11 Hikes In Kentucky That Will Make You Fall Head Over Heels In Love With The Beautiful Bluegrass State

This was the sight that made Daniel Boone fall hard for Kentucky, and it's sure to do the same for you! At Pilot Knob overlook in Kentucky, you can relive the monumental, magical moment Boone laid eyes on the beautiful Bluegrass. This overlook features one of the most stunning views in the state, and it’s reached via an accessible, two-mile hike.

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Bluegrass State. As an arboretum and research forest, you'll find abundant foliage and plant life and it's all worth seeing any season of the year. In addition to the walking trails, visitor center, and events, many come to Bernheim for its one-of-a-kind canopy tree walk. The boardwalk extends into the forest canopy, suspending visitors an astonishing 75 feet above the forest floor, and it feels as though you're floating in a dreamy, fairy tale forest!

One resplendent region that’s often overlooked by Kentucky hikers is Berea. The Berea Pinnacles are big and beautiful; and while magnificent all year long, they're downright magical in the peak of fall foliage! Look out over the hills and farmland and get a true sense of the beauty of our state when you hike the East and West Pinnacle Trail in Berea, Kentucky. Outside Magazine called the Pinnacle Hike the best in Kentucky in 2019; and indeed, this 6.6-mile trek is extraordinary in every way.

There are 12 hiking trails throughout Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and they'll take you past some truly remarkable rock formations, historic bridges, and other impressive natural features. The 10.8-mile Moonbow Trail connects with many backpacking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest, and is a bucket-list must for many Kentuckians. Many visit Cumberland Falls just to experience the rare Moonbow, as this is one of the only places in the entire world to see one. The “moonbow,” also called a white rainbow or lunar rainbow, is formed just like a rainbow—light is refracted in tiny water droplets—and appears for the two or so days, as long as the sky is clear, on either end of the full moon. If you can time your visit to see it firsthand, it's sure to be a memorable moment. The park has all of the Moonbow dates for this year and the next couple of years listed on its website, just scroll down a bit.

One of the most jaw-dropping views in Kentucky can be found at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and the Original Trail lets hikers fully immerse themselves in this wondrous place. This trail was built in the 1890s by the Lexington and Eastern Railroad; and, at just 0.75 miles long, it is the most popular trail for hiking to the Natural Bridge. The path climbs over 400 feet through a beautiful forest landscape that is almost sublime. Being high above the beautiful Bluegrass, as you gaze upon the canyons and gorges, you might just be rendered speechless by the spectacular scenery.

With over 150 naturally-formed sandstone bridges throughout Red River Gorge, it seems as though every trail takes you past an incredible geological work of art! The Sky Bridge Trail is an easy, mile-long hike in Red River Gorge that is great for families and those looking for something quick and accessible... but with a big payoff!

The Angels Windows natural arch formations at the Red are quite beautiful, especially within the context of their enchanting forest surroundings. You'll find these beauties on the Angel Windows Trail, one of the park's most accessible treks. This 0.6-mile trail winds beneath these winsome sandstone arch frames, and is sure to leave you speechless.

There are waterfalls all over the Bluegrass, but Dog Slaughter Falls is a fan favorite. Located within the wondrous wilds of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the 2.4-mile trek to the falls is almost as incredible as the cascades themselves. If you go during the spring, you will wind through a tunnel of rhododendrons and lush forests as you follow Dog Slaughter Creek to the eponymous waterfall. It's a spectacular scene sure to make you swoon!

Carter Caves State Resort Park is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it's everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special -- all in one place. Here you'll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground -- and on the Three Bridges Trail, you'll get to experience it all!

Of course, we'd be remiss not to include Mammoth Cave in this list of superlative superstars. The hiking at this world-renowned park truly is unrivaled, with both above- and below-ground options equally wondrous.