Kentucky has beauty all around the state. We’re exploring the eight coolest natural wonders worth adventuring to—make sure to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Being told to “touch grass” on the Internet is often a bit insulting. In Kentucky, it’s merely a lifestyle. The state is home to several incredible and beautiful natural wonders, welcoming both locals and visitors who admire the awe-inspiring beauty this planet offers.
Now, let’s get some fresh air—it’s time for your next adventure. Here are eight of Kentucky’s coolest natural wonders and activities to do at each.
1. Mammoth Cave National Park
Sometimes, a park’s name just makes perfect sense. That’s the case with Mammoth Cave National Park, which is home to the longest known cave system in the entire world. Established in 1941, the park spans 52,007 acres, primarily in Edmonson County. It’s been named a World Heritage Site, an international Biosphere Reserve, and an International Dark Sky Park.
But as the park likes to remind us, there’s more than a cave going on here. Miles of rolling hills, the Green River, and an extensive collection of wildlife and plants make this a gorgeous stop in the Bluegrass State. With several activity options beyond cave spelunking, you can take in all the beauty by foot, bike, boat, or horseback.
2. Red River Gorge
Nestled in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is one of the most picturesque locations in the entire state. It’s a popular destination for weddings, and as soon as you lay eyes on the surroundings, you’ll see why.
There are breathtaking views everywhere you turn, and you can get a bird’s-eye view by going ziplining or scaling The Red, one of the most impressive sport climbing crags around the world. Don’t worry if you’re not an aerial adventurer; there are plenty of hiking trails, and the gorge hosts two adventure race events each year that benefit families and local economies across the Appalachian region.
3. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
You’ll likely wind up visiting Natural Bridge if you head out to Red River Gorge, since the two are adjacent to each other. But it’s worth calling out Natural Bridge on its own, because it’s a gorgeous sandstone arch bridge. Spanning 78 feet long and 65 feet high, it’s a marvel to behold.
Visitors can also spot birds soaring around the bridge—highlights include woodland warblers in the summer, and woodpeckers, wrens, and sparrows in the winter—and hike (or take a skylift) to the top of the bridge for an aerial view. If you want to get your feet wet, go for a swim or rent a canoe to fish, then wind down the day with a round of mini golf. Thankfully, you don’t have to putt your ball across the bridge.
4. Cumberland Falls (and its Moonbow)
Referred to as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls in Corbin is a wonderful place to check out at any time of year. However, it’s especially spectacular during nights when there’s a full moon. Mist rises up from the falls, and the light from the moon filters through the mist, creating a lunar rainbow, or a moonbow.
Cumberland Falls is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can regularly see this phenomenon, which typically occurs for about five days each month. Check the park’s Moonbow schedule for your window of opportunity. But don’t worry if you miss it—Cumberland Falls still has a lot of cool views.
5. Carter Caves State Resort Park
Back in 1946, the citizens of Carter and a few surrounding counties donated 945 acres of land to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The goal? Create a beautiful state park. That mission was accomplished, and today, the Carter and Cascade Cave system has more than 20 caverns, four of which are open for tours. Bat Cave is a must-visit during the summer, the home of some 40,000 Myotis bats.
Meanwhile, X Cave has a collection of stalactites, stalagmites, and other cool dripstone formations. The pièce de résistance of this cave is the Pipe Organ, a formation of stalactites and draperies that produce different musical tones when struck by a piece of wood. In addition to the caverns, this area boasts 26 miles of nature trails and a variety of birding and fishing opportunities.
6. Lilley Cornett Woods
Lilley Cornett Woods lies in Letcher County, at the southeastern edge of the state. Of its 554 acres, 252 are classified as old-growth forest, qualifying it as a National Natural Landmark. Old growth means the forest has been allowed to develop without human disturbance, leading to ecological features you won’t find in many places. The old-growth forest area alone is a mixed mesophytic forest with 530 plant species and a mix of wildlife populations. Perhaps the greatest highlight is a white oak tree estimated to be from 1669, though there’s amazing scenery throughout the woods.
For explorers, Lilley Cornett Woods has three designated trails. The Wetlands Trail behind the visitor’s center is open to the public, while the other two (the aptly named Short Trail and Long Trail) are available via guided tour only. Make a reservation ahead of time to secure your spot on one of these tours.
7. Land Between the Lakes
Kentucky technically shares this natural wonder with Tennessee, but since about 110,000 of the 170,000 acres are located in Kentucky, it’s quite appropriate for this list. The lakes of Land Between the Lakes (the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley) are man-made, though kayakers and paddleboarders can enjoy plenty of natural beauty as they take a cruise down the water.
Swimming is also allowed throughout the park, so don’t forget to pack a bathing suit. Head to the Elk & Bison Prairie during the day for some animal watching in a tallgrass prairie habitat, then enter the Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory to put your head in the stars at night.
8. Buzzard Rock
Some views make you stop and ponder life’s existence, and how we’re all so tiny in the grand scheme of things. Buzzard Rock in McCreary County is absolutely one of those views, and it’s one of Kentucky’s best natural wonders. The trail is at a bend in South Fork and increases elevation by about 180 feet over 1.25 miles.
You’ll see trees for miles along the water, though the real highlight is the vibrant sky. Plan your hike to arrive shortly before sunset, and you’ll see a mix of pinks, blues, yellows, and oranges. It’s like looking at a classic impressionist landscape painting, only the canvas is real-life nature.
