above and below ground. At Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, kangaroos hop across open spaces while emus, lorikeets, and other Australian natives bring a touch of the Outback to the Bluegrass State. The experience expands underground at Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum, where one of Kentucky’s largest cave entrances reveals two subterranean rivers flowing more than a hundred feet beneath the surface. Guests traverse the world’s longest underground swinging bridge, gaze up at the massive Sunset Dome, and encounter the remains of a century-old hydroelectric system that once powered the town above—while discovering the rare, light-shy creatures that call this shadowy world home.

The fun continues at Dutch Country Safari Park, where visitors can hand-feed friendly animals, ride a wagon through wide-open enclosures, and enjoy the petting zoo or a cheerful train ride. Creativity finds its corner in Wrought Apricity, a petite gallery with the soul of a museum, where each work of art is paired with the artist’s own words, deepening the connection between creator and viewer.

These eight Kentucky towns capture the state’s rich blend of scenery, culture, and charm. Whether you are wandering beneath the earth in Horse Cave, admiring the Ohio River views in Maysville, or relaxing by the waters of Prestonsburg’s Dewey Lake, each destination offers its own story. In 2025, these small-town treasures invite travelers to slow down, savor local flavor, and discover the heart of the Bluegrass beyond the big cities.