You could spend a lifetime discovering all of the hidden trails throughout Kentucky and there would still be many left to explore. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of many of Kentucky’s incredible State Parks, National Forests, and Nature Preserves that are scattered across the state. Perhaps you’ve even heard of this lesser known Preserve near Barren River Lake. Brigadoon State Nature Preserve is 184 acres of thick forest, foliage, and wildflowers and it has the most beautiful trail that allows you to walk right through a magical canopy of trees.

Brigadoon State Nature Preserve is located east of Bowling Green, adjacent to beautiful Barren River Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
When you reach the Preserve, you'll find a parking lot for about 10 cars and the entrance to the mile-long trail through the thick forest.
This preserve is unique in that it is made up of deciduous forest and many rare types of wildflowers.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
The trail begins as a straight path into the woods and then you'll turn to begin a loop around the preserve. It is well marked and diverse enough to keep you intrigued the entire way. It's lovely year round, but it is especially magical starting in the spring as the wildflowers begin to bloom.

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A portion of the trail takes you along a ridge, past Barren River Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
When the trees are bare, you get a great view of this lovely lake. You'll also get to cross a creek bed, which varies in water flow depending on the recent weather.
Along the trail, you truly feel away from it all and like you've discovered a hidden gem that has been left in its perfect, natural state.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
Photo Courtesy of Ed Leathers
That is the beauty of a nature preserve, that our state has taken the effort to protect the natural wonder of Kentucky. And you can walk through this area and its towering canopy of trees to experience it for yourself. If you're looking for a rustic, unique hike in Kentucky, Brigadoon surely deserves a visit.

Brigadoon State Nature Preserve is the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and escape everyday life. Have you heard of this lovely area of Kentucky? What other hidden spots do you enjoy exploring? Let us know in the comments! For more information on the Preserve and directions, visit its website here.

And thank you to photographer and nature enthusiast Ed Leathers for his lovely photos! For more of his work and his visits all across Kentucky, visit his blog here.

For another little-known preserve in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.

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