15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Kentucky That Defy Explanation
By Will Suphan|Published December 06, 2023
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
Kentucky is a place where we almost take the beauty of nature for granted because there is so much of it. However, there are natural wonders in Kentucky that will always be awe-inspiring no matter how many times you see them. It’s such a joy to be surrounded by lush, green trees, impressive canyons, beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking overlooks, and wondrous rock formations almost everywhere in the Bluegrass State. We think it’s one of the most beautiful states in America. Let’s explore 15 incredible natural wonders in Kentucky.
Best Gorges & Canyons In Kentucky
The Bluegrass State has a wide variety of landscapes and natural features, and the Appalachian countryside with its historic sites and sheer natural beauty makes it a state that Americans flock to from all over the country on road trips to Kentucky so that they can take in all it has to offer. These canyons and gorges in Kentucky are especially gorgeous. Here are two of the most jaw-dropping canyons in Kentucky.
1. Red River Gorge Geological Area
Robbie Ridge Road, Robbie Ridge Rd, Kentucky 40380, USA
Location: Daniel Boone National Forest, Stanton, Kentucky
Wow Factor: This is one of Kentucky’s most famous and varied landscapes and is truly a natural wonder.
Cost: Free.
When we think of natural beauty in Kentucky, one of the first things our minds jump to is the Red River Gorge. It’s lauded as the Grand Canyon of Kentucky and is chock full of hiking trails, caverns, canyons, and lovely waterfalls. over 750,000 visitors per year visit this awe-inspiring place, and when you look into this canyon, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.
2. Breaks Interstate Park
State Route 702, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
Wow Factor: Considered the “Grand Canyon of the South”, this canyon is shared by Kentucky and Virginia.
Cost: Free.
This canyon sprawls across the border of Kentucky and Virginia and is an absolute must-see! Breaks Interstate Park is often known as the Grand Canyon of the South (not just Kentucky!) and is such a vast, lush expanse of pristine natural beauty. This place was discovered by Daniel Boone in 1767 and he named it “The Breaks”. This park was officially designated as Breaks Interstate Park in 1954 and has been a major natural attraction in Kentucky ever since.
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Best Caves In Kentucky
Our rugged Kentucky landscape is riddled with caves and caverns which are such intriguing and otherworldly places to explore. They make for some of the most varied geological formations around and some of them you can even take a boat through! These are certainly some must-see nature in Kentucky! Here are three of the most astounding caves in Kentucky for you to spelunk.
Wow Factor: Over 400 miles of cave systems to explore. It’s multiple caverns all in one!
Cost: Free to enter, tours and camping have various fees.
These vast caverns stretch for over 400 miles of subterranean mystery. Several cave systems that were at first thought to be separate were later found to connect to Mammoth Cave including Big Onyx Cave. Over two million people per year come to wonder at this vast array of tunnels, stalactites, and stalagmites. Several tours of varying lengths and activities are available. It’s not only the longest cave system in the USA but in the world!
Wow Factor: A massive, one-room cave tucked away in the gorgeous Cumberland Gap.
Cost: Free.
While this cave is quite near Mammoth Cave, it is surprisingly not connected to it. Sand Cave has a majesty all its own. The name may not sound like much, but when you step inside this huge, cavernous place, you will be awed by its size. You can reach it via a short hike from a pullout on Mammoth Cave Rd, just before the welcome sign to Mammoth Cave National Park. For a longer scenic route, take the 8-mile Ewing Trail. Make sure to stop here before you head to its bigger sibling. You won’t be disappointed! Caves like this make for the best nature in Kentucky.
Wow Factor: A cave with an underground river that you can ride a boat through!
Cost: Boat cave tours are $23.95 for people 13 and older, $16.95 for ages 4-12, and $5.95 for children 3 and under.
Lost River Cave is unique among caves in Kentucky in that you can take a boat through it on a subterranean river! The cave is at least 10,000 years old and several artifacts have been found in and near it. You can even kayak through it for a truly surreal adventure. Civil War soldiers used this cave as a hideout and you can see their carvings on the walls. It’s definitely one of the best nature spots in Kentucky.
Best Waterfalls In Kentucky
If there’s anything Kentucky has in abundance, it’s our waterfalls. These nature places in Kentucky with rushing waters cascading into clear blue pools or flowing rivers always remind us just how powerful nature can be. Plus, there’s something special about standing behind one and watching the falling waters cascading down before your eyes. Here are two waterfalls in Kentucky sure to take your breath away.
Location: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky
Wow Factor: The most famous waterfall in Kentucky, known as the Niagara of the South.
Cost: Free to visit, camping fees vary by site.
Waterfalls in Kentucky can’t be mentioned without Cumberland Falls coming in first. As majestic as this waterfall is during the day, at night you can often see a phenomenon known as a moonbow, where the moonlight creates a spectrum of light across the mist raised by the falls. It’s especially visible during a full moon with no clouds in the sky. The falls are 125 feet wide and so spectacular that they’re considered to be the “Niagara of the South”. This needs to be on your bucket list of must-see nature in Kentucky.
Wow Factor: Not just one, but two gorgeous waterfalls side by side!
Cost: Free.
Why settle for just one lovely waterfall when you can have two right next to each other? Pine Island Double Falls is a unique feature where you can see a double waterfall rushing over beautiful sandstone cliffs and hikers love to walk behind them. Head there in early spring to see them at their fullest! When surrounded by lush green foliage, it’s truly a wonder.
