These 12 Scenic Overlooks In Kentucky Will Leave You Breathless
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Jenn Shockley
Author
Beauty is one thing we have plenty of in this state, from our horses to our land. There is nothing like finding that perfect spot. You know, the one that allows you to just sit, or stand back, filled with awe at all the breathtaking scenery laid out before our eyes. These are the spots worth going back to, known as the scenic overlooks in Kentucky.
Last year we covered 20 jaw dropping views in the Bluegrass State, but we have plenty more sites to choose from. Here are 12 special scenic overlooks in Kentucky that really stand out, and let us see for miles.
The Big Four Bridge is a newer edition to the Louisville Waterfront and lets people stroll from Kentucky to Jeffersonville Indiana, free from the worries of traffic. The bridge itself is beautiful at night, as it is an array of colors that reflect off the Ohio River. The view from the bridge is also gorgeous, as you can see both Kentucky and Indiana, plus miles of the Ohio River.
This pedestrian bridge connects Newport with downtown Cincinnati. The locals have jokingly deemed the bridge the "purple people bridge," though the reasons are unknown. Those who appreciate scenic views will find they can see the architectural beauty of Newport, Cincinnati and the Serpentine Wall.
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Bernheim Forest is located off exit 112 on I-65 headed east on Hwy 245. It is probably one of the lesser-known forests in Kentucky, but it offers some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state. It has several lookouts you can enjoy, but the Canopy Walk Lookout is a local favorite. The image shows downtown Louisville, which is well over 20 miles away.
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We have a variety of amazing natural bridges in our state, especially at Natural Bridge State Park on 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade. You can walk out over the surrounding woodlands on the rocky lookout and see for miles in all directions. This is a favored spot for hikers, and I understand why.
This unique spot was formed when residents became concerned that the giant rock overlooking the town might actually crush them.The chain will supposedly prevent this from happening. The spot, securely held by said chain, provides an excellent view of the town below, and the rolling hills beyond. It is located in the Pine Mountain State Resort south of Pineville on US 25 E.
The highest point in this hilltop park gives you a gorgeous view of the grassy knolls in Northern Kentucky, along with the skyline in Cincinnati. As you gaze around you will also notice the lights of Covington and the sun or moon reflecting off the Ohio River.
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The Cumberland Falls State Park is located at 7351 State Hwy 90 in Corbin, and there are several spots with ideal views of the beautiful Cumberland Falls area. Rocky outcroppings are scattered around the river and falls, all providing a nice view of the surrounding forest and the beautiful Niagara of the South.
Located at 27 Entrance Road in Mammoth Cave, this is one of the natural wonders of the world. However, there is more than just caves to see in this beautiful part of the Bluegrass State. There are some nice hiking trails that take you up and around spots where you can look out over the forests for acres on end. Mammoth Cave tours are great, but so is the amazing scenery above ground. The image is a view of Turnhole Bend on Green River from a trail at Mammoth Cave Park.
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This is a 27 mile trip off Mountain Parkway in Slade. It leads to Pine Ridge, which is a small community, but there are some gorgeous stops all along the drive. You can just pull over at some of the natural lookouts and take a gander at the beauty of Mother Nature.
For 46 miles Kentucky 11 weaves through the Gorge taking you on a scenic tour of varying heights and angles. There are several spots where one can pull over and just gaze out across the rolling hills and thickly forested area.
Black Mountain, in Harlan County, is hard to miss. It features the highest point in Kentucky, so naturally you can see miles and miles of amazing nature. Some say you can see across the entire state from the viewpoint at the top of the mountain.
Eagle’s Nest in the Pinnacles is a magical spot, which is pretty obvious by the picture. You get a breathtaking view of Berea and surrounding areas from this renowned overlook. The sunrise and sunset here are like something otherworldly, with whirling mists and vivid colors. The trail head is two miles east of Berea off Hwy 21.
Each one of these scenic overlooks in Kentucky will give us “pretty as a postcard,” views. It is tempting to snap pictures and send them to friends or family as a postcard of home. Outsiders really don’t understand the blessings we have as far as Mother Nature… but we know Kentucky is blessed.
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