Best Hiking Trails in Kentucky – Visit the Bluegrass State

The Bluegrass State is home to some of the best hiking in the Eastern United States. Diverse landscapes and interesting rock formations are abundant throughout the state but particularly in Eastern Kentucky within the incredible Red River Gorge National Recreation Area. The Red is the perfect place for nature lovers and hikers of all skill levels wanting to tackle some of the best trails in the state. Throughout the rest of Kentucky, more outdoor opportunities await at such amazing places like Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky Lake, Raven Run, and more. Although it is known for its bourbon, basketball, and horses, Kentucky is an incredible state to visit if you want to get out in nature and hike along some breathtaking trails! A list of some of the best hikes in Kentucky can be found below in more detail. 

Daniel Boone National Forest

The Daniel Boone National Forest extends across the western plateau region of the Appalachian Mountains in beautiful eastern Kentucky. Originally named the Cumberland National Forest, the forest was renamed in 1966 in recognition of the adventurous frontiersman that explored much of this Kentucky region. The most popular area for hiking is the Red River Gorge Geological Area within the Cumberland Ranger District of the forest. The Gorge boasts breathtaking scenery and unique geological features, including hundreds of sandstone arches and miles of towering cliffs that attract rock climbers from around the world.

Bark Camp Trail 

This moderate hike follows the north side of Bark Camp Creek. The trail passes under rock shelters and cliffs. There is a small waterfall about a mile from the trailhead and a beautiful series of cascades near the trail’s junction with the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. An Adirondack shelter is located on the Sheltowee Trace about one tenth mile south of its junction with Bark Camp Trail. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout.

Dog Slaughter Falls Trail 

Dog Slaughter Falls Trail on London Ranger District runs parallel to Dog Slaughter Creek through dense stands of hemlock and rhododendron. Near the mouth of the creek, a 15-foot waterfall (Dog Slaughter Falls) provides a scenic place to enjoy nature. The trail meanders over and around massive boulders before it connects to Sheltowee National Recreation Trail #100. The trail ends at the Cumberland River. 

Red River Gorge National Recreation Area

Auxier Ridge & Courthouse Rock Trail

This loop is a combination of multiple trails so be sure to plan ahead. Hikers can start in either direction from the Auxier Ridge Trailhead but to avoid the most elevation gain, it is recommended to go counter-clockwise. Auxier Ridge Trail follows a high, narrow ridge 2.1 miles to its end where views of Double Arch, Haystack Rock, Courthouse Rock, Raven Rock and other views of the Red River Gorge are numerous. Sheer cliffs extend on both sides of the ridge. Auxier Branch Trail #203 connects #201 and #204. The trail leaves Double Arch and extends through a wooded canyon to the base of Courthouse Rock. Double Arch Trail #201 descends below a high sandstone cliff and through a forest of giant hemlocks and bigleaf magnolias. At the end of the ridge, a breathtaking overlook sits underneath Double Arch. 

Double Arch Trail 

Double Arch Trail #201 descends below a high sandstone cliff and through a forest of giant hemlocks and bigleaf magnolias. At the end of the ridge, a breathtaking overlook sits underneath Double Arch. From here, hikers can see Courthouse Rock, Haystack Rock and other rock features in the Red River Gorge. This trail is located in the Red River Gorge on Cumberland District of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Indian Staircase & Indian Arch Loop

Indian Staircase is one of the best hikes in the Red but it is also one of the most dangerous. It is unmarked and will require some planning ahead; and there is a significant drop from the sandstone cliffs edge. The steep climb up the rock face to reach the top will be strenuous for some and shouldn’t be climbed with younger kids or dogs. Once you reach the top you can take in some of the best views in the entire state. 

Natural Bridge

Begin on the Sheltowee Trace Trail off of Natural Bridge Road on this extremely popular family-friendly trail in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. After a steady climb of approximately 3/4 of a mile, hikers will squeeze through Fat Man’s Squeeze before climbing on top of Natural Bridge with amazing views of the surrounding area. After taking in the sights, you can loop back to the trailhead via Balanced Rock Trail or continue onto Laurel Ridge Trail from atop the bridge for an extended experience. Laurel Ridge Trail is mainly flat and will take you to spectacular viewpoints at Lookout Point and Lover’s Leap, 0.75 miles from Natural Bridge.

Rock Bridge Trail 

Rock Bridge Trail #207 is paved loop trail that descends into a deep ravine with towering hemlock trees and dense rhododendron understory. This trail is located in the Red River Gorge on the Cumberland District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Hikers enjoy the tranquil setting near Rock Bridge, a natural standstone arch that spans across the creek. This arch is the only “bridge” in the Red River Gorge over water. The small Creation Falls upstream provides an ideal spot for some quiet time with nature.