If the stunning canyons we’ve already mentioned aren’t enough, you can get some truly spectacular views from several other vistas and overlooks in Kentucky. Taking a hike to the top of an outcropping or stopping by the side of the road to view jaw-dropping vistas is a beloved pastime in our wonderful state. Thankfully, we have so many places to do so! Here are three amazing overlooks that should not be missed.
Wow Factor: The name is literal! There are actual chains on the rocks said to protect the town beneath in case it falls.
Cost: Free.
The tiny town of Pineville was simultaneously awed and frightened of these overhanging rocks that they attached chains to them to hold them up. Don’t worry, though, Chained Rock is quite firmly planted and makes for a remarkable scenic overlook where you’ll see the charming town below and miles of green mountains in the distance. The sunsets from here are mesmerizing and so romantic.
Wow Factor: The most vast expanse you’ll see in the state alongside sites of local history.
Cost: Free.
Cumberland Gap is to scenic vistas what Cumberland Falls is to gorgeous waterfalls. The rolling hills and mountains awash with verdant forests that disappear into the horizon is perhaps the most awe-inspiring spot in Kentucky. Photographers and nature lovers flock here to watch the sunrise in an achingly beautiful palette of colors. It’s another place that Kentucky and Virginia share and are equally proud of.
Wow Factor: Utterly fascinating views of Red River Gorge await you at this astounding overlook.
Cost: Free.
It’s hard to decide which overlook is the most impressive as all of them are so magnificent! Chimney Top Rock offers some of the most mind-blowing views of Red River Gorge, the Red River itself, and the green hills that reach out to forever. It’s especially mystical when shrouds of mist and dragon’s breath nestle within the ravines below. It’s an easy half-mile out-and-back trail to access it and while it is quite popular, it is well worth seeing in person.
Best Rock Formations in Kentucky
With all of our grand caves, canyons, and vistas, it’s no surprise that we also have no shortage of outstanding rock formations in Kentucky! Whether you’re into rock climbing, geology or just want to witness some of the cool things that nature creates, these rock formations are sure to deliver everything you want. Let’s take a closer look at two of the best.
Wow Factor: A massive natural stone bridge with splendid panoramic views surrounding it.
Cost: Free.
Kentucky is rife with natural bridges and arches, yet this one is the most grandiose. Only an hour away from Lexington, this huge stone bridge is 75 feet across and rises to a height of 65 feet! Several people can stand atop it at once and take in the opulent panoramic views which are especially a treat during the fall. Imagine a sea of vibrant fall colors completely surrounding you. Natural Bridge State Resort Park belongs on your bucket list!
Wow Factor: A precariously perched rock on top of another that makes you wonder how it is still there.
Cost: Free.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home not only to the stunning bridge above but also to this precarious-looking rock formation that makes you wonder how it still stands. Balanced Rock is reached by a short, yet steep 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with over 600 stairs. The trek is worth it if you are able as this natural structure is a truly impressive sight in person. It looks like something you’d find on another planet. Plus, if you keep going, there’s an extra treat! Lover’s Leap which affords a great scenic view.
Unique Natural Wonders in Kentucky
We’ve covered specific natural features that are especially beautiful, yet there are other places that stand out as unique natural wonders in Kentucky that are just as magnificent and deserving of prioritizing when you want to see the best nature spots in Kentucky. Here’s the rest of the best of the Bluegrass State.
Wow Factor: A long, gorgeous river that spans Tennessee and Kentucky and has a scenic train ride.
Cost: Free to visit. Scenic train tours are $18 to $28.
The Big South Fork National River Recreation Area is shared by Kentucky and Tennessee. Both the Big South Fork River and the Cumberland River can be found in this area and the best way to see them is on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway where you can learn some area history while taking in the sights. It’s also a wonderful place for stargazing as there’s little to no light pollution to get in the way.
Wow Factor: A natural wonder that contains several other natural wonders. The MetaWonder!
Cost: Free to visit. Camping and boat ramps vary in price.
Many of the natural wonders on this list are contained within the Daniel Boone National Forest, making it an iconic place of wonders within wonders. It spans 708,000 acres, covers 21 counties, has about 100 designated recreation areas, and 600 miles of hiking trails. The sheer amount of beauty and wonder here is overwhelming. It is teeming with wildlife, packed with fishing spots, and there are countless camping areas. You could come here every day for a year and see something new and wondrous.
15. Grayson Lake State Park
314 Grayson Lake State Park Rd, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA
Wow Factor: An underrated gem that holds its own with all the other places of beauty in Kentucky.
Cost: Free to visit. Camping is $30 to $32 per night.
Grayson Lake State Park is not as popular as many of the other natural wonders in Kentucky, however, this underrated place is a kayaker’s dream! Grayson Lake is a gorgeously shimmering lake with thick forests and sandstone rock outcroppings that add to the scenic variety, making this not just another pretty lake. There’s a marina so you can bring your boat and lovely camping areas so you can stick around for another day.
How many of these natural wonders in Kentucky have you been fortunate enough to experience? Which ones do you most look forward to visiting? Let us know in the comments! If you’re going hiking, make sure to check with AllTrails to make sure the trails are open and to get current updates. This list will start you off on your exploration of the best of Kentucky’s beautiful places and we hope you discover even more!
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