10 Trails In Kentucky You Must Take If You Love The Outdoors
Spring is in the air and that can put some spring in our step to get out onto the scenic trails in Kentucky. We have a variety of beautiful places to go for a pleasant walk or a rigorous hike, depending on your preference. Since not all of us are professional hikers, quite a few of these are perfect for those just looking for a scenic walkabout in the woods. However, those who like a challenge will not find disappointment, as most these areas offer trails catering to all who enjoy nature’s bounty.
Here are 10 scenic trails in Kentucky for those that love nature:
This beautifully rugged trail around 1501 Bullock Pen Road in Covington is short compared to some trails, but no less gorgeous. You will walk across Bullock Pen Creek, so make sure and wear shoes safe for a water walk. The north side is a service road you can take back to the lot. The south side of the lake is quite serene.
There are three trails at the General Butler State Resort Park on 1608 Highway 227 in Carrolton. Fossil Trail is less than 5 miles long but offers an escape into a green paradise. It is one of our many serene hikes through hard wood forests and rolling fields of grass and wildflowers. The lookout on the trail is the highest point in the entire county, offering a breathtaking view.
This historic park is home to the 1150 acre Dewey Lake, along with 7 different trails ranging in length from the shortest at ¾ a mile to the longest, at 18 miles. The other trails are moderately short with the second longest at 4 ½ miles. All offer a serene retreat into Mother Nature.
This short but sweet trail leads up to the Natural Bridge, allowing hikers a view that will simply take your breath away. It is located off 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade. Near the end there is a swinging bridge that crosses Red River’s Middle Fork. It is a short part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail perfect for beginning hikers.
This is a 13 and ½ mile linear trail that will take hikers along a beautiful trail at Dawson Springs and Tradewater River in the middle of Indian Bluff. The entire walk is scenic, and when it comes to breathtaking overlooks gazing out into the nature, this trail around 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road offers perfection.
This beautiful trail is 120 miles from Breaks Interstate Park to the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Beginning with the Birch Knob Section at Breaks, then into the Highlands Section, and lastly to the Little Shepherd Trail. It is a breathtaking part of the Great Eastern Trail in Whitesburg, both in its beauty and its challenges.
The Green River Lake State Park has 24 marked trails ranging from ½ mile to 4 ½ miles in length. The park is at in Campbellsville. Beginners might like trails like ½ mile trails like Wildcat or Cobee’s. Most the other trails, like Lakeshore and Deer Creek are 2 miles or less, with the longest being the Marina Main Trail. All have breathtaking views and serene walks in the wilds.
There are 9 different trails in this park at 3100 US Hwy 41 N in Henderson. The combined mileage of them all adds up to 6 ½ miles. Each hike offers a special aspect of the area, be it specific flora, wildlife or a trail less traveled. The scenic overlook trail is less than ¼ a mile and offers a beautiful view well worth the exertion.
Greenbo Lake is a 225 acre lake with 4 beautiful trails around it offering different perspectives of the surrounding beauty. The Fern Valley Self Guided Interpretive Trail is only 1 mile. Claylick Loop and the Michael Tygart Loop are both 7 miles and the Carpenter’s Run trail is 10 miles. All offer a special type of serenity you won’t soon forget.
Each of these scenic trails in Kentucky offers us an escape into nature’s serenity. There is nothing like walking through the woods, around our waterways or even across our fields, to bring about peace of mind. The stress of everyday life can be a burden at times, but the trails of Kentucky offer sanctuary. What is your favorite place to hike or walk in our state?
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
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