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Aside from Bourbon, Derby, and the beautiful forested landscapes, Kentucky is unique. The state is also well known for its array of natural scenery to be explored. You’ll find lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, natural rock bridge formations, and captivating mountains and caverns along Kentucky’s hiking trails. This southern state, also known as Bluegrass State, is one of the country’s most unrivalled outdoor destinations.
So whether you are a fervent hiker or just a beginner, numerous trails are available for every level of adventure in Kentucky. While hiking trails are open year-round, except for a few that may be closed due to adverse weather conditions during the winter, spring and fall are the best times to go hiking in Kentucky. You can also go hiking during summer, but the heat can be discouraging, so it’s best to go out early in the mornings.
If you want to experience the best hiking in Kentucky, you’re in for a treat, as here are some of the best hikes in Kentucky.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary Trail
Google Maps Location for the Trail
Description: Raven Run is home to some of the best hiking trails near Lexington, Kentucky. This 734-acre nature sanctuary is close to the Kentucky River Palisades and just 30 minutes from downtown, making it a perfect escape from the city.
Distance & Difficulty: This loop trail is about 3.8 miles/6.1km and is considered medium difficulty.
Time Taken: Averaging 1 hour to 2 hours
Dogs Allowed: If you have dogs, you may have to leave them at home as they’re not allowed on this trail.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: November to March. This is a popular spot for biking, hiking, and running, so don’t be surprised to see others on the trail.
What to Expect: You can expect to see beautiful waterfall areas and a view of the Kentucky River. If you want to catch your breath while hiking, you will find benches throughout the park to relax by the creek.
For a full day of adventure, you can combine multiple trails and branch off into the Evans Mill section, which showcases the ruins of an 1830s mill and a waterfall, or the Moore Homestead trail, which features remnants of a historic homestead and a river crossing.
Eagle Falls Trail
Google Maps Location for the Trail
Description: Eagle Falls is considered the best in Kentucky because it offers stunning views of both Eagle Creek Falls and Cumberland Falls, also known as the Niagara of the South. This trail isn’t the only way to see Cumberland Falls, as there is an alternate route for that, but it offers the only opportunity to see both falls in the region at a go. The trail affords hikers a serene and peaceful surrounding and stunning views of the falls and the environment.
Distance & Difficulty: Eagle Falls Trail runs about 1.9 miles/ 3 km and has a hard difficulty level, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Time Taken: An average of 1 hour
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are not allowed.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: Mid to late October
What to Expect: To get to Eagle Falls, you’d have to climb several stairs and rocks. The climb is worth it as you jump off the rocks for a swell time in the water before continuing your hike. Be sure to reserve some energy for the steep climb back to the nearby parking area.
Rock Bridge Trail
Google Maps Location for the Trail
Description: Located within Daniel Boone National Forest inside the Red River Gorge geographical area is every Kentucky hiker’s delight; the rock bridge trail. Most may hear the name and assume that this trail’s significant sightseeing scene is Rock Bridge itself, but that’s just one of the several breathtaking sights this trail has to offer. Another incredible sight on the trail is the scenic Creation Falls.
Distance & Difficulty: The trail is 1.3 miles/2.1 km long and is a moderate hike from the parking lot.
Time Taken: An average of 1 hour
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but they must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: April to May because of the rains. Though open all year round, it’s closed in the winter to vehicles.
What to Expect: You’d have a great time here frolicking in some of the clearest pools at Creation Falls base. Get ready for the best hiking in Kentucky and a swell time.
When on the route, take care as the stairs may be slippery, especially after heavy rains, even though they are also the best time to see the falls.
Tioga Falls Trail
Google Maps Location for the Trail
Description: Tioga waterfall is regarded as the second tallest waterfall in Kentucky, measuring 130 feet. It holds one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Kentucky, located just 34 minutes from Louisville, making it a perfect place to hang out with friends and family.
Distance & Difficulty: Tioga Falls Trails is 1.9 miles/ 3.1km long and is considered medium difficulty.
Time Taken: On average 1 – 2 hours.
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: You’d like the view of the falls after Kentucky has just had its rain because the falls would be flowing. This is usually from April to June.
What to Expect: The trail starts with a paved trail that is 0.3 miles long and continues with the actual trail that leads right up to a train trestle. The sight here at sunset will leave you breathless. From here, you’d have to climb up steeper and more rocky terrain for about 0.4 miles and then descend slowly to the falls. You can relax and enjoy a picnic by the waterfalls before trekking back to the parking area. You’d be sure to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the forest, catch remarkable views of railroad trusses and see some remnants of a historic spring house on the trail.
If you’re looking for a nice place to relax, you can have the best hiking in Kentucky by exploring Tioga Falls. Take care, as the trail may be extra steep and slippery when wet.
Chained Rock Trail at Pine Mountain
Google Maps Location for the Trail
Description: Pine Mountain State Resort Park is the state’s oldest park in Southern Kentucky. The park has lots of exciting trails for hikers of all levels, and one of the popular trails here is the Chained Rock Trail. The trail gets its name from a rock having a chain attached at the tip of the mountain. It was put in 1933 to please the citizens of the town below, Pineville, who thought the rock might one day roll down the mountain into the town.
Distance & Difficulty: The trail is relatively short and is a round trip of 1 mile/ 1.6km. It’s fairly easy, but climbing back may be strenuous.
Time Taken: Less than 1 hour.
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: Late October
What to Expect: Benches are available for hikers to rest. While on your hike, you may also see runners and bikers on the trail. The trail climaxes at the top of Pineville to give a panoramic view with a scenic landscape.
Three Bridges Trail
Google Maps Location for the Trail
Description: Located near Olive Hill in Carter Caves State Resort Park is Three Bridges Trail. The park is famously known for its numerous underground caves and three bridges trail, and it guarantees one of the best hiking experiences in Northern Kentucky.
Distance & Difficulty: The trail is 3.1 miles/4.98 km long and of medium difficulty.
Time Taken: On average 1 – 2 hours.
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: It’s open all year round, but the best time to visit is from March to November
What to Expect: The trail features a variety of landscapes and terrain to explore, with uneven rocky terrain and stone stairs which may be slippery during late fall because of the leaves lying about in the woods. Get ready to be wowed with the 3 natural bridges of stone on the way, sandstone outcroppings, and boulders. The trail also winds through forest trees as you come across Raven Bridge, Smoky Bridge, and Fern Bridge. You’d also get an amazing view of Smoky Valley Lake.
If you’re lucky, you may also encounter some animals, like deer, chipmunks, and birds. For an enjoyable hike, you can visit the visitor center to learn about the park’s geology.
Conclusion
Hiking on any of Kentucky’s trails is a satisfying experience that involves seeing breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, and lush forests. Most trails are open all year round, so that you can visit anytime. However, visiting the more popular ones during the early hours or on weekends would be best to avoid the crowds.
To experience the best hiking in Kentucky, don’t forget to have some essentials before exploring the trails. This would include clean water snacks as well as good trail runners. It’s also good to harm oneself with high-SPF sunscreen on exposed skin and chapstick for lips. Sunglasses and hats would also do well in protecting the face and eyes. If hiking alone, a first aid kit also comes in handy for bruises or sprains.
