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 Adventures in Kentucky
Hike the Indian Staircase Loop and Cloudsplitter
5.0
10 mi
Starting at the Bison Way Trailhead #210. You'll take this until you come to the intersection of the Sheltowee Trace Trail #100. Go left. You're going to turn right on the unmarked trail just past the sign that says stay on trail. This is quite th...
Explore the Lookout from Chained Rock
5.0
Located just north of the Cumberland Gap, Chained Rock is a local landform made unique by a long slung chain that comes with a tall tale of it's creation. According to legend the rock pinnacle overlooking the Cumberland River valley struck fear in...
Hike the Pinnacles in Berea
4.8
5 mi
/ 523 ft gain
This is a trip with multiple sites to visit over the course of a day. Visiting all five would equal around 5 miles, or you can choose to only go to one, as there are some slightly strenuous hills.The most visited is the Main Lookout, and the West ...
Hike to Natural Bridge and Battleship Rock
3.8
2 mi
/ 400 ft gain
This popular hike begins near the state park gift shop and has options to continue to other trails at multiple points. The first .75 miles, starting at about 800 feet, is the hike up to the Natural Bridge. This portion of the hike contains basical...
Hike to Courthouse Rock and Double Arch
5.0
6.1 mi
Start at the trailhead located just past the Gray's Arch picnic area. Follow Auxier Ridge Trail #204 (white diamonds). You will pass a trail junction at 0.9 miles, but continue on Auxier Ridge. At the following fork in the trail keep right.Along t...
Hike to Gray's Arch
5.0
3.3 mi
The trail approaches the arch through a ravine, passing by cliffs, dense forest, and a stream (Kings Branch) en route.
Hike to Whittleton Arch
5.0
2 mi
/ 280 ft gain
Starting from the Whittleton Campground, you will follow along a stream until reaching the Whittleton Arch Trail at 0.75 miles. Turn right to reach the arch. It is also worth noting that this is the only pet friendly trail in the park.
You can add...
Hike the Auxier Ridge Trail, KY
5.0
4 mi
/ 1300 ft gain
This can be done as a quick hike, or as an overnighter so you can catch both sunset and sunrise. Park at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead and take the Auxier Ridge Trail (#204). Do NOT take the branch on the left for the Courthouse Rock Trail (#202), ...
Kentucky camping, hotels, and more
Brandenburg, Kentucky
Southern Grace Bed And Breakfast
At Southern Grace, you will find crystal chandeliers, leaded glass, splendorous 23-foot ceilings, and century-year-old antiques … sitting...
From $169/night
Buckhorn, Kentucky
Buckhorn Campground
Overview
Buckhorn Campground on Buckhorn Lake, provides the perfect outdoor escape in eastern Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau.The camp...
Cadiz, Kentucky
Cadiz
Overview
Cadiz Park is located on the beautiful Lake Barkley near the town of Cadiz, Kentucky. The day-use area is a great spot for barbe...
Cadiz, Kentucky
Linton
Overview
Linton Recreation area is a day-use haven that sits on Lake Barkley near wooded rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Whether it'...
