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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.
Trail Locations in kentucky
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Trails in kentucky
Angel Windows Trail
Wolfe County
Short hike to natural rock window with stunning cliff views.
Anglin Falls Trail
Rockcastle County
Moderate scramble to impressive 75-foot waterfall.
Auxier Ridge Trail
Wolfe County
Follow a dramatic narrow ridge to Courthouse Rock with panoramic gorge views.
Bad Branch Falls Trail
Letcher County
A remote 60-foot waterfall in Kentucky's Pine Mountain region.
Black Mountain Trail
Harlan County
Hike to Kentucky's highest point in Appalachian highlands.
Blanton Forest Trail
Harlan County
Hike through Kentucky's largest old-growth forest.
Breaks Interstate Park Trail
Pike County
The Grand Canyon of the South straddles Kentucky and Virginia.
Canal Loop Trail
Marshall County
Easy lake views loop in Land Between the Lakes.
Carter Caves Cross-Country Trail
Carter County
Challenging trail connecting caves and rock formations.
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Carter County
Carter Caves on 26 miles of wooded nature trails
Cedar Sink Trail
Edmonson County
Trail to massive sinkhole in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Chained Rock Trail
Bell County
Hike to famous chained boulder overlook at Pine Mountain.
Chimney Top Rock Trail
Wolfe County
A short steep hike to one of the most dramatic overlooks in the Red River Gorge.
Cumberland Falls Moonbow Trail
Whitley County
Trail to the Niagara of the South with rare moonbow viewing.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Whitley County
Moonbow Trail connects with many backpacking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Cumberland Gap Trail
Bell County
The historic passage through the Appalachians used by pioneers.
Dawkins Line Rail Trail
Magoffin County
Long rail-trail with tunnels through eastern Kentucky mountains.
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
Whitley County
Moderate hike to scenic waterfall along the Cumberland River.
Double Arch Trail
Powell County
Moderate hike to unique double sandstone arch formation.
Eagle Falls Trail
Whitley County
Short hike to scenic waterfall near Cumberland Falls.
Gray's Arch Trail
Powell County
Hike through lush forest to one of the largest arches in the Red River Gorge.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Trails
Greenup County
Over 25 miles of trails through diverse Appalachian forest.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Trais
Greenup County
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park has over 25 miles of trails to suit every hiker, mountain biker and horseman. Trails include Fern Valley Self-Guided Interpretive Trail, Michael Tygart Loop Trail , Claylick Loop Trail and Carpenter's Run Trail
Honker Trail
Lyon County
Wildlife viewing loop around scenic lake in Land Between the Lakes.
Indian Staircase Trail
Wolfe County
A thrilling rock scramble to cliff-top views for adventurous hikers.
Jesse Stuart State Nature Preserve Trail
Greenup County
Northeastern Kentucky loop trail
Kingdom Come State Park Loop
Harlan County
Ridge trail with overlooks and unique rock formations.
Kingdom Come State Park Trail
Harlan County
Dramatic overlooks atop Pine Mountain in eastern Kentucky.
Lick Falls
Carter County
Scenic overlook over Grayson Lake
Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail
Barren County
Historic rail-trail through karst landscape to the cave entrance.
Natural Bridge Trail
Powell County
Hike to Kentucky's most famous natural arch in a spectacular gorge setting.
North-South Trail
Trigg County
Long-distance trail spanning Land Between the Lakes.
Pine Mountain Trail
Bell County
Long-distance trail along Kentucky's scenic Pine Mountain ridge.
Pinnacle Overlook Trail
Bell County
Ridge hike to commanding views of Cumberland Gap.
Princess Arch Trail
Wolfe County
A beautiful natural arch accessible via a short trail.
Raven Run Red Trail
Fayette County
Ridge and palisade hike in scenic Lexington nature sanctuary.
Red River Gorge Auxier Branch Trail
Wolfe County
Dramatic cliff views and rock formations in Red River Gorge.
Rock Bridge Trail
Wolfe County
Loop to natural bridge and Creation Falls in Red River Gorge.
Rough Trail
Wolfe County
Rugged backcountry trail with multiple arches and cliff views.
Rough Trail
Powell County
A true backcountry adventure through the heart of the Red River Gorge.
Sal Hollow Trail
Warren County
Hiking trail through the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park
Sal Hollow Trail
Edmonson County
Backcountry trail through the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park.
Sheltowee Trace - Bison Way Loop
Powell County
Loop trail combining national recreation trail with wildlife areas.
Sky Bridge Trail
Wolfe County
Walk across a dramatic 75-foot natural arch with canyon views below.
Swift Camp Creek Trail
Whitley County
Hike in the 12,600 acre Clifty Wilderness
Tioga Falls Trail
Meade County
Short trail to cascade falls on Fort Knox military installation.
Tom Wallace Lake Loop
Jefferson County
Scenic lake loop in Jefferson Memorial Forest near Louisville.
Vanhook Falls Trail
Rowan County
Sheltowee Trace hike to scenic 40-foot waterfall.
Whittleton Arch Trail
Powell County
Moderate hike through forest to hidden arch in Natural Bridge State Park.
Yahoo Falls Trail
McCreary County
Kentucky's tallest waterfall at 113 feet.