There's something truly captivating and magical about the forests of the Bluegrass State which is very lush and verdant green and home to amazing hidden caverns and relaxing trickling waterfalls (and you'll even find moonbows too!). Teeming with lovely wildflowers and whimsical woodland creatures, it is just a veritable playground for your mind, body, and soul - not to mention your senses. If you're looking for something out of a fairy tale check out the Big Twigs in Kentucky, a "tree family" hiding right in plain sight.

Our adventure starts in Western Kentucky,

It's here that you'll find Lake Malone State Park, one of the most beautiful, underrated state parks in Kentucky.

Folks come here for the water recreation, which is unrivaled.

Boating, jet skiing, and fishing are all popular activities at Lake Malone!

Lake Malone is also a wonderful place for camping.

The campground boasts over 30 tent sites, 25 of which are equipped with electric and water hookups to accommodate recreational vehicles.

The rest of the park is equally extraordinary, boasting beautiful hiking trails that traipse through wondrous woodlands and lush landscapes.

The spring and summer wildflowers are especially marvelous!

While on the trails, you're sure to encounter some of Kentucky's most winsome wildlife, too.

This includes owls, foxes, deer, rabbits, and...

...forest giants?!?

Yes, forest giants!

That's right -- Lake Malone State Park in Kentucky is home to a family of woodland giants, aptly named the Big Twigs.

In 2021, the Big Twigs Family of larger-than-life characters -- Happy, Bobber, and Oakley -- set up camp at Lake Malone, and the trio has since become a beloved feature of the park.

These three, larger-than-life forest giants range from 14 to 17 feet tall, and were designed to make the park more welcoming for guests.

Each family member models an activity that can be done at the park, such as hiking and roasting s'mores. (We'd love a s'more that large, by the way!)

Because while Lake Malone has long been a favorite spot for water recreation and camping, the rest of the park is criminally overlooked.

And in fact, the hiking at Lake Malone State Park is amazing: the trails wind through some seriously spectacular scenery, including several waterfalls and intriguing rock formations. With these giants now hanging out on the trails of this Kentucky State Park, the hiking here has undoubtedly gotten more exciting.

So if you're looking for a family-friendly day trip in Kentucky that's straight out of a fairy tale, a visit to a state park should top the list.

Come and say hello to these gentle giants, and get lost in your very own storybook fantasy -- right here in the Bluegrass State!

Have you seen the Big Twig Family at Lake Malone State Park in Kentucky before? What a wonderful addition to this beautiful Kentucky park! If so, we'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more magical adventures in The Bluegrass State, embark upon this magical road trip itinerary!

If you’re still in the mood for more Kentucky adventures, take a look at this video: