Kentucky
Nature|Hiking

Explore Thousands Of Acres Of Unparalleled Views Of The Appalachians On The Scenic Moonbow Trail In Kentucky

Moonbow Trail in Kentucky offers challenging hikes with stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and a rare lunar rainbow at Cumberland Falls.

Published Apr 9, 2021

Written by 

Carol Jarzyna

If you want to take in expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains and hike the challenging terrain surrounding them, head to the Moonbow Trail in Kentucky. In addition to having its ups and downs, so to speak, the trail is over thirteen miles long.

Though this traditional rainbow is breathtaking, Moonbow Trail is so named because these falls provide a "moonbow" on clear nights with full moons.

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Solomon Parker/500Px via Getty Images

Cumberland Falls offers one of very few reliable lunar rainbows across the globe. You might want to plan a night hike so you don't miss the hard-to-come-by scene.

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Over thirteen miles in the foothills of the Appalachians is quite a trail, even for experienced hikers.

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Dan Brandenburg/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

Nature lovers who feel equally amorous at the thought of a physical challenge and will really appreciate the workout that Moonbow ensures!

This stone staircase at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a welcome respite when traversing the often more precarious rocky levels of Moonbow Trail.

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ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Moonbow Trail, with its great length, flows in and out of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Climbing both manmade and "earth-made" staircases of stone will take you to the echelons with the most majestic views.

An up-close view of the Cumberland River contrasts pleasingly with the mountains, which are a bit further off.

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Jim Vallee/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

As you walk the many miles of the trail, you'll be able to see the river as well as the Appalachian Mountains.

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The much-loved Fire Tower is encompassed by wonderful mountain views.

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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/Facebook

Moonbow Trail meanders extensively, connecting with Trail #2 of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Take a short break to snap a photo of the amazing vista at Pinnacle Knob.

Another picture-worthy sight is the Cumberland River at sunset, as it winds along the mountains.

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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/Facebook

If you've allowed an entire day to hike the Moonbow you will surely have a sense of accomplishment as the sun sets upon you. Take in the fresh open air and relish it.

Whether you're a lover of the athletic events that Mother Nature sponsors, or prefer photographing her aesthetic wonders on film, the Moonbow Trail is a great destination to explore. With its combination of nature, beauty, and physical challenge, the trail represents a quintessential Kentucky adventure.

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Nature|Forests

The 2-Mile Hiking Trail in Kentucky That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

Kentuckians can enjoy the constellation of fall leaf colors—the bright reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows—for only a few weeks each year. The Harrods Creek Trail near Prospect, Kentucky, is great for viewing fall foliage.

Published Oct 3, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

While there are reasons to hike in Kentucky any time of year, there are ample reasons to hike in the fall. The cool, crisp weather and reduced number of insects buzzing around make fall hiking more enjoyable. However, the most convincing reason to hike in the fall, in my opinion, is the stunning fall foliage. Kentuckians can enjoy the constellation of fall leaf colors—the bright reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows—for only a few weeks each year. The Harrods Creek Trail near Prospect, Kentucky, is great for viewing fall foliage.

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Ann Young / AllTrails

The Harrods Creek Trail is 2.2 miles and rated moderately difficult. Visitors note rocks, tree roots, and uneven terrain along the trail. The path follows Harrods Creek, and hikers can enjoy beautiful forest and water views. In the fall, the trees along the trail turn stunning shades. There are swings where visitors can stop to enjoy the views before continuing along the path. The swings look like the perfect place to take a break during a hike and provide a fantastic photo opportunity!

The trail is located inside Harrods Creek Park, a 109-acre park with four miles of trails that is open from dawn to dusk. Parking for Harrods Creek Park and the Harrods Creek Trail is located near the intersection of Montero Drive and Deep Creek Drive. The park is surrounded by private property, making it feel like a hidden natural oasis.

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Ann Young / AllTrails

The Harrods Creek Park trails are great places to view wildlife, especially wild turkeys, blue herons, white-tailed deer, and numerous species of birds. The park also has a place to fish and launch canoes and kayaks into Harrods Creek.

There are several trails to enjoy at Harrods Creek Park. The Blue Trail takes hikers to a beach area on the creek's banks, while the Red and Green Trails take hikers to more remote and secluded park areas.

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Jessica Singleton / AllTrails

For more information, view the Harrods Creek Park website and the Harrods Creek Trail's listing on AllTrails.

Before you set out on your next hike, take a look at our list of must-have hiking accessories.

Prospect is a charming little town just outside of Louisville. It's near enough to the city to access all its amenities but far enough away to escape the hustle and bustle and find wide-open spaces. The area is full of great places to enjoy nature, including Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Sinking Fork Falls, and Hays Kennedy Park. There are also fantastic restaurants, including Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille, which has panoramic views of the Ohio River.

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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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