Explore 7 Hidden Gems In Kentucky On Just One Tank Of Gas
There’s no better way to explore hidden gems in Kentucky than a road trip. But if you don’t have time for a multi-day excursion, you can pack a whole lot of exploring into a one-day trip if you’re in the right place. That right place happens to be Morehead, Kentucky in the heart of Rowan County. Home to a university at its center and surrounded by natural beauty, it’s the perfect choice for a one-day trip.
So load up your car with a full tank of gas – because you’ll only need one. Only two hours from major cities like Louisville and Cincinnati, you can hit seven diverse attractions and hidden gems in a full day of travel on this road trip itinerary. Hop in the car and get ready for the ultimate hidden-gems road trip around Morehead, Kentucky.
Perfect for a sunny Saturday in the greater Morehead area, this one-day road trip won't have you spending all day in the car - you'll be exploring lakes, campgrounds, trails, museums, and even a waterpark. This diverse itinerary is great if you're a solo traveler, or if you're bringing the whole family along.
With over 200 miles of shoreline, Cave Run Lake is a popular year-round destination that will make you forget you're not at the coast. Known as the muskie capital of the south, it is a lake great for fishing, sailing, or relaxing on the open water.
You'll want to explore this family-friendly destination and check out its impressive accommodations. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest with great beach access, it's equipped with basketball and volleyball courts, picnic areas, an amphitheater, scenic foot trails, and more.
The whole community is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and the views are truly spectacular. Just take a roughly one-mile hike to the summit, and you'll be rewarded with a stunning vista of the entire area at Lockegee Rock.
Speaking of art, you won't want to miss one of the most whimsically unique little museums in Kentucky. This historic building houses almost 1,400 pieces from local and self-taught artists plus an always-changing collection of fine art and artifacts. Don't miss the gift shop for some unforgettable mementos.
Are the kids getting a little antsy? Is it just a little too hot in the summer sun? Head to this one-of-a-kind outdoor mini-waterpark. Themed to the natural environment around Morehead, it's full of unique water features including a pair of thrilling water slides. Plus, kids will love climbing up to the treehouse for a great view.
Morehead State University is the centerpiece of the city, and the campus has a stunning eighteen-acre lake right on its grounds. This is a perfect place to stop, relax, and take in the cool lake air. If you've brought a picnic, this is a great place to fuel up before you head to your final adventure...
One of the largest trails in Kentucky, the whole path spans the entirety of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The bridges, rivers, and amazing views are a great draw for nature lovers. Morehead, home to the Northern Terminus of the Sheltowee, is unique for another reason. The town continues to be the only town where the trail meanders directly along Main Street. Trail users can enjoy local eateries, shopping and more as they traverse the trail and escape back into the woods.
Have you explored Morehead, Kentucky before? If there are any hidden gems in Kentucky you would add to this itinerary, let us know all about them in the comments section. Make sure to check out the Visit Morehead website before your next visit to learn more about what the city has to offer.
Address: Cave Run Lake, 2375 KY-801 Morehead Kentucky, USA
Address: Twin Knobs Campground Road,5195 KY 801, Kentucky 40313, USA
Address: Lockegee Rock, Kentucky 40351, USA
Address: Kentucky Folk Art Center, 102 W 1st St, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Address: Sheltowee Falls Splash Pad, 331 Triplett St, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Address: Eagle Lake, Earle Clements Drive, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Address: Sheltowee Trace Trail, North Terminus, Section 1, KY-377, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
