States kentucky
Eastern United States

kentucky

Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a new experience? Look no further than the amazing hiking trails in Kentucky! From well-known destinations to hidden gems, there is something out there for everyone. Whether your ideal hike includes rock climbing, waterfall viewing, or simply taking in nature’s beauty - there are plenty of trails in The Bluegrass State that are sure to fill that need. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started on your journey into the great outdoors, get ready to explore the stunning sights and sounds of these spectacular places.

Kentucky is home to many beautiful hiking trails that offer a variety of landscapes and experiences. Here are a few of the top hiking trails in the state:

  • The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail: This 319-mile trail runs through the Daniel Boone National Forest and offers a variety of landscapes, including forests, caves, and waterfalls.
  • The Natural Bridge State Resort Park: This park is home to a variety of trails, including the popular Sandstone Arches Trail, which leads to a series of natural rock arches.
  • The Red River Gorge Geological Area: This area is home to more than 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The area is known for its sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse plant and animal life.
  • The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area: This area is home to more than 300 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Woodlands Nature Trail, which offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife.
  • The Mammoth Cave National Park: This park is home to more than 70 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Frozen Niagara Tour, which leads to a beautiful waterfall.

Even if you don’t live in Kentucky, there are plenty of reasons to plan a hiking trip to the state. From the beautiful scenery to the challenging trails, there’s something for everyone. And what better way to get some exercise and fresh air than by exploring one of Kentucky’s many hiking trails? So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, be sure to add Kentucky to your list of places to hike. And if you can’t make it to Kentucky, take some time off and go for a hike near you—your mind and body will thank you for it.

92 Trails
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Trail Locations in kentucky

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Trails in kentucky

Showing 24 of 92 trails

Angel Windows Trail

Wolfe County

1

Short hike to natural rock window with stunning cliff views.

0.6 mi
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Anglin Falls Trail

Rockcastle County

3

Moderate scramble to impressive 75-foot waterfall.

1.5 mi
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Api-Su-Ahts Trail

Carter County

5

Ridge and canyon views near Grayson Lake State Park.

2.0 mi
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Arch of Triumph Trail

Powell County

5

Trail to a named sandstone arch and surrounding cliffs.

2.0 mi
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Auxier Ridge Loop

Wolfe County

7

Exposed ridge walk with major Red River Gorge viewpoints.

5.0 mi
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Auxier Ridge Trail

Wolfe County

3

Follow a dramatic narrow ridge to Courthouse Rock with panoramic gorge views.

6.8 mi
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Bad Branch Falls Trail

Letcher County

2

A remote 60-foot waterfall in Kentucky's Pine Mountain region.

2.6 mi
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Big Bone Lick Trail

Boone County

2

Easy park trail through historic fossil-site landscapes.

2.0 mi
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Black Mountain Trail

Harlan County

3

Hike to Kentucky's highest point in Appalachian highlands.

4.0 mi
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Black Mountain Trail Kentucky

Harlan County

8

High-elevation route near Kentuckys highest point.

6.0 mi
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Blanton Forest Trail

Harlan County

2

Hike through Kentucky's largest old-growth forest.

5.5 mi
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Breaks Interstate Park Trail

Pike County

3

The Grand Canyon of the South straddles Kentucky and Virginia.

5.0 mi
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Canal Loop Trail

Marshall County

2

Easy lake views loop in Land Between the Lakes.

14.0 mi
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Canal Loop Trail LBL

Livingston County

4

Long loop with canal and shoreline views in western Kentucky.

14.0 mi
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Carter Caves Cross-Country Trail

Carter County

3

Challenging trail connecting caves and rock formations.

26.0 mi
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Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter County

4

Carter Caves on 26 miles of wooded nature trails

7.5 mi
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Cedar Sink Trail

Edmonson County

2

Trail to massive sinkhole in Mammoth Cave National Park.

1.6 mi
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Cedar Sink Trail Mammoth Cave

Edmonson County

5

Steep sinkhole descent loop showcasing karst geology.

1.6 mi
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Center Furnace Trail

Trigg County

1

Historic interpretive path near old iron-furnace remains.

0.3 mi
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Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail

Trigg County

4

Long easy-to-moderate route in Land Between the Lakes.

11.0 mi
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Chained Rock Trail

Bell County

2

Hike to famous chained boulder overlook at Pine Mountain.

1.0 mi
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Chimney Top Rock Trail

Wolfe County

3

A short steep hike to one of the most dramatic overlooks in the Red River Gorge.

0.6 mi
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Courthouse Rock Trail

Wolfe County

7

Longer out-and-back to dramatic cliff and rock overlooks.

4.5 mi
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Creation Falls and Rock Bridge Loop

Wolfe County

4

Short scenic loop combining a waterfall and natural bridge.

1.7 mi
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