The Ultimate Kentucky Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
Stumbling upon a hidden gem is such a thrill when traveling and this experience can happen all over the state of Kentucky. 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 spots in the state along the ultimate Kentucky Hidden Gem Road Trip.
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Feel free to make changes to the route and access the map and directions with this link.
Nolin Lake State Park is a relatively new state park compared to others, but it has so much to offer. Located near Mammoth Cave, it may be overshadowed by this international attraction, but we highly recommend a stop at this park and lake, as well. Camp right on the water, swim at the beach, hike, and much more.
Take a closer look at the first stop on our hidden gem road trip with our previous article.
Next up, head east near London and hike to Pine Island Double Falls. While more hikers have discovered this spot recently, it remains one of the most beautiful hidden gems in our state, especially after a rainfall or snow melt. The trail to reach this double waterfall can be a bit tricky, but it's worth the effort.
The next spot on our road trip is another waterfall that's actually not far from the popular Cumberland Falls. Amos Falls is a beautiful spot, especially in the right weather conditions, and it's typically not crowded at all. The trail can be a little difficult to follow, so be sure to read through our our article to learn more about it and read directions and reviews.
After a couple of waterfall hikes, head even further east and you'll actually need to cross into Virginia to reach the trailhead for Kentucky's Sand Cave. The trail within Cumberland Gap takes you from Virginia back into Kentucky and to this magnificent cave that's one of the most jaw-dropping places in our state. This is a must-try hike for all adventurers in Kentucky.
We'll stay in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky for the next hidden gem and this is a great one to visit on a hot day. Gabe's Branch Falls is a scenic trail in Harlan County that offers a refreshing swimming hole. If it's too chilly for swimming, this is still an all-around great hike that's not often crowded.
These beautiful views await you at our next hidden gem - the highest point in Kentucky. This summit can be found on Black Mountain and in the right conditions, you can see the Great Smoky Mountains through Tennessee and North Carolina.
Our last stop takes us north to the area of Red River Gorge. While the Gorge is far from a hidden gem, there are some trails that remain less popular, though just as scenic. The Double Arch Trail is a 5-mile trek with many unique features including a large natural arch and some of the best sweeping views in Red River Gorge.
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!
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
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