2024's 9 Most Scenic Kentucky Towns
Known as the Bluegrass State for its rich landscape, Kentucky is a hidden gem for nature lovers in the Mid-South. Sandwiched between Indiana to the North and Tennessee to the South, this landlocked state is most well known for its thoroughbred horses, which participate in the Kentucky Derby every May. The state has a beautiful natural landscape, ranging from the longest cave system in the world to the picturesque Appalachian Mountains and many other spots to see and explore. Here are 9 of the most scenic towns in Kentucky you should consider visiting in 2024.
Cave City
Out of all the scenic towns in Kentucky you can visit, Cave City is an absolute must visit. It contains the 400 mile Mammoth Cave National Park, the largest not just in the United States but in the entire world. Within these caverns, you will see some of the most magnificent stalagmites, domes and even a dripstone segment called the Frozen Niagara. There are trails and tours for people of all different ages and physical capabilities. Beyond the caves themselves, Cave City has many trails that will take you by intriguing sites. For example, at Sunset Point, you can get a panaromic view of the landscape surrounding the Mammoth Caves. Within the larger Mammoth Cave National Park, you can see several historic sites, such as Sand Cave where William Floyd Collins tragically passed away after being trapped in the cave in the 1920s.
Slade
Slade is one of the gorgeous locations in the entire state, due in no small part to its natural sandstone bridge. At the Natural Bridge State Resort Park, you can see a sandstone arch that is more than 75 feet long and 65 feet high. There are multiple paths to reach this bridge, either on foot or by taking a sky lift. This park also acts as a gateway to the larger Red River Gorge Geological Area, which is itself part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Gorge is famous for its rock climbing trails. You can spend days getting lost in this place and still not see everything it has to offer. Some of its best hiking trails include the Whittleton Arch, Auxier Ridge and Corthouse Rock, Rock Bridge Loop, Chimney Top Rock, Princess Arch and much more.
Cumberland
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland is close to Pine Mountain and is a prime example of all Appalachia has to offer within the Bluegrass State. Its best kept secret is Kingdom Come State Park, a grand name for a peaceful destination. Sitting at a 2,700 foot elevation, visitors can take in the vast wilderness from one of the eight overlooks in the park. There are 14 hiking trails that go by sites such as the Log Rock sandstone bridge, Cave Ampitheater and the 12 O'Clock Overlook. You'll also find a mountain lake hiding in the park, where you can rent a pedal boat or fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trout. Cyclists can take a scenic route through the Little Shephard Trail.
Clermont
Located just outside of Bardstown: the Bourbon Capital of the world is the smaller community of Clermont. Although not as well known as Bardstown, Clermont has one of the most ecologically rich parks in Kentucky: The Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. This more than 16,000 acre forest has both natural and manmade landmarks to explore. You can reconnect with yourself and nature alongside the Meditation Trail, or get a grand view of the forest from the 961-foot historic fire tower. Children will especially enjoy the forest due to the 17-acre natural playground called Playcosystem or the Forest Giants. Artist Thomas Dambo created these giants out of recycled materials and left them around the forest for visitors to discover and enjoy as they go for their hikes.
Carrollton
This town sits at the confluence of the Ohio River and Kentucky River and prides itself on quaint rural settings and scenic hiking trails with rare sites. Within Carrolton, you can see where the two rivers come together at Point Park, with paved trails right along the river, which makes for a romantic and relaxing walk. The best spot to go to is the General Butler State Resort Park. Named after General William Orlando Butler who served in both the War of 1812 and Mexican-American War, this park has several places of interest. For example at the Overlook, you can get a high-up view of the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio River. You can also see many species of birds as they migrate across the park, such as Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Wood Duck, Northern Mockingbird and much more.
Harrodsburg
The charming Kentucky town of Harrodsburg was home to one to a unique American religious group: the Shakers. First established in the 1700s, this community was known for ecstatic religious experiences and celibate lifestyles. Harrodsburg served as a center for this community from 1805 and 1910. You can visit the beautiful natural landscape of the shakers at the 3,000 acre Shaker Village. The Preserve within the village has 36 miles of trails which are ideal for hikers, horseback riders, and even classic carriages. You can see a waterfall along the Kentucky River at the Palisades trail, native prairies on Lampton trail, and Chinquapin Oaks at the Chinquaqin Trail. You'll see several historic Shaker buildings along the many trails.
Richmond
Nestled on the Kentucky River, Richmond is a relaxing place to enjoy the scenery, both at robust campsites and clear lakes. The Lake Reba Recreational Complex is a perfect place to go fishing, as it contains large-mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and more. The lake also provided golfing, baseball fields, hiking trails, shuffle board, and other manner of outdoor activities. Wilgreen Lake is also available for fishing from March to December and offers bass, crappie and blue gill. Richmond has several local parks such as E.C. Million Memorial Park, which runs along a creek. If you're looking to camp, Richmond is home to Camp Catalpa on the eastern side of Lake Reba and the Fort Boonesborough Campground, with 167 sites to set up your tent or camper.
Cambellsville
The central Kentucky small town of Cambellsville sits next to several picturesque bodies of water, which provide bountiful opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and more. Of