A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Kentucky’s Natural Beauty – Waterfalls, Beaches, Hikes And More!

Some of the places that best showcase Kentucky's natural beauty are also the most under-the-radar. Middle Creek Park in Burlington is one such place; this hidden gem park in Kentucky offers beautiful hiking trails and a creek that is perfect for splashing and relaxing. Spend a day in this scenic park and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!

Located along the Kentucky/Tennessee border, Dale Hollow Lake is the most beautiful, jaw-dropping lake in The Bluegrass State. One of the best features of Dale Hollow is its crystal-clear waters, perfect for enjoying a refreshing dip during the heat and humidity of a Kentucky summer. There are also a variety of water recreation opportunities at this pristine lake, such as boating and tubing. But summer isn't the only time to enjoy this scenic lake; this expansive, wilderness area is also prime grounds for spotting bald eagles during the winter.

Kentucky is a landlocked state, which means we don't really have the same type of islands you may escape to on vacation. However, Colt Island Resort on Craig's Creek in Warsaw allows you to rent the entire island along with a houseboat for a truly one-of-a-kind Kentucky getaway. You can hike around the island, fish, swim, relax, and experience a bit of a beach vacation, all from your own private island here in the Bluegrass State.

Red River Gorge is the most resplendent natural wonder in the state, so of course, our pick for the best trail to hike in Kentucky is located at this incredible place. Red River Gorge is home to many natural bridges and arches that are some of the most unique rock formations in the country. Sky Bridge is one of the most accessible of these geological formations, and its eponymous trail is, too. This easy, one-mile trail is mostly paved, making it a perfect for anyone looking to experience the splendor of Red River Gorge.

The beloved Red River Gorge is actually part of the Red River, a 97.2-mile-long tributary of the Kentucky River, and part of the Mississippi River watershed. This beautiful river in Kentucky nourishes the nature and wildlife of the area. It is full of life and offers a soothing sound and serene environment when relaxing anywhere along its borders.

Nestled in southeastern Kentucky, Pine Mountain and the surrounding area offers some of the most spectacular views and hiking trails in the state. The legendary Chained Rock is a must-see as you venture through the hiking trails in this mountainous region of Kentucky.

Henry Clay was an important statesman who was known as "The Great Compromiser," and has been named as one of the five greatest U.S. senators of all time. He lived in Kentucky from 1777 to 1852, and his beautiful manor in Lexington is now a museum with the most extraordinary and unique gardens in Kentucky. The grounds are immaculately maintained, and winding paths take you through flowering rose bushes and other picturesque trees and shrubs. The grounds also have several historical outbuildings, making this garden all the more delightful.

Kentucky's natural beauty even extends underground! Mammoth Cave is a huge cave system (the longest cave system known in the world, in fact) that spans across Edmonson, Hart, and Barren Counties. You can even take tours of the cave to get a glimpse of this enchanting underground world.

Bernheim Arboretum is a favorite destination all year long and it’s the ideal place to soak up the vibrant fall season in the Bluegrass State. At this delightful arboretum, you can explore over 16,000 acres of natural beauty. As you can imagine, during peak fall foliage time, this place is downright magical.

Niagara Falls is truly one of the great waterfalls of the world, but of course, you have to travel a bit to reach it from Kentucky. Luckily, The Bluegrass State is home to its very own Niagara Falls. Cumberland Falls in Corbin is a stunning piece of Kentucky’s landscape and a natural wonder everyone should see. This magnificent waterfall is too beautiful for words. Another feature that truly makes Cumberland Falls unique is its rare moonbow. This natural phenomenon is not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere, and can only be seen on certain nights of the year, making Cumberland Falls all the more magical.