5 National & State Parks In Kentucky You Have To Visit
Kentucky is a beautiful, although often overlooked, state. Once on the very far western edge of America's frontier, it was shaped by its rugged landscapes and the tough people who decided to call it home. Today, Kentucky still manages to maintain much of its pristine wildlands, mainly through its state and national parks. From remote rivers to historic landmarks and more, here are five of these world-class green spaces that you absolutely make a point of visiting if you're ever in the area.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is one of the most visited outdoor destinations in Kentucky, primarily for its 68-foot-wide waterfall that drops 125 feet into the Cumberland River. Nicknamed the “Niagara of the South,” the falls are best known for producing a rare natural phenomenon: a moonbow. Visible on clear nights during a full moon, this lunar rainbow has attracted photographers and nature enthusiasts alike from across the country for as long as the park has existed.
Furthermore, the park contains over 17 miles of hiking trails through its dense hardwood forests, linking to features like Eagle Falls and the Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower. The on-site DuPont Lodge provides accommodations with convenient access to the trail system, while the visitor center includes exhibits on regional geology, wildlife, and history. Whitewater rafting, fishing, and guided horseback rides are other popular activities here that are available seasonally.
Cumberland Falls' location in southeastern Kentucky also makes it an easy detour for those traveling to the Daniel Boone National Forest, too, adding up to a true national park adventure for you.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park contains the world’s longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of mapped passageways! A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, this special location offers both scientific significance and visitor-friendly infrastructure.
Located northeast of Bowling Green, the park offers a range of underground tours that highlight its vast chambers, narrow tunnels, and intricate limestone formations shaped over millions of years. Popular routes down below include the Historic Tour, which passes through key features like Fat Man’s Misery and Mammoth Dome, and the Frozen Niagara Tour, known for its incredible collection of stalactites along the way.
Above ground, you have access to over 80 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus spots for canoeing on the Green and Nolin Rivers. Keep your eyes open for the area's diverse flora and fauna, full of mixed hardwood forests that are home to sizable populations of deer, wild turkey, and several bat species that rely on the cave system.
If you'd like to spend the night in this world-renowned destination, various campgrounds, a lodge, and seasonal shuttle service support multi-day stays.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is centered around none other than its eponymous sandstone arch, spanning 78 feet and formed over millennia by the forces of weathering and erosion. Located in the Red River Gorge region of eastern Kentucky, this park draws hikers, climbers, and nature photographers alike with its craggy terrain and standout geological formations.
The 0.75-mile trail to the top of the natural bridge will reward you with panoramic views of the adjacent Daniel Boone National Forest. For a less strenuous option, a sky lift operates seasonally and carries visitors close to the summit as well.
Moreover, the park connects to an extended trail network through the Red River Gorge Geological Area, known for its cliffs, rock shelters, and other examples of natural arches. In fact, more than 20 miles of trails accommodate varying skill levels, from short loops to backcountry routes. And for those who want to spend some time on the water, Mill Creek Lake, near the entrance, is open for canoeing/kayaking and fishing.
The Hemlock Lodge and on-site campground make overnight stays an option; just be sure to book well in advance. Also note that the Natural Bridge State Resort Park is especially popular in the fall, when local forests shift into vivid colors before winter kicks in.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Stretching across the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area preserves the wild landscapes surrounding the Cumberland River’s Big South Fork, a stretch of the waterway known for its whitewater rafting. The Kentucky portion, located in the state’s southeast corner, boasts towering gorges, sandstone bluffs, natural rock arches, and massive swathes of forestlands for you to enjoy.
The area supports a massive 350 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. Notable routes include the Angel Falls Overlook Trail and the Twin Arches Loop, which leads to one of the largest natural bridge formations in the region. Designated equestrian campgrounds and multi-use trails have especially made the park a major destination for horseback riders. On the other hand, the park’s various bodies of water provide opportunities for whitewater paddling and backcountry fishing, especially along the Clear Fork and North White Oak Creek.
The Blue Heron Mining Community, a restored coal town along the river, provides a more history-focused outing here, with its interpretive exhibits on the region’s industrial past.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the site of the 16th president’s early childhood in Hodgenville. The park’s focal point is the Memorial Building, a gorgeous stone structure that houses a recreated log cabin representing Lincoln’s birthplace. Constructed between 1909 and 1911, the building sits atop a knoll reached by 56 granite steps, one for each year of Lincoln’s life.
Surrounding the memorial is a small, yet beautifully landscaped park protecting native hardwood trees and short interpretive trails. A short drive away, the Boyhood Home Unit marks the farm where Lincoln lived from ages two to seven. This section includes another restored 19th-century cabin, period-accurate farm fields, and a walking trail that follows nearby Knob Creek.
Together, the two sites offer a detailed view of Lincoln’s early environment, shaped by the hardships of frontier life and Kentucky’s rugged and rural geography. For those interested in U.S. history, presidential heritage, or life in the early 1800s in general, this park may be just for you.
Explore these Amazing Slices of Kentucky's Wilderness
Whether you want to learn more about Kentucky's storied past or simply need an escape into nature, these incredible destinations all offer you a glimpse into what makes this underrated corner of the U.S. so great. Visit one for an afternoon or string multiple together along an extended road trip; whatever you decide to do, definitely make a point of seeing at least some of the Bluegrass State's many top-tier state and national parks this year.
