Find 6 Bucket-List-Level Views in Kentucky Without Needing to Be an Expert Hiker

We’ve all likely seen the celebratory photos of hikers who’ve just scaled a mountain. Wide smiles, flushed faces, and breathtaking views capture the remarkable accomplishment. Hiking straight up a mountain is not accessible or even desirable for everyone, however. Thankfully, a difficult hike is not the only way to enjoy world-class scenic views. We’ve found 6 easy hikes with bucket list views in Kentucky.

1. Chimney Top Trail

Chimney Top Trail is an easy-breezy 7-mile trail in Red River Gorge, one of the most beautiful areas in Kentucky that's sometimes even described as heaven on earth. The trail is short and has almost no elevation gain, but there is nothing minimal about the sprawling views of the gorge. From the top of Chimney Top Rock, hikers enjoy breathtaking sights of the forested valley. 

2. Forest Giants Trail, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is a Kentucky treasure, with an expansive natural playground, an edible garden, a historic fire tower, and a canopy tree walk. There are also more than 40 miles of trails. The Forest Giants Trail is a 2.3-mile easy trail that goes past three of Thomas Danbos' incredible outdoor sculptures. The three giants are named Little Nis, Little Elina, and Mama Loumari, and are spread out along the trail. This real-life fairy tale hiking trail is mostly paved or gravel and gains about 111 feet in elevation, making it an easy trail with marvelous views. It's an undemanding hike that pays off in spades, combining incredible nature and art.

3. Natural Arch Loop, Daniel Boone National Forest

The Natural Arch Loop is an easy, 1.4-mile trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This pleasant hike has some steep spots and stairs, but hikers are rewarded with stunning views of a natural stone arch. The scenery is incredible year-round, with abundant trees on top of an ancient geological arch. 

4. Yahoo Falls Short Loop, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The Yahoo Falls Short Loop is a short 1-mile trail with a high return on investment. With a small amount of effort, hikers can see two amazing attractions: Yahoo Falls and Yahoo Arch. Yahoo Falls is Kentucky's largest waterfall, cascading an incredible 113 feet, and Yahoo Arch is a unique spiraling natural arch. With so much to see on such a short distance, even the most resistant hikers will likely enjoy this trail. 

5. Princess Falls via Sheltowee Trace Trail, Daniel Boone National Forest

At 2.6 miles long, the Princess Falls via Sheltowee Trace Trail is the longest hike in our roundup, but it's an easy waterfall hike. There’s a lot to see, however, including a forest, river, wildlife, and a waterfall. Princess Falls is a 13-foot-tall, wide cascade on Lick Creek. Hikers note that the trail is not well-marked and can be muddy after rain. 

6. Lovers Leap Trail, Cumberland Falls State Park

Lovers Leap trail is a short and sweet out-and-back trail, at only 0.5 miles long. It gains just 49 feet in elevation and offers captivating views of Cumberland Falls, a massive waterfall known as the Niagara of the South. This grand waterfall is about 68-feet-tall and 125-feet wide, and makes a thunderous roar.

That sums up our list of 6 easy hikes with bucket list views in Kentucky! Before you plan your next adventure, check out Only In Your State's AI-travel planner. It makes personalized travel recommendations in just a few clicks.