When you think of natural wonders, you may think back to social studies class when you had to memorize 7 of them and where they were throughout the world. That term is used a little differently these days and it turns out that Kentucky is home to plenty of its own naturally beautiful destinations. While there are dozens and dozens of places in our state that are worth seeing in person, it’s best to have an idea of where to start. If you want to check out some of the best natural wonders in Kentucky, begin with this list of 10 and then add on from there! You’ll quickly find that there is no shortage of natural beauty in the Bluegrass State.
- Black Mountain
Flickr/Matt Wasson Kentucky isn’t thought of as a mountainous state, but we do have a mountain range and the tallest peak in that area is Black Mountain. There are hiking trails, overlooks, and other activities to do in the area that make it worthy of a spot on your bucket list. If you’ve never visited the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, consider planning a getaway. Get started with the planning with our previous article on the highest point in Kentucky.
- Red River Gorge
Flickr/Anthony Another area of the state that’s known for its peaks and overlooks is Red River Gorge. With miles and miles of hiking trails, natural arches, bridges, waterfalls, and more, this scenic area is practically heaven on earth. You can rent a cozy cabin, camp, stay in a lodge and then spend a few days exploring this natural wonder in Kentucky. Learn more about Red River Gorge in our previous article.
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
zrfphoto/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images If you’re looking for diverse landscape and plenty of things to see and do, add the Big South Fork Area to your bucket list. This massive area stretches into Tennessee, but even throughout this section of Kentucky you’ll find natural arches, waterfalls, wildlife, and some of the best hiking trails in the state. See more of this secluded area in our previous article.
- Yahoo Falls
Jonathan D. Goforth/Moment via Getty Images Within the Big South Fork Area you’ll find a trail that leads to the tallest waterfall in Kentucky, Yahoo Falls. Yahoo Arch is also along this trail and both make this hike a must-see for anyone who loves the natural beauty of Kentucky. The waterfall is best viewed after rainfall, but the entire area is simply magical. Take a closer look at this trail in our previous article.
- Cumberland Falls
Kenneth Keifer / 500Px Plus via Getty Images Cumberland Falls, the largest waterfall in Kentucky, is a popular destination, so if you have yet to visit, put it toward the top of your list. It’s an easy hike to see it and then you can explore the rest of the trails within the park, including the trail to Eagle Falls which will give you another perspective of this magnificent waterfall. See more of this incredible sight in our previous article.
- Pine Island Double Falls
Alltrails/Alicia Bullock Pine Island Double Falls is a lesser known spot in Kentucky but its beauty is undeniable. Located in scenic Laurel County, when this double waterfall is flowing, there isn’t a more magical place in our state. If you want a true adventure with a beautiful pay off, this is your spot. Check out a video of the falls and area in our previous article.
- Mammoth Cave
sreenath_k/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Number seven on the list is possibly the most well known place in Kentucky and could not be left off of this list. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world and is filled with natural beauty, mystery, and secrets. This historic site can be explored through an array of tours and don’t forget to spend time above ground in the park, as well. Learn more about Mammoth Cave in our previous article
- Carter Caves
Facebook/Carter Caves State Resort Park And speaking of caves, add Carter Caves to your Kentucky bucket list because this park has so much to offer. This natural wonder is located in Eastern Kentucky and while it does offer cave tours, you will also want to experience the hiking trails, swinging bridges, camping opportunities, and exciting activities offered by the park. It’s a one-stop-shop for fun in nature in Kentucky. See more of the park in our previous article.
- Natural Bridge
ehrlif/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images While there are many natural bridges in Kentucky, this one within Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a massive natural wonder you have to see for yourself. It’s unique in that you can hike to the base and the top and you can also take a chair lift to the top if you’d rather save your energy. The views from the bottom looking up and from the top looking out are both jaw-dropping. See more of the trail that leads to the bridge in our previous article.
- Kentucky Lake
Flickr/Matt Ridings Last, but certainly not least is actually a manmade feature that we are still going to call a natural wonder. Kentucky Lake is the largest manmade lake in the state (and actually the largest east of the Mississippi) and is a true escape in the Bluegrass. We may not be near an ocean here in Kentucky, but we do have Kentucky Lake and the open water and colorful sunsets make this destination bucket list - worthy. Plan a trip to the most charming town on the lake with our previous article.
