Kentucky
Nature|Hiking

The 4.5-Mile Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail In Kentucky Takes You Through An Enchanted Forest

Lake Malone State Park in Kentucky features an enchanting hiking trail with whimsical woodland creatures and fairy tale elements.

Published Jan 29, 2022

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

There are lots of beautiful hikes in the Bluegrass, but did you know there's a trail in Kentucky that leads straight through a real enchanted forest? This is the magic of the Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail in Kentucky's Lake Malone State Park. The park recently added some new fairy tale friends to the forest, and these larger-than-life creatures make for an enchanting hiking adventure here in Kentucky.

Lake Malone is one of the most beautiful, underrated state parks in Kentucky. Folks come here for the water recreation, which is unrivaled.

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Vicky Wolfe/AllTrails

But a recent addition at Lake Malone took this Kentucky State Park from magnificent... to downright magical.

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Kentucky State Parks/Facebook

Known as the "Big Twigs," this family of friendly giants now calls Lake Malone home. You can see all three when you visit this imaginative attraction that's appealing to all ages.

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Kentucky State Parks/Facebook

But there's always been a fairy tale quality to Lake Malone, and this is epitomized in the Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail.

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Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails

This lovely, 4.5-mile trail winds through a beautiful forest, complete with a babbling little brook and even some small waterfalls!

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Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails

Fairy tale features abound along this trail, with boldly colored mushrooms, lush ivy, and...

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Rich Woodrick/AllTrails

...charming woodland creatures scurrying about!

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Brad Gentry/AllTrails

What's a fairy tale trail without a fanciful footbridge? Can't you just imagine a crotchety old troll living beneath these wooden beams?

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Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails

In addition to bewitching rock formations, the Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail also winds past some giant trees and striking canyons and geographical features.

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Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails

Of course, the Big Twigs you'll see along this trail certainly take it to another level that's pure fantasy.

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Vision Studios/Facebook

But luckily for us, this isn't a fairy tale. This is real life in the beautiful Bluegrass State.

Have you visited Lake Malone State Park recently? Did you know about the "Big Twigs" family of whimsical woodland creatures in this park? This enchanted forest trail in Kentucky really is the most magical hiking experience!

Of course, this isn't the only straight-from-a-fairy-tale spot in the state. From dining in a real-life castle to admiring our very own moonbow, the Bluegrass State is an enchanting and magical place to be!

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Nature|Hiking

The Kentucky Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Discover two easy and scenic hiking trails in Kentucky's Red River Gorge, perfect for all ages and abilities.

Updated Jul 18, 2024

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

With all of Kentucky's stunning natural beauty, it's no wonder that hiking is popular here. Here's a short, sweet little trail that takes you to an unforgettable lookout... and we've included a little bonus trail that also has a remarkable natural feature. Here's why you'll want to add the Chimney Top Trail in Kentucky to your hiking bucket list.

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Kentucky's Red River Gorge is a stunning, vast place that will take your breath away. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this 29,000-acre gorge is the perfect spot for hiking and photography.

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Anthony/flickr

For a sweet, easy hike, take the Chimney Top Trail. It's just 0.6 miles out and back, and it's suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. You'll find the trailhead at the end of Chimney Top Road.

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Max Good/Alltrails

You'll see a sign at the trailhead that warns you of potential dangers. While the trail itself is easygoing, please keep safe by staying on the path and definitely don't go climbing over the railing at the overlook. Use your noggin and you'll be perfectly fine.

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Cindy Kelly/Alltrails

The short trail leads you just over a quarter mile through the pretty, wooded forest...

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Desirae Huff/Alltrails

...to the overlook on Chimney Top Rock.

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U.S. Forest Service/flickr

You can see for miles up here!

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Amie Lassiter/Alltrails

As you can see, the views from the stone overlook are absolutely gorgeous and you'll be able to capture some beautiful photos.

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Loren Boggs/Alltrails

While you're in this neck of the woods, you'll also want to explore the Princess Arch Trail. It's right across the parking lot from the Chimney Rock Trail, and it's just as short and sweet.

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Cindy Kelly/Alltrails

This lovely trail is also just 0.6 miles out and back, and it's considered easy for most hikers.

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Matt Garrett/Alltrails

The trail ends at Princess Arch, a 32-foot-long natural sandstone bridge.

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Zachary Stever/Alltrails

Enjoy viewing and photographing this beautiful natural wonder. Both of these short hikes will fill with awe and make you truly appreciate the beauty of Kentucky.

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Kevin Monaghan/Alltrails

Have you trekked along these stunning trails? What's your favorite hiking spot in Kentucky? Leave your suggestions in the comments below so we can explore them, too!

If you're looking for more great trails to explore, don't miss these 5 hikes that everyone in KY should take.

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Nature|Hiking

The Kentucky Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Rock Bridge Trail in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, offers a scenic and accessible hike featuring a unique natural sandstone arch over water and the beautiful Creation Falls.

Updated Jul 18, 2024

Written by 

Rachel Shulhafer

It's no secret that Kentucky is chock-full of beautiful hikes that take you to some jaw-dropping scenery. However, this one hike in the Red River Gorge leads you to an unforgettable destination that is unlike anything else in the state. In fact, it's quite possibly one of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky. The best part is that it's suitable for most hiking skill levels, so almost anyone can enjoy what Rock Bridge Trail in Kentucky has to offer.

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To find the trailhead for Rock Bridge Trail, take exit 40 off of Mountain Parkway and head west on KY-15, then take a right onto KY-715. Continue for not quite half a mile, then turn right onto Rock Bridge Road.

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TripAdvisor/brewsters123

This is a narrow gravel road, so use caution while driving on it. You'll continue on Rock Bridge Road for three miles. The road will end at the trailhead for Rock Bridge Trail, which has bathrooms and picnic tables.

The trail is a 1.5-mile loop, so it does not matter which direction you start. The beginning of the trail is paved, but it quickly descends into a deep ravine surrounded by lush, green forest, and dotted with ancient rock shelters.

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Flickr/hspauldi

As you get lower in elevation, you will start to hear the sound of water flowing. This means you're getting close your unforgettable destination: Rock Bridge.

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Flickr/hspauldi

As the trail winds around the side of this impressive natural sandstone arch, you'll see that it is actually going over the creek.

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Flickr/hspauldi

In fact, it is the only natural arch in all of Red River Gorge that goes over water, making this geological formation truly unique.

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Flickr/hspauldi

There is a clearing just past the arch that makes a great spot to stop for a snack or a rest.

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Flickr/CHeitz

With so much scenery to admire, it's no wonder this tops the list of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky.

Not far past the arch is another beautiful site: Creation Falls. There's a small beach area close to the falls, as well as a viewing area. Creation Falls is one of the most gorgeous sites in the whole Gorge.

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Flickr/Karen Roussel

Have you ever hiked the Rock Bridge Trail in Kentucky before? Do you consider this among the most scenic hikes in Kentucky? We'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below! For related content, you'll love learning about these swinging bridge trails in Kentucky that offer the perfect amount of adventure:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/swinging-bridge-trails-ky/

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