The Ultimate Kentucky Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
Stumbling upon hidden gems in Kentucky is such a thrill when traveling and this experience can happen all over the Bluegrass. Perhaps you try a new, lesser-known hiking trail or take a risk on a campground you hadn’t heard of, but end up pleasantly surprised to have found a true gem. Of course if everyone visited these hidden gems, they wouldn’t be hidden, but we’ve found that even by sharing these special places, they remain relatively uncrowded (not everyone visits them, after all). So let’s take a look at some of these little-known hidden gems in Kentucky in this amazing road trip. Let’s go!
Take a closer look at the first stop on our hidden gem road trip with our previous article.
See more photos and learn how to find Pine Island Double Falls in our previous article.
Learn more about this longer but rewarding trail with our feature article about Sand Cave.
See more of Gabe's Branch Falls in our previous article.
Plan a stop here with our article on Black Mountain.
This trail is described in detail in our feature on Double Arch.
There may be no better adventure in our state than this Kentucky Hidden Gem Road Trip. It includes seven scenic and lesser-known places in Kentucky where you may be lucky enough to avoid crowds while experiencing some of the most beautiful spots in our state. Have you already been able to visit any of these hidden gems in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and be sure to tag your adventurous friends who would love to try this with you!
This list focuses on natural hidden gems, but we’ve featured many other places in Kentucky, so be sure to check out more lesser-known destinations on our website.
Hidden gems in Kentucky
What are some off the beaten path places to explore in Kentucky?
One of our favorite hidden gems in Kentucky is, quite literally, off the beaten path. In Fairmount Falls Park, there is a hidden waterfall that almost no one has seen in person… even the most avid Kentucky waterfall chasers! Nestled within Fairmount Falls Park, the eponymous waterfall is one of the most hidden and difficult to access in Kentucky. Why, you ask? Because entry to the elusive Fairmount Falls is limited to just three vehicles per day, and you have to obtain a permit beforehand from the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. But don’t be deterred: the permits are free, and the hike to the falls is actually quite well-paved and easy to navigate… you just need to request a permit in advance, which you can easily do by calling the Welcome Center at (502) 368-5404. Back to the falls: after a healthy rainfall when the water is flowing, Fairmount Falls can actually be seen from the trail just off the parking area, which will only add to your excitement about getting up-close to this cascade, one of the most marvelous hidden gems in Kentucky!
What are some other hidden gems to visit in Kentucky?
If you’re looking to explore all the Bluegrass has to offer, you’ll want to visit both tried-and-true destinations *and* off the beaten path places. We’re partial, of course, to the latter, because it’s at these hidden gems that some of the most marvelous discoveries can be found! We put together this list of 10 hidden gems worth seeking out in Kentucky; notable sites on the list include The Conrad Caldwell House in Old Louisville, Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Paducah Flood Wall, and the Louisville Mega Cavern, but you’ll really want to check out all of the places because they’re some of the state’s coolest destinations!
