There are many destinations in Kentucky where you can experience the great outdoors, learn about history, and just breathe in the fresh air of nature. The parks scattered throughout the state provide numerous options for camping, hiking, educational programs, and other types of recreation. So, if you’re looking to get active or just explore what the state has to offer, here are the best state and national parks to visit in Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave
One of the most impressive national parks in the entire U.S. is Mammoth Cave National Park. The park is best known for its amazing caves but also has trails and deep river valleys to explore. You can learn about thousands of years of history and the plants and animals that live here. Definitely make a reservation to do a cave tour, and there are multiple tour options to choose from based on your skill level and interests. There are also ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities. For hiking, there are the visitor center area and south side trails, as well as over 60 miles of backcountry trails on the north side. There are three front-country campgrounds here and 13 designated backcountry campsites. You can also canoe or kayak on the Green and Nolin rivers, go horseback riding, and go bicycling to explore the park on two wheels.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Another great Kentucky park if you enjoy caves is Carter Caves State Resort Park, which offers year-round and seasonal walking tours. There is an area here for rock climbing and rappelling for experienced adventurers. Other fun things to do at this park are paddling on the 45-acre Smoky Lake, taking a scenic trip on Tygart Creek, gem mining at the welcome center, birding, and fishing for large-mouth bass and other fish. There are 33 miles of wooded nature trails to hike, 18-hole mini-golf, course, playgrounds, tennis courts. and picnic areas in the park.
Nolin Lake State Park, Mammoth Cave
Nolin Lake State Park features a 5,795-acre lake and spans 333 acres along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. It is a favorite local spot for camping and fishing. There are 32 campsites here with water and electricity hookups, as well as 27 primitive campsites. Visitors enjoy the public beach, playground, an abundance of bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie for fishing. The RV campground is only open from mid-March to mid-November. You can bike and hike on the 9.2 miles of singletrack trails here and take a dip in the lake from the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day too.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a popular one for both Kentucky residents and travelers from all over the country. Plan to visit for a Natural Bridge Hoedown with a square dance caller and a fun dance program to watch or join in on. May and June are prime birdwatching months, canoes are available for rent in the summer, and fishing is popular here. Hike on the 10 miles of trails, play 18 holes of mini-golf, or simply have a picnic in this park. Swimming is available in the pool complex between the lake and the Hemlock Lodge.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Memorial Park, Hodgenville
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Memorial Park celebrates the nation’s 16th president and encourages you to learn about his life on the Kentucky frontier. This is where the first Lincoln Memorial is located. You can learn about the Sinking Spring where the Lincoln family got their water and see the symbolic birth cabin in the memorial building that’s on the traditional site of Lincoln’s birthplace. This park is free to visit, and around 200,000 people come to visit this park per year. Plan to visit the park for at least an hour. Ranger-led tours are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Plan to visit Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to introduce your family to horseback riding because the park offers guided trail rides for all skill levels. There are also 17 miles of hiking trails here that lead to scenic areas. Definitely check out the “moonbow” at Cumberland Falls that is a lunar rainbow that is magical. Guided river rafting trips are available on the Cumberland River, there’s gem mining at the gift shop, and fishing in the Cumberland River. For camping, there are 50 water and electric sites here and a service building with showers, restrooms, a dump station, and groceries.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is in the Appalachian foothills in eastern Kentucky and on the edge of Daniel Boone National Forest. There’s a 1,200-acre lake, lodge with 36 rooms, multi-bedroom cottages, and ample boating and fishing opportunities here. Take a hike along the 1.5-mile walking trail, play a game or horseshoes, play some basketball, or pick up a game of mini-golf while you’re here. The park also has playgrounds and picnic areas. Lodge and cottage guests get exclusive access to the swimming pool.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Kentucky & Tennessee
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area extends into both Kentucky and Tennessee and encompasses around 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. It has scenic gorges, bluffs, historic features, and outdoor recreation. When you’re here, you can join a ranger-led program or event. The park has five campgrounds – three in Kentucky and two in Tennessee. There are also multiple concessionaires and outfitters that operate in the park to set you up with kayaking, horseback riding, and overnight hiking excursions.
Carr Creek State Park, Sassafras
The Carr Creek State Park area was once home to early pioneer settlers. It is in a marshy environment with lots of watchable wildlife living here now. You can camp in one of the 39 sites here, each with water and electric hookups and waterfront access. Go fishing on the 750-acre lake and pack a picnic to enjoy this park. There’s also swimming in the beach area.
Kingdom Come State Park, Cumberland
Kingdom Come State Park a beautiful state park to visit in Kentucky and one with eight overlooks to admire the beautiful views. It’s named after a Civil War novel and spans 1,283 acres of wilderness. Come here to see the stunning rock formations of Raven Rock, Log Rock, and other features. Primitive camping is available here. Bring your bike for the 38 miles of trails along the crest of Pine Mountain. There are 14 miles of hiking trails here, horseshoe equipment to rent, a nine-hole mini-golf course, a 3.5-acre mountain lake for year-around fishing, pedal boating, picnicking, and an outdoor amphitheater for group events.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Visit General Butler State Resort Park for camping because there are over 100 sites with utility hookups and grills here. Alternatively, there’s a lodge with cozy rooms that you can stay in and enjoy your private balcony or patio overlooking the hillside or pool. The Two Rivers Restaurant is here and also Port William’s Lounge with its wide selection of Kentucky bourbons. See the historic house built in 1859, go mountain biking on the 4.5-mile loop trail, and watch for birds in the fall and winter. Canoes and rowboats are available for rent, there are two nature trails for hiking, a mini-golf course, and a museum to check out at the park.
Kincaid Lake State Park, Falmouth
It’s fun to explore the lake in a motorboat or pedal boat from the marina when you visit Kincaid Lake State Park. There are 84 campsites in the park for your overnight stays. Hiking is available on 2.25 miles of connected loop trails, mini-golf is just $3 per game, and fishing is popular on Kincaid Lake. There’s also a swimming pool in the park for the public.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Visit Pine Mountain State Resort Park to see a wide variety of animal species and observe the birds, as well as to play a game at the Wasioto Winds 18-hole golf course. Go for a hike on the 12 miles of self-guided trails. There’s a nine-hole mini-golf course at the park, as well as a gift shop with Kentucky-made treats and souvenirs. There’s a pool at the lodge to take a dip, picnic areas at scenic locations in the park, and the Lauren Cove Amphitheater that is available to rent.
Big Bone Lick State Park, Union
Although there are several other great outdoor destinations to visit in Kentucky too, Big Bone Lick State Park has a great museum with new exhibits where you can learn about paleontology, geology, and Native American history. It’s an ideal place to bring kids because of all the educational opportunities. Bison live here and are viewable pretty much every day. Stay in one of the 62 campsites to extend your time in the park and check out the 4.5 miles of hiking trails to get some exercise and experience the wooded seclusion and beauty of the region.
