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United We Stand, Divided We Fall
Kentucky
There are over 881 hiking and trekking trails in Kentucky, covering a total of 3,000 miles.
Most popular trails:
Cliffside Trail: This 2.4-mile trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Eagle Creek Trail: This 4.4-mile trail in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams.
Sky Bridge Trail: This 1.2-mile trail in the Natural Bridge State Park leads to a 70-foot-tall suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area: This park offers over 200 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult.
Red River Gorge National Geological Area: This park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult.
Best trails for certain activities:
Hiking: The Cliffside Trail, Eagle Creek Trail, and Sky Bridge Trail are all great options for hiking.
Mountain biking: The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is a great option for mountain biking.
Bird watching: The Barren River Lake State Park is a great place to go bird watching.
Wildlife viewing: The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a great place to go wildlife viewing.
Camping: There are many campgrounds in Kentucky that offer hiking trails nearby.
Canoeing: The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a great place to go canoeing.
Most challenging trails:
Pinnacle Overlook Trail: This 5.4-mile trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest is challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed terrain.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This 1.8-mile trail in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is challenging due to its steep climbs and narrow paths.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This 33-mile trail in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is challenging due to its rugged terrain and steep climbs.
Red River Gorge Twin Bridges Trail: This 4.4-mile trail in the Red River Gorge National Geological Area is challenging due to its steep climbs and narrow paths.
Pinnacle Rock Trail: This 3.2-mile trail in the Natural Bridge State Park is challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed terrain.
Rough Trail: This 5.2-mile trail in the Red River Gorge National Geological Area is challenging due to its steep climbs, narrow paths, and rocky terrain.
Most scenic trails:
Cliffside Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Eagle Creek Trail: This trail takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams.
Sky Bridge Trail: This trail leads to a 70-foot-tall suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Natural Bridge State Park: This park offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including a 70-foot-tall natural bridge.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area: This park offers stunning views of the Cumberland Mountains.
Red River Gorge National Geological Area: This park offers stunning views of the Red River Gorge, including towering cliffs, arches, and waterfalls.
Most family-friendly trails:
Sky Bridge Trail: This trail is 1.2 miles long and easy to moderate.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This trail is 33 miles long and moderate.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This trail is 1.8 miles long and easy to moderate.
Red River Gorge Twin Bridges Trail: This trail is 4.4 miles long and easy to moderate.
Pinnacle Rock Trail: This trail is 3.2 miles long and easy to moderate.
Kincaid Lake Trail: This 3.8-mile trail in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is easy and flat, making it a great option for families with young children.
Most family-friendly trails:
Sky Bridge Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. It is 1.2 miles long and easy to moderate. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This trail has several accessible overlooks. It is 33 miles long and moderate. It takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This trail has an accessible viewing platform. It is 1.8 miles long and easy to moderate. It offers stunning views of the Cumberland Mountains.
Where to get permits for trails:
Kentucky State Parks: You can get permits for trails in Kentucky State Parks at the park office or online. Visit the Kentucky State Parks website to learn more.(502) 564-5400
U.S. Forest Service: You can get permits for trails in U.S. Forest Service lands at the ranger station or online. Visit the U.S. Forest Service website to learn more. (859) 745-3100
National Park Service: You can get permits for trails in National Park Service lands at the park visitor center or online. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more. (502) 582-6000
