8 Most Relaxing Kentucky Towns

Stress is undoubtedly on the rise. In fact, 85% of countries around the world reported higher stress levels in 2020 than they did in 2008. While a relaxing vacation might not be a permanent cure for stress, it can definitely help you to reset. And for those lucky enough to call Kentucky home, a world of relaxation is only a short drive away. You can easily leave the hustle and bustle behind for a weekend by exploring crashing waterfalls in Corbin, deep underground caverns in Cave City, or peaceful arboretums in Bardstown, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with yourself this year.

Cadiz

Situated near Lake Barkley and the Little River, Cadiz is one of the most relaxing destinations in Kentucky for water recreation. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the perfect place to begin your adventures, featuring a large boating marina and lots of opportunities for fishing, with bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth, white, and Kentucky bass all populating the waters. There are also seven miles of biking trails to explore! If you enjoy kayaking, you should also plan a day on the Little River, a self-guided water trail with calm waters that are suitable for paddlers of all levels. You can also consider glamping at Nine Pines Retreats, a luxury camping experience where each tent comes with a queen-sized bed, a full bathroom, a television, and more.

Corbin

Corbin is home to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which features a thundering waterfall known as the “Niagara of the South.” This 125-foot curtain of water plunges into a rocky gorge where visitors can explore beautiful hiking trails and spot memorable bird species, such as the Wood Thrush and the Pileated Woodpecker. Laurel River Lake is also near Corbin, a quiet body of water lined with cliffs and coves that is wonderful for fishing, boating, and scuba diving. Travelers interested in history should also stop by The Sanders Cafe & Museum in town, which preserves Corbin’s legacy as the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The site features a museum alongside the original restaurant where the KFC story began.

Berea

While Berea is largely known for its art scene, it also happens to be one of Kentucky’s Trail towns. The Pinnacles is one of the most popular hikes, part of the Berea College Forest, and widely recognized for its gorgeous views and proximity to the Daniel Boone National Forest. For some water recreation, you can also head out to the Owsley Fork Reservoir, which is the largest drinking water reservoir in the city, offering both a boat ramp and an adjacent park. Afterward, you can enjoy a laid-back afternoon at the Kentucky Artisan Center, which showcases Kentucky-made goods like fine art, pottery, prints, jewelry, glassware, quilts, and more.

Slade

Slade is the gateway to the Red River Gorge, a canyon system that lies within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities in the gorge, offering over 4,000 sandstone cliff routes! There are also plenty of accommodations to rent in the area, with agencies such as Scenic Cabin Rentals offering cabins, motel rooms, RV sites, and more that will immerse you in nature. After a long day, you can enjoy a hearty meal in town at one of Slade’s restaurants, such as Miguel's Pizza, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients.

Cave City

Everything is quieter beneath the surface, and in Cave City, you can descend into massive underground caverns that will feel like a different world. This town is located near Mammoth Cave National Park, which is home to the world’s longest known cave system. Tours are available through the National Park Service; just make sure to sign up early, as they can fill up quickly. There are some private caves in the area as well, such as Crystal Onyx, a show cave with a large array of formations inside that guests can explore via a network of winding trails. Before leaving town, grab a souvenir from one of the old-timey shops. The Olde General Store is a great one, selling antiques, white oak handmade baskets, Moccasins, gifts, and more.

Olive Hill

If you couldn’t get enough of the caverns in Cave City, you can head about three hours northeast to the town of Olive Hill for more! This town is famously home to Carter Caves State Resort Park, where you will find Cascade Cave, the Horn Hollow Cave System, and five natural bridges. Year-round tours are offered for Cascade Cave, while a few of the other caves have seasonal tours. Tygarts State Forest is another hub for outdoor recreation, featuring two color-coded trails for hiking that wind through hardwood forests. If you get hungry, you can also stop by Walker's Restaurant for lunch or dinner, an American restaurant that serves burgers, country-fried steak, catfish, and other classics.

Bardstown

Although Bardstown is famous for its association with bourbon, it is also surrounded by preserves and parks that visitors often miss. The Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is one such example, featuring a 600-acre arboretum with unique tree species like the Georgia oak, roundleaf birch, and Japanese bigleaf magnolia. Travelers can also enjoy a peaceful hike on the town’s Tannery Hill Trail, which stretches for nearly a mile through a wetland, rock shelf, and bluff. And, of course, you can also relax with a fine bourbon at the Bardstown Bourbon Company, which offers tours, guided tastings, and a tasting bar, depending on your preferences.

Pineville

In Pineville, you will find the first established state park in Kentucky: Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Founded in 1924, this park features 12 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, a lodge, and fantastic areas for birding. The Wasioto Winds Golf Course is also located inside the park, an 18-hole course that meanders through bottomland and Appalachian terrain. Before heading out for the day, you can stop by one of the local coffee shops or restaurants in town, such as Mountain Mugs Craft and Coffee, which serves brewed coffee, espresso, matcha, chai, hot tea, and more.

Seek Out Your Peace This Year

Kentucky is filled with relaxing destinations, and all you have to do is go seek them out. Golfers can unwind for a few days in towns like Pineville, while hikers can head to places like Corbin and Olive Hill. Or if you prefer to relax with a good spirit, classic towns like Bardstown await as well. So pick the itinerary that speaks to you the most and get ready to decompress on your next trip!