The natural wonders of the world are great and all, but we happen to think that the natural wonders in Kentucky are just as worthy of a spot on your bucket list – and they’re much closer to home! How many of these destinations have you seen? What would you include on a list of the next 10 natural wonders in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!
Flickr/Matt Wasson
Kentucky isn’t thought of as a mountainous state, but we do have a mountain range and the tallest peak in that area is Black Mountain. There are hiking trails, overlooks, and other activities to do in the area that make it worthy of a spot on your bucket list. If you’ve never visited the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, consider planning a getaway. Get started with the planning with our previous article on the highest point in Kentucky.
Flickr/Anthony
Another area of the state that’s known for its peaks and overlooks is Red River Gorge. With miles and miles of hiking trails, natural arches, bridges, waterfalls, and more, this scenic area is practically heaven on earth. You can rent a cozy cabin, camp, stay in a lodge and then spend a few days exploring this natural wonder in Kentucky. Learn more about Red River Gorge in our previous article.
zrfphoto/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
If you’re looking for diverse landscape and plenty of things to see and do, add the Big South Fork Area to your bucket list. This massive area stretches into Tennessee, but even throughout this section of Kentucky you’ll find natural arches, waterfalls, wildlife, and some of the best hiking trails in the state. See more of this secluded area in our previous article.
Jonathan D. Goforth/Moment via Getty Images
Within the Big South Fork Area you’ll find a trail that leads to the tallest waterfall in Kentucky, Yahoo Falls. Yahoo Arch is also along this trail and both make this hike a must-see for anyone who loves the natural beauty of Kentucky. The waterfall is best viewed after rainfall, but the entire area is simply magical. Take a closer look at this trail in our previous article.
Kenneth Keifer / 500Px Plus via Getty Images
Cumberland Falls, the largest waterfall in Kentucky, is a popular destination, so if you have yet to visit, put it toward the top of your list. It’s an easy hike to see it and then you can explore the rest of the trails within the park, including the trail to Eagle Falls which will give you another perspective of this magnificent waterfall. See more of this incredible sight in our previous article.
Alltrails/Alicia Bullock
Pine Island Double Falls is a lesser known spot in Kentucky but its beauty is undeniable. Located in scenic Laurel County, when this double waterfall is flowing, there isn’t a more magical place in our state. If you want a true adventure with a beautiful pay off, this is your spot. Check out a video of the falls and area in our previous article.
sreenath_k/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Number seven on the list is possibly the most well known place in Kentucky and could not be left off of this list. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world and is filled with natural beauty, mystery, and secrets. This historic site can be explored through an array of tours and don’t forget to spend time above ground in the park, as well. Learn more about Mammoth Cave in our previous article
Facebook/Carter Caves State Resort Park
And speaking of caves, add Carter Caves to your Kentucky bucket list because this park has so much to offer. This natural wonder is located in Eastern Kentucky and while it does offer cave tours, you will also want to experience the hiking trails, swinging bridges, camping opportunities, and exciting activities offered by the park. It’s a one-stop-shop for fun in nature in Kentucky. See more of the park in our previous article.
ehrlif/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
While there are many natural bridges in Kentucky, this one within Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a massive natural wonder you have to see for yourself. It’s unique in that you can hike to the base and the top and you can also take a chair lift to the top if you’d rather save your energy. The views from the bottom looking up and from the top looking out are both jaw-dropping. See more of the trail that leads to the bridge in our previous article.
Flickr/Matt Ridings
Last, but certainly not least is actually a manmade feature that we are still going to call a natural wonder. Kentucky Lake is the largest manmade lake in the state (and actually the largest east of the Mississippi) and is a true escape in the Bluegrass. We may not be near an ocean here in Kentucky, but we do have Kentucky Lake and the open water and colorful sunsets make this destination bucket list - worthy. Plan a trip to the most charming town on the lake with our previous article.
And if you love building your bucket list with places from all over the country, be sure to sign up for our exciting Bucket List Newsletter.
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