Best Hiking Trails Kentucky: Explore the Top Trails in KY
Our beautiful state of Kentucky is known for it’s amazing mountains and geography. We have an abundance of nature in the Bluegrass State. We’re gifted with numerous State and National Parks, Recreation Areas, and of course with some of the world’s best hiking trails.
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Let’s be honest, there is so much to explore, the opportunities are endless. No matter what region of Kentucky you’re in, you’re bound to find a beautiful hike and view along the way. For instance, In the north central part, you’ll find knobs and meadows, where as in the northwestern part you’ll find various hills bordered by the Ohio River. Importantly, you’ll even find the longest cave system in the world! In Southern Kentucky, you’ll find state harbors, and low flat lands and hills. Eastern Kentucky, you’ll find the Cumberland Mountains with a mixture of plateaus and valleys. So let’s dive into some of the best areas to take a hike.
MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK
Mammoth Cave National Park is most famous for being the longest cave system in the world. It has nearly 84 miles of trails to explore! Although it’s most known for it’s underground sightseeing, there is much to it.
There are over 65 miles of trails via numerous trailheads:
+ Echo River and River Styx Springs
More About Mammoth Cave
Sand Cave Trail
In the early 19th century, infamous explorer Floyd Collins spent countless years exploring the Flint Ridge Cave System which resulted in the discovery Crystal Cave and Salts Cave. Collins passed away in 1925 while exploring. A rock was stuck on his leg in a tight crawlway. The results to rescue him became a mass media sensation, however, he died of starvation. The news story and publicity initiated a movement to officially name the park Mammoth Cave National Park.
Cedar Sink Trail
Additionally, at one valley bottom, a hike known as the Cedar Sink Trail features a massive sinkhole that is home to a small river that disappears underground. Interestingly, Mammoth Cave is home to the endangered Kentucky cave shrimp, a sightless shrimp.
PINE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
The Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail is known for it’s craggy spines, having some of the most spectacular hikes and views west of the Appalachians. There is currently a 120 mile trail under development. Once it is finished, it will trace along Pine Mountain Ridge to the Cumberland Gap National Park. It will cover over 1,000 acres along Pine Mountain.
Chain Rock Trial
The Chain Rock Trail is known for well, it’s chained rock. Tale has it that back in the day, visitors would ask about the rock, as would the children of the town thinking that it would roll down Pine Mountain. The response of the adults would be that there was a chain securing the rock. However, this was not true as a chain really wasn’t needed. Later on in 1933, they finally added a chain so that the town could stop lying about it. By using mules, several men calling themselves the “Chained Rock Club” brought the 1.5 ton chain up the mountain.
RED RIVER GORGE GEOLOGICAL AREA
Red River Gorge is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is a canyon system on the Red River in East Central Kentucky. Importantly, it has over 29,000 acres for exploration .It’s most known for it’s bridges, waterfalls, and cliffs. Additionally, it’s become one of the world’s top rock climbing destination.
Double Arch Trail
When hiking in Kentucky, views are key. The Double Arch at Red River Gorge is a moderate out and back 5 mile hike with a beautiful 300 degree view of Red River Gorge.
Indian Staircase and Adena Arch Loop
If you’re looking to do more exploring, and have more experience, be sure to check out the Indian Staircase and Adena Arch Loop. This infamous out and back hike features rock shelters, vistas, sandstone arches, and is great for backpacking. The Indian staircase is steep, so be sure to allow yourself enough time so you can soak in the views once you reach the top!
NATURAL BRIDGE STATE RESORT PARK
The Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located along the Middle Fork of the Red River which happens to be adjacent to the Red River Gorge area. It is additionally surrounded by the Daniel Boone Nation Forest. It’s name comes from it’s natural bridge being at the center of the park.
SEE ALSO: Who is Daniel Boone? The Story Behind the American Pioneer.
Natural Bridge and Battleship Rock Trail
The Natural Bridge and Battleship Rock Trail showcases some of Kentucky’s most beautiful nature. You will hike up 1,473 ft 3.3. mile loop through beautiful scenery, trees, wooden steps and bridges, and through a narrow crack otherwise known as “the squeeze.” The top of the arch has stunning views.
CUMBERLAND FALLS STATE RESORT PARK
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a park located just southwest of Corbin, Kentucky located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park is 1,657 acres and is most known for its 68 foot waterfall known as Cumberland Falls. It is one of the few places where one can see a moonbow on nights where there is a full moon (creating a rainbow effect at night) an attraction bringing in visitors from all over the world. A total of 17 miles of hiking is available at the park.
Eagle Falls Trail
The Eagle Falls trail leads to Eagle Falls. It is a short hike, and the only way to get to the point of destination, therefore often congested. The foot 125 waterfall is nicknamed the “Niagara of the South”.
Moonbow Trail
The moonbow trail starts at the falls and ends at the Laurel River.
DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST
The Daniel Boone National Forest was established in 1937. It includes 708,000 acres of federally owned land within a 2,100,000 acres proclamation bounty. The name of the forest was changed in 1966 in honor of the explorer Daniel Boone.
The Sheltowee Trail
Kentucky’s signature hiking trail, a monstrous 319 mile trail starting at Morehead, Kentucky, and ending in Pickett State Park, Tennessee. Although the Sheltowee Trail is mainly used for hiking, there are also sections permitting horse back riding and mountain biking. The most scenic parts of the hike include Red River Gorge, Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake, and the Big South Fork.
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It is importantly known as the “backbone” of the Daniel Boone National Forest. There are various connecting trails allowing for shorter loops, weekend hikes, and back packing trips. The trail is named after the name “big turtle” that the Chief Blackfish of the Shawnee tribe gave to Boone. Throughout the trail, one can see various images of turtles in route.
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
The Land Between the Lakes borders between Kentucky and Tennessee. it is home to Lake Barkley and Lake Kentucky which were both created by damming the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. The result of this was the creation of country’s largest island peninsula.
Although the area is big on camping and water recreation, it also includes numerous trails such as Honker Trail.
Honker Trail
Located near the Nature Station, it is a 4.5 mile hike around the lake allowing for different views. it goes through a mature bottom land forest around the shore of Honker Lake crossing many streams that feed into the lake.
RAVEN RUN NATURE SANCTUARY
The Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is located in Lexington, Kentucky. All of it’s 734 acres is dedicated to preserving the Kentucky River Palisades. The sanctuary features over 10 miles of trails which include woodlands, meadows, and streams.
Raven Run Red Trail
A moderate 4 mile trail, perfect for a rewarding morning of hiking in Kentucky. It is the longest in the preserve. Additionally, it is the main trail loop that takes you through the majority of the park. This is a single track wooded trail which consists of exposed rocks and roots, mud, and potentially downed trees/limbs. It offers a number of activities and is open year round.
BEREA COLLEGE FOREST
The Berea College Forest is one of the oldest managed private forests in the United States. It has been producing wood products and drinking water for Madison County since 1898. The Indian Fort Mountain Trail receives thousands of visitors a year.