Rough Trail 

This challenging trail climbs from streamside to ridge-top and back down again several times. The trail at the east end the Swift Camp Creek Trail #219 continues into Clifty Wilderness for almost another 7 miles making for a long trail outing of nearly 15 miles one way. From the trailhead hike back toward Nada Tunnel and cross the road at a footbridge. The first section climbs up Martins Fork and abuts Grays Arch Trail #205. From the intersection with Grays Arch Trail, it continues on toward Grays Arch itself through its second section, first continuing out a broad, flat ridge before dropping down a newly cut section of trail and then some steep stairs. At the bottom of the stairs go a few yards to the right for a view of Grays Arch before turning around and continuing east on Rough Trail. The trail continues down into the deep valley and immediately begins climbing up to Rush Ridge. The third section immediately drops steeply over a rock step from the crest of the ridge and then passes under an overhanging section of cliff and then into a narrow slot canyon for a short distance before coming out on a steep slope that drops down to Rush Branch. Again, Rough Trail begins climbing steeply as soon as it hits bottom. The third section ends with the third climb along the trail as Rough Trail intersects the Sheltowee Trace on Pinch-Em-Tight Ridge. Once on top of the ridge, Rough Trail runs with the Sheltowee Trace straight out the ridge for about a mile before beginning another descent. In the valley, the trail crosses the creek in several times before splitting. The Sheltowee heads north and Rough continues east, crossing the creek several more times. Then there is a steep climb out of Chimney Top Creek to Chimney Top Road.

Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail

The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is considered the “backbone” of the forest’s trail system and one of the best backpacking options in the state of Kentucky. Many other trails link to the Sheltowee forming loops for day hikes or opportunities for long distance adventure. The trail begins in northern Kentucky on KY377 and travels south nearly 290 miles to its terminus at Pickett State Park in Tennessee. Old homesteads, oil and gas wells and logging tracts, remnants of past land uses, can be seen along the trail. The rugged trail meanders narrow ridges and dips into gorges surrounded by towering cliffs. The trail route is marked with white diamonds bearing the image of a turtle. Exit and entry points along roadways are marked with the turtle diamond or the National Recreation Trail symbol. 

Sky Bridge Trail 

Sky Bridge Trail #214 leaves the Sky Bridge parking area and extends along a high narrow ridge to Sky Bridge and scenic overlooks. The trail passes over and beneath Sky Bridge, and then up a flight stairs (75 steps) back to the parking area. The main attractions are breathtaking overlooks into the Red River Gorge and the natural sandstone arch known as Sky Bridge. This trail is located in the Red River Gorge on the Cumberland District of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Although every visitor to this Kentucky national park comes to take a tour of the longest cave system in the world, there are still several decent hiking trails in the area to check out before or after your cave tour. Very few actually take advantage of the hiking here which makes for a more personal experience compared to many national parks out there.

Green River Bluffs Trail

The trail begins near the River Styx Trail (see below) and winds its way along the Green River with some great views as you get to the riverside bluffs. The trailhead is located at the end of the 0.6 mile River Styx Trail near the Visitor Center.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Pinnacle Overlook has views of Cumberland Gap, a pass in the Cumberland Mountains once used by pioneers headed west. In Gap Cave are stalagmites and bats. Park trails include the Ridge Trail, running the park’s full length. The restored structures of the early 20th-century Hensley Settlement perch on Brush Mountain.

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail is a 120 mi trail under development in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Once completed, the trail will wind along Pine Mountain Ridge from the Breaks Interstate Park to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Pine Mountain is an ecological treasure in southeastern Kentucky that offers outstanding hiking, birding, and other nature and wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Big South Fork

Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

Bear Creek Overlook

Bear Creek overlook is arguably one of the prettiest views of the Big South Fork River anywhere. An easy walk of one fourth of a mile takes you to one of the longest views along the river gorge. The area visible to the south from this overlook is one of the most remote sections of the Big South Fork River.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a park located just southwest of Corbin, Kentucky, and is contained entirely within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park encompasses 1,657 acres and is named for its major feature, 68-foot-tall Cumberland Falls. The falls are one of the few places in the western hemisphere where a moonbow can frequently be seen on nights with a full moon.

Eagle Falls Trail

Eagle Falls trail is a short trail but not one that could be considered as an easy hike. The 1.8 mile loop offers breathtaking views of Cumberland Falls, “the Niagara of the South”, and a close up encounter of Eagle Falls where you can hike and enjoy the scenery. The trail requires some stream crossing and the hike up to the falls has some stairs and boulders that can be tricky to climb up. The best time to hike here would be when the trail is dry as it can be slippery when wet. 

Featured Image: Haystack Rock Red River Gorge, Photo by sellers8847