This Is Kentucky’s Coolest Old-Growth State Forest

Have you ever had the urge to just take the day off from your regularly scheduled responsibilities and disappear into the woods for some rest and relaxation? I can't be the only one, right? When life becomes a bit harder than I like, sometimes the only prescriptive remedy is nature. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by trees, a soundtrack of wind and birds, and the crunch of dirt and leaves underfoot. If you're like me and you want to avoid the bigger Kentucky natural wonders, then I recommend checking out the smaller state forests. And the perfect place to start is none other than Blanton Forest.

Covering more than 3,500 acres on Pine Mountain, Blanton Forest is the largest old-growth forest in Kentucky and one of the largest remaining in the eastern United States. This untouched woodland provides an unparalleled experience for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a historic adventure in Kentucky.

Blanton Forest is special because it has remained largely untouched by human development. While most of Kentucky’s forests were logged during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Blanton Forest was preserved thanks to the Blanton family, who chose not to sell the land for timber. Named after Grover Blanton, whose family protected the forest for generations, it was officially designated as a state nature preserve in 1995. Today, it remains a sanctuary for towering trees that are over 300 years old.

Beyond the beauty of the old-growth trees, Blanton Forest thrives with an incredible array of plant life. The forest floor is blanketed with ferns, wildflowers, and dense rhododendron thickets. Each season brings its own beauty—changing in different ways to allow for a unique visit no matter when you go.

One of my favorite reasons to visit Blanton Forest is for the hiking. The most popular trail is the Knobby Rock Trail, a challenging yet wildly rewarding hike that leads to a sandstone outcrop with some of the best views of Pine Mountain throughout the entire forest. The four-mile round-trip trek gains over 1,200 feet in elevation, making it a bit strenuous for some, but the scenery at the top is well worth the effort. Along the way, hikers will pass enormous tulip poplars, hemlocks, sugar maples, and oaks—some reaching over four feet in diameter!

Visiting Blanton Forest requires some preparation, as it is a designated nature preserve with no camping, overnight stays, or modern amenities. Hikers should prepare accordingly before visiting, which means wearing the right footwear, bringing water and snacks, and being mindful of potential wildlife encounters. The trails can be steep and rocky, so checking the weather beforehand is essential. A pro tip would be to sign up for the Alltrails Plus membership in advance to find out about the weather, trail conditions, and more.