This Kentucky Road Trip Takes You To Incredible Caves and Waterfalls

When you're ready to explore our incredible state, it can be overwhelming to choose which places to experience first. Both locals and visitors love exploring our beautiful Kentucky caves and waterfalls, so for the ultimate adventure, why not visit them both? Have an unforgettable getaway with this cave and waterfall road trip through Kentucky that will take you to some of the most impressive destinations our state has to offer.

What To Know Before You Go

This road trip is the ultimate day trip. In total, you will drive approximately 160 miles, or for three hours. We recommend you give yourself plenty of time to stop and explore each cave and waterfall, or even stop at one of your favorite towns along the way. You can check out this interactive map to customize your own journey and add even more stops if you’d like.

Stop One: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

If you're trying to fit this Kentucky road trip into a couple of days, head to the Eagle Falls Trail at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, where you can see two waterfalls in one hike. The trail winds through the woods and along a ridge where you'll enjoy fantastic views of Cumberland Falls. You'll then reach Eagle Falls, where on a hot day, you'll likely find a few people swimming around to cool off.

Stop Two: Princess Falls

This two-mile scenic hike takes you to beautiful Princess Falls, as well as over a footbridge and through lush foliage. Even if the flow of the waterfall is on the slow side, it's still a worthy spot to visit. This trail is perfect for the entire family, but watch out for bears and snakes along your way.

Stop Three: Horse Cave and Hidden River Cave

Now that you've had your fill of waterfalls, head west to Horse Cave and Hidden River Cave. This is a great area to spend the night if you want to turn this waterfall and cave road trip into a weekend adventure. This cave is unique as it features an underground suspension bridge. The town also has an interesting museum. Make sure to visit the cave and museum website for information on current hours, tour options, and more.

Stop Four: Mammoth Cave National Park

Wrap up this exciting road trip with a tour of Mammoth Cave and its underground waterfall within Mammoth Cave National Park. This is a truly bucket-list-worthy destination that could not be left off this list. As the longest cave system in the world, it is the ultimate underground adventure, and a tour should be on the bucket list of every Kentuckian. Purchase tickets ahead of time through the website, and if time allows, be sure to explore the rest of Mammoth Cave National Park, which is just as beautiful above ground.

Each of these places is a spectacular destination on its own. But when you put them together for a Kentucky caves and waterfalls road trip, you have the ultimate adventure. Have you been to these underwater waterfalls or waterfall caves in Kentucky? Would you visit them again, all in one weekend? If you're looking for a road trip through Kentucky that only features waterfalls, check out this exciting adventure through the Bluegrass State.