Kentucky is a big and beautiful state full of great geographical diversity that never ceases to amaze us. From the deep, cavernous underworlds of Mammoth Cave to the rolling blue hills of Horse Country, the expansive gorges of the Grand Canyon of Kentucky to the cerulean blue lakes of Lake Cumberland, Kentucky is a veritable patchwork quilt of geographies. Today, we’re exploring six unique regions in Kentucky on one epic road trip adventure. Who's ready?
One road trip, six unique regions -- what could be better? Designed to be tackled over two days or a long weekend, this epic road trip in Kentucky visits everything from Horse Country and Bourbon Country to the state's pinnacles, Grand Canyon, and expansive underworld. Each day is packed with adventure, and we recommend taking your time and soaking it all up!
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View a customizable Google Map to plan your trip.
Kentucky is Horse Country, and the eponymous Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is a place that celebrates this quintessential part of Bluegrass culture. he state is filled with fence-lined fields, each one more picturesque than the last, where majestic horses graze and gallop in a way that's truly magical.
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The Kentucky Horse Park is a celebration of this inextricable part of Bluegrass culture. Located just outside of Lexington (but in an idyllic area that feels quite rural and remote), the Kentucky Horse Park is the perfect day trip destination.
Just east of Lexington, the landscape will become more lush and hilly, as we enter the Daniel Boone National Forest. Dubbed The Grand Canyon of Kentucky, Red River Gorge is a canyon system along the Red River in the eastern part of the state. A magical place any time of the year, Red River Gorge offers some of the very best outdoor recreation in the country.
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While the hiking is unrivaled in this park (there are 60 miles of mapped hiking trails in various spots throughout the Gorge), those with limited mobility or who wish to explore the scenery in a more leisurely manner can take the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, a 46-mile route with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country.
Venturing south, the landscape of Kentucky becomes even hillier -- but don't mistake these formations as mountains. These are the Berea Pinnacles, located within the eponymous Berea College Forest.
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Outside Magazine called the Pinnacle Hike the best in Kentucky in 2019; and indeed, this trek truly is extraordinary in every way. This 6.6-mile journey is worth each and every step, and you'll want to stop and soak up these views, which are numerous, in fact. This trail passes six pinnacles and overlooks: East Pinnacle, West Pinnacle, Eagle's Nest, Buzzard's Roost, Devil's Kitchen, and Indian Fort Lookout!
Our final stop of the day is none other than Kentucky's very own Niagara Falls, located at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
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In Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, the eponymous Cumberland Falls is itself a place of enchanting beauty; the 125-foot-wide "Niagara of the South" is a natural wonder everyone should experience. While spectacular any time of the year, on a few nights each month, something truly extraordinary occurs at this cascade: a Moonbow. This nocturnal rainbow appears like a mirage as the moon and stars shine above - and it's worth the visit in the dark to experience this phenomenon. In fact, Cumberland Falls is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can experience this rare event.
The falls are easily viewed from Dupont Lodge. It's one of the most beautiful park lodges in Kentucky, and you'll be enchanted by its postcard-perfect charms.
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Check in for a night and revel in this cozy lodge, complete with a winsome, wood-burning fireplace and scenic vistas for days!
Yesterday was mountains and canyons; today, we're headed underground. In Cave City, Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park is a place of superlatives; most notably, it's the longest and most well-known cave system in the world.
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This this sandstone labyrinth encompasses more than 400 miles of known passageways, with more being discovered all the time.
Over two million people visit Mammoth Cave each year to revel in this otherworldly underworld. Tours led by rangers at Mammoth Cave National Park range from short, well-marked routes to extensive off-trail forays into the depths of this vast network of passages.
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Set aside plenty of time to explore -- Mammoth Cave truly is a bucket-list must!
Horses, canyons, waterfalls, caves, and... bourbon. Yes, bourbon, the unofficial spirit of the Bluegrass State! And this spirit is celebrated in beautiful Bardstown, Kentucky.
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Not only is Bardstown home to the world's oldest bourbon bar, but it's also the center of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There are 11 distilleries here, including the eponymous and forward-thinking Bardstown Bourbon Company.
After a day of caverns and distilleries, the final destination on this regional road trip through Kentucky is the state's very own royal kingdom in the hills of Versailles.
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Whether you drive by the glorious Kentucky Castle on your way home, enjoy dinner at Castle Farms restaurant, or book a night's stay at the castle, we can't think of a more marvelous ending to this epic road trip adventure!
One day, endless possibilities. This road trip through the most unique regions in Kentucky is basically a choose-your-own adventure!
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