If you’re reading this, you already know how gorgeous Kentucky is. Our landscapes are so varied that you could see mountains, mighty rivers, rolling farmland, and huge caves in one day if you drove across the state from east to west. People come from all over to see popular sites in Kentucky like Cumberland Falls, Mammoth Cave, Natural Bridge, and horse country, but here are 11 hidden gems in Kentucky that must go on your bucket list.
- Indian Staircase in Red River Gorge
Flickr/Karen Roussel Indian Staircase is probably one of the most talked-about hikes in the Red River Gorge, but many people never find it. It is not an official trail, so there is no real trailhead or trail markers. People simply have to find it by word of mouth or directions on the Internet. It may be for a good reason that it is not an official trail, however, because it is dangerous and you should use extreme caution while hiking it. It involves a rock scramble up the face of a cliff, and slipping or goofing off could result in serious injury. However, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and some really cool geological formations that are also lesser known than some of the more popular attractions in the Gorge. These include Council Chamber Rock Shelter, Adena Arch, and Indian Arch.
- The Summit of Black Mountain
Flickr/ilovemountains.org Black Mountain is the highest point of elevation in Kentucky, but unlike most other state highpoints, it’s not super popular with hikers, though reaching the summit is possible. Black Mountain is privately owned and used for coal mining, and you will see evidence of that on your hike. Even though it’s on private property, they do allow hiking to the summit, but you must fill out this waiver and have it with you when you do the hike.
- Kentucky River Palisades
Wikimedia Commons/Mason Brock You’ll find the Kentucky River twisting throughout central Kentucky. Steep limestone outcroppings line the river and create beautiful gorges for 100 miles. These outcroppings are known as the Kentucky River Palisades. Canoeing or kayaking on the river with the Palisades towering above you is an amazing experience.
- Princess Falls in McCreary County
Facebook/McCreary Tourism McCreary County is no stranger to gorgeous waterfalls. The famed Cumberland Falls is there, as well as smaller, but still well-known falls such as Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. McCreary County also boasts Princess Falls, which is located in the Lick Creek Valley. It is about a mile from the trailhead located in the Yamacraw Day Use Area of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
- The Ghost Ship, Petersburg
Flickr/Kylen Louanne You’ll find this rusty, abandoned, 114-year-old ship in a creek just off of the Ohio River. It’s located about 25 miles downstream from Cincinnati, and is pretty well-hidden by the trees and brush.
- Kentucky’s Stonehenge, Munfordville
Flickr/Derek Bruff If England is too far away, you don’t have to travel farther than Munfordville to get a feel for what Stonehenge is like (but you should totally go see the real thing if you get the chance). Kentucky native Chester Fryer created the replica of the ancient wonder on his property. For more information about Kentucky’s Stonehenge, as well as other unique rock formations on the property, click here.
- Lost River Cave, Bowling Green
Flickr/SonnyandSandy Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in Kentucky. The Lost River flows through this seven-mile cave system, and you can take a boat tour or even a guided kayak tour.
- Tri-State Peak at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM If you’ve ever wanted to stand in three states at once… you’re in luck. This point near the historically significant Cumberland Gap is where the borders of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee all meet.
- Cane Ridge Meeting House, Paris
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light Cane Ridge Meeting House is one of the oldest churches in the state, built in 1791. The original log structure now exists inside of a stone building in order to preserve it. The church is located at 1655 Cane Ridge Road, Paris, KY 40361.
- Pine Mountain Settlement School, Harlan County
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM As its name suggests, this school is located on Pine Mountain in eastern Kentucky. When it was first built, it was a boarding school for local children. Now it has classes and events for people of all ages, and it specifically focuses on environmental education. And since it’s tucked right in between forested mountain peaks, the campus is absolutely beautiful.
