Kentucky’s past is nothing short of intriguing and there are many ways to experience it. Did you know there are hiking trails in Kentucky with ancient ruins? Thankfully, several historic sites throughout the state have been preserved and some are simply a part of the state’s beautiful landscape. But all of them are accessible, some easier than others, and all are worth a visit to understand Kentucky’s diverse past.

1. Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site - 94 Green St. Wickliffe, KY, 42087
94 Green St, Wickliffe, KY 42087, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
From the years A.D. 1100 to 1350, a Native American village made up the area that is now a state historic site, museum, and park. When walking around the grounds, you'll see several mounds and be inspired to imagine what life was once like in this beautiful spot. Wickliffe Mounds also has abundant wildlife, an archaeological site, and several activities year-round.

Get an in-depth overview of Wickliffe Mounds:

2. Goddard White Bridge - KY Hwy. 32 Flemingsburg, KY, 41041
Kentucky 32, KY-32, Morehead, KY, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson
Although it's unknown exactly when this bridge was built, the Goddard White Bridge is an amazing display of unique architecture. The bridge is the only lasting example of "Ithiel Town Lattice Design," and it is still drivable today, thanks to renovation and reconstruction. The bridge is in a picturesque part of the state and is definitely worth a visit for covered bridge enthusiasts.
3. Mammoth Cave - 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook
Mammoth Cave is perhaps the most mysterious and intriguing destination on the list. Recognized as a national park and an international treasure, Mammoth Cave is a hiker's dream with several tours offered - some basic and others quite grueling and terrifying. Several remains have been found over the years in this massive cave system, so you never know what may turn up.

Enjoy this tour of Mammoth Cave:

4. Hensley Settlement - 91 Bartlett Park Road Middlesboro, KY, 40965
91 Bartlett Park Road, Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA
Flickr/YangTS
The historic Hensley Settlement in the Cumberland Gap region was established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, and was occupied until 1951. The original buildings remain and while taking the mile-long walking tour, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Related Stories

18 Best Hikes in Kentucky: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2023

18 Best Hikes in Kentucky: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2023

 Hike To This Sandy Cave In Kentucky For An Out-Of-This-World Experience

Hike To This Sandy Cave In Kentucky For An Out-Of-This-World Experience

 This Hidden Swimming Hole With A Waterfall In Kentucky Is A Stellar Summer Adventure

This Hidden Swimming Hole With A Waterfall In Kentucky Is A Stellar Summer Adventure
5. USS Sachem - Lawrenceburg Ferry Road Petersburg, KY
Lawrenceburg Ferry Road, Lawrenceburg Ferry Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, USA
Flickr/Kylen Louanne
The USS Sachem (also known by many other names) lived quite the life since first setting sail in 1902. This legendary yacht reportedly carried Thomas Edison during World War I, trained soldiers in Key West and even carried tourists around New York City's harbor. The vessel was eventually purchased by a resident of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and unfortunately left to rust away in a creek off of the Ohio River. It's unknown who owns the ship, and the land to reach it, so be cautious when taking on this short hike.
6. The Jack Jouett House - 255 Craig's Creek Road Versailles, KY, 40383
255 Craigs Creek Rd, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Facebook/Jack Jouett Historic Site
Jack Jouette, known as the "Paul Revere of the South," and his family, settled land in central Kentucky in the 1780's. The homestead has been preserved and you can take a walking tour of the property, viewing buildings that were used by the Jouett family over 200 years ago.
7. Perryville Battlefield - 1825 Battlefield Road Perryville, KY, 40468
1825 Battlefield Rd, Perryville, KY 40468, USA
Flickr/Navin Rajagopalan
In 1862, Kentucky suffered its greatest battle of the Civil War in rural Perrysville. Today, you can visit this historic site and literally see the same views the soldiers saw that horrible day. A walking tour will take you through the events of that day and there is also a museum to learn the complete history.

Learn all about the history of this battlefield:

8. Dinsmore Homestead Cemetery - 5656 Burlington Pike Burlington, KY, 41005
5656 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005, USA
Andrea Limke/Only in Your State
The Dinsmore Homestead, settled in 1839, is a living museum where you can go back in time to see how the family lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Also located on the property is the family's final resting place. Behind the main house, you'll find a trail that leads up a hill and into the woods. At the top of the hill is the cemetery, created so the family would rest in a peaceful, picturesque spot.

What other adventures have you taken to reach an ancient Kentucky destination? Have you seen all of these hiking trails with ancient ruins in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!

There are all sorts of ruins in Kentucky. Explore other local sites and start assembling a bucket list of abandoned places in The Bluegrass State!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hiking Trails With Ancient Ruins In Kentucky

Nikki Rhoades | November 01, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Kentucky?

The most beautiful hikes in Kentucky include:

  • Daniel Boone National Forest
  • Cumberland Falls
  • Pine Mountain

The Bluegrass State is magnificently beautiful. Its diverse landscape spans 40,409 square miles, encompassing forests, grasslands, mountains, and more. As a result, the matter of the most beautiful hike in Kentucky is wildly contested. There are several spots in the state that enchant locals and visitors alike, each catering to a different set of rewards and challenges. The rocky walls of Daniel Boone National Forest enchants visitors year-round, but its massive landscape would take ages to explore. Cumberland Falls is magnificent, but flooding often makes the trail a bit challenging to traverse. Pine Mountain is breathtakingly beautiful, but there's the challenge of incline. Ask around for suggestions from locals and start exploring yourself... nature lovers are infatuated with this state.

Which hikes in Kentucky are short and sweet?

Short and sweet hikes in Kentucky include:

  • Humana Grand Allee trail
  • McConnell Springs Trail

Short and sweet hikes make or break certain adventures. If you're a parent with small children or if you have any sort of mobility challenges, longer trails may be difficult or even impossible. Fortunately, Kentucky has short and sweet hikes, too. The Humana Grand Allee trail is gorgeous, spanning a half mile and boasting a lovely little boardwalk. McConnell Springs Trail in Lexington is comparable in length, and this one leads to an energetic little spring.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Kentucky?

The best waterfall hikes in Kentucky include:

  • 76 Falls
  • Yahoo Falls

If you love nature, you are going to feel right at home in The Bluegrass State. We have something for everyone here, whether you're looking for a quiet little escape in nature or something invigorating. Waterfalls offer solace to some and inspiration to others, and there are several waterfalls in Kentucky. 76 Falls is absolutely picturesque, and Yahoo Falls is the tallest anywhere in the state. Take a road trip to these pretty places and take in the scenery.

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky