The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide - The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide 2023
Kentucky State Parks
2022-12-20 12:54:37
These scenic spots, lakefront getaways and tucked-away gems are where vacations come to live out their dreams.
Kentucky State Parks make it easy to craft your own getaway. Choose from 45 parks all over the state and a menu of experiences that includes sun-dappled lakes, miles of meandering shorelines, forested hiking trails, secluded cabins and cottages, camping sites with scenic views and lakeside resorts, plus amenities like swimming beaches, boating, horseback riding trails, museums and more.
No matter what your park experience looks like, the result will be the same: Ahhh!
Amid a break in the foliage you’ll discover John James Audubon State Park, a fairytale world built on the artistry of the worldfamous ornithologist with a museum, nature center, wetlands boardwalk and Bald Eagle sightings in Henderson.
Hike to an underground waterfall on the scenic Cascade Cave Tour at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill. Explore 33 miles of trails showing off the park’s unique geology and spot five natural bridges along the way.
Bike Eggner’s Ferry Bridge Hike & Bike Trail from Hardin’s Kenlake State Resort Park to the 170,000-acre outdoor playground at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Glide across Kentucky Lake by pontoon.
Plan a sunset picnic overlooking the Mississippi River from a patch of greenery at Columbus-Belmont State Park in Columbus. Top off an afternoon hiking the trails through Civil War earthworks with soft serve ice cream in season.
At Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Carlisle, stroll the grounds Daniel Boone once traversed on your way to the Pioneer Museum to see Native American and early settler artifacts. Why “battlefield?” This is the site of the Revolutionary War’s final battle.
Calling all mountain bikers: Nearly 10 miles of singletrack trails unspool through Nolin Lake State Park near Mammoth Cave. Families also love Kincaid Lake State Park for its boating, camping, hiking and other fun in Falmouth.
There’s no shortage of killer views at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin. Follow the cliff line to one of the best views of Cumberland Falls on the rugged Eagle Falls Trail. Drink in the scenery while dining at Riverview Restaurant.
See Kentucky’s longest-running outdoor drama, “The Stephen Foster Story,” at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown. Tour the grounds and mansion. Hear the famous song. (You already know the words.)
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