Here in Kentucky, we have a world of hiking all within reach. We can explore underground caves and grand canyons, and hike to scenic overlooks and hidden gems. And when we're in the mood for a spine-tingling trek? Well, we have loads of options sure to scratch that itch, too! There's this hike to a real-life ghost ship. And this trek in a fascinating Kentucky ghost town. But the creepiest hike in Kentucky ventures through an abandoned battlefield, and it's an outing that's sure to make your hairs stand on end. If you've ever wanted to hike to ruins in Kentucky, this outing might just be the next best thing.
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is one of the most beautiful -- and often overlooked -- state parks in Kentucky.
Its 19 miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic and historic sites in the state. In fact, Perryville Battlefield might be one of the most historically significant places in American history!
On October 8, 1862, cannon explosions shattered the rural peace of this bucolic Bluegrass countryside.
You see, in 1862, Kentucky suffered its greatest battle of the Civil War in rural Perrysville.
One of the most brutal and bloody battles of the Civil War, when it was all said and done, more than 7,600 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing.
Today, this Kentucky state park tells of the battle that was the South’s last serious attempt to gain possession of Kentucky. This Kentucky battlefield is one of the most unaltered Civil War sites in the nation; what you see today is virtually the same as what those brave soldiers saw on that fateful day in 1862.
This is one of the stops along Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage Trail, in fact.
The total acreage of the battlefield is 1,200 acres, and there is a self-guided walking tour on the battlefield with plaques outlining important events.
While there are numerous hiking options within the park, this eponymous 1.3-mile loop trail is an accessible favorite, though while rated as "easy," it's not for the faint of heart. Because it's quite possibly the most haunted hike in Kentucky.
Along with offering paranormal tours, the battlefield has been featured on the Travel Channel’s "Ghost Adventures."
Two of the houses on the battlefield are also said to have large amounts of paranormal activity, and the site as a whole is considered one of the state's most haunted grounds.
If these fields could talk, what would they say?
Visit Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site and hike along its trails, and you might just get an answer...
For a fascinating glimpse into the history of the battlefield as well as an up-close look at some artifacts, be sure to watch the YouTube video below, courtesy of the American Battlefield Trust:
Have you hiked at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site before? Do you agree that it's the creepiest place to hike in Kentucky? Share your experiences at this historic and haunted site in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
And, if you're planning to stay for a night or two in the area, be sure to check out these unique vacation rentals in Perryville, Kentucky.
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