- The Kentucky Bend
Google Maps Did you know that there is a Kentucky peninsula that is not accessible from any other part of the state? This weird little chunk of the Bluegrass State is nicknamed the Kentucky Bend, and is surrounded by the Mississippi River on three sides, with Missouri across the river. In fact, you can only get to the Kentucky Bend through Tennessee, which is directly to the south. The closest town is Tiptonville, TN, about 11 miles away. And yes, people do live in the Kentucky Bend, but the population is only about 17.
This lesser known destinations in Kentucky are all awe-inspiring, and you won’t regret visiting. Has anyone ever been to these places before?
Flickr/Karen Roussel
Indian Staircase is probably one of the most talked-about hikes in the Red River Gorge, but many people never find it. It is not an official trail, so there is no real trailhead or trail markers. People simply have to find it by word of mouth or directions on the Internet. It may be for a good reason that it is not an official trail, however, because it is dangerous and you should use extreme caution while hiking it. It involves a rock scramble up the face of a cliff, and slipping or goofing off could result in serious injury. However, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and some really cool geological formations that are also lesser known than some of the more popular attractions in the Gorge. These include Council Chamber Rock Shelter, Adena Arch, and Indian Arch.
Flickr/ilovemountains.org
Black Mountain is the highest point of elevation in Kentucky, but unlike most other state highpoints, it’s not super popular with hikers, though reaching the summit is possible. Black Mountain is privately owned and used for coal mining, and you will see evidence of that on your hike. Even though it’s on private property, they do allow hiking to the summit, but you must fill out this waiver and have it with you when you do the hike.
Wikimedia Commons/Mason Brock
You’ll find the Kentucky River twisting throughout central Kentucky. Steep limestone outcroppings line the river and create beautiful gorges for 100 miles. These outcroppings are known as the Kentucky River Palisades. Canoeing or kayaking on the river with the Palisades towering above you is an amazing experience.
Facebook/McCreary Tourism
McCreary County is no stranger to gorgeous waterfalls. The famed Cumberland Falls is there, as well as smaller, but still well-known falls such as Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. McCreary County also boasts Princess Falls, which is located in the Lick Creek Valley. It is about a mile from the trailhead located in the Yamacraw Day Use Area of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Flickr/Kylen Louanne
You’ll find this rusty, abandoned, 114-year-old ship in a creek just off of the Ohio River. It’s located about 25 miles downstream from Cincinnati, and is pretty well-hidden by the trees and brush.
Flickr/Derek Bruff
If England is too far away, you don’t have to travel farther than Munfordville to get a feel for what Stonehenge is like (but you should totally go see the real thing if you get the chance). Kentucky native Chester Fryer created the replica of the ancient wonder on his property. For more information about Kentucky’s Stonehenge, as well as other unique rock formations on the property, click here.
Flickr/SonnyandSandy
Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in Kentucky. The Lost River flows through this seven-mile cave system, and you can take a boat tour or even a guided kayak tour.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
If you’ve ever wanted to stand in three states at once… you’re in luck. This point near the historically significant Cumberland Gap is where the borders of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee all meet.
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light
Cane Ridge Meeting House is one of the oldest churches in the state, built in 1791. The original log structure now exists inside of a stone building in order to preserve it. The church is located at 1655 Cane Ridge Road, Paris, KY 40361.
As its name suggests, this school is located on Pine Mountain in eastern Kentucky. When it was first built, it was a boarding school for local children. Now it has classes and events for people of all ages, and it specifically focuses on environmental education. And since it’s tucked right in between forested mountain peaks, the campus is absolutely beautiful.
Google Maps
Did you know that there is a Kentucky peninsula that is not accessible from any other part of the state? This weird little chunk of the Bluegrass State is nicknamed the Kentucky Bend, and is surrounded by the Mississippi River on three sides, with Missouri across the river. In fact, you can only get to the Kentucky Bend through Tennessee, which is directly to the south. The closest town is Tiptonville, TN, about 11 miles away. And yes, people do live in the Kentucky Bend, but the population is only about 17.
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