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Kentucky is best known for it's rolling green grass hills that gave birth to Bluegrass music and bourbon distilling. The limestone karst topography that underlies the hills and knobs of this unique landscape hold a bigger secret found in Mammoth Caves National Park, the world's longest subterranean cave system. With a little over 400 miles currently surveyed, Mammoth Caves is one of the easiest caves systems to explore as the park features over 14 miles of established trails.
Find the best hiking trails, backpacking, and camping, in Kentucky.
Hike the Indian Staircase Loop and Cloudsplitter
Starting at the Bison Way Trailhead #210. You'll take this until you come to the intersection of the Sheltowee Trace Trail #100. Go left. You're going to turn right on the unmarked trail just past the sign that says stay on trail. This is quite the incline. Keeping going until you get to the base of Indian Staircase. Make sure to use extreme caution in climbing this! You'll be able to see the e...
Explore the Lookout from Chained Rock
Located just north of the Cumberland Gap, Chained Rock is a local landform made unique by a long slung chain that comes with a tall tale of it's creation. According to legend the rock pinnacle overlooking the Cumberland River valley struck fear into the minds of young children, which was eased with the claim that it was safely held back by a chain. Word spread, and people came far and wide to s...
Hike the Pinnacles in Berea
5 mi / 523 ft gain
This is a trip with multiple sites to visit over the course of a day. Visiting all five would equal around 5 miles, or you can choose to only go to one, as there are some slightly strenuous hills.The most visited is the Main Lookout, and the West Pinnacle offers a little rock climbing. Between each lookout is around a mile, some shorter, some longer. Dogs are allowed but camping is not. There i...
Hike to Natural Bridge and Battleship Rock
2 mi / 400 ft gain
This popular hike begins near the state park gift shop and has options to continue to other trails at multiple points. The first .75 miles, starting at about 800 feet, is the hike up to the Natural Bridge. This portion of the hike contains basically all of the increase in elevation. As you hike up, you will become completely immersed in the Daniel Boone National Forest, which covers the Red Riv...
Hike to Courthouse Rock and Double Arch
Start at the trailhead located just past the Gray's Arch picnic area. Follow Auxier Ridge Trail #204 (white diamonds). You will pass a trail junction at 0.9 miles, but continue on Auxier Ridge. At the following fork in the trail keep right.Along the trail, you will catch views from the ridge of Raven's Rock, Double Arch, Courthouse Rock, and the surrounding valley. Be careful of the steep cliff...
Hike to Gray's Arch
The trail approaches the arch through a ravine, passing by cliffs, dense forest, and a stream (Kings Branch) en route.
Hike the Auxier Ridge Trail, KY
4 mi / 1300 ft gain
This can be done as a quick hike, or as an overnighter so you can catch both sunset and sunrise.  Park at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead and take the Auxier Ridge Trail (#204).  Do NOT take the branch on the left for the Courthouse Rock Trail (#202), which you will see after about 1 mile.  In about 2 miles you will be on a wooded ridge dotted with campsites on each side of the trail.  To your left ...
Hike to Whittleton Arch
2 mi / 280 ft gain
Starting from the Whittleton Campground, you will follow along a stream until reaching the Whittleton Arch Trail at 0.75 miles. Turn right to reach the arch. It is also worth noting that this is the only pet friendly trail in the park. You can add on the nearby Henson's Arch (0.5 miles) to your day. A trail map is available here.
Camp at Miguel's Pizza
The Red River Gorge is known for the best rock climbing in the east. A man named Miguel opened a pizzeria in the gorge, and soon began letting climbers camp behind the restaurant for a mere $2/night. Today, the tradition has continued, and dozens of climbers call Miguel's Pizza their climbing home.Campers have the choice between sleeping in their car, a tent, or a hammock behind the restaurant....
Bowling Green KOA Holiday
Overview Buckhorn Campground on Buckhorn Lake, provides the perfect outdoor escape in eastern Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau.The camp...
Overview Cadiz Park is located on the beautiful Lake Barkley near the town of Cadiz, Kentucky. The day-use area is a great spot for barbe...
Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA
Overview Linton Recreation area is a day-use haven that sits on Lake Barkley near wooded rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Whether it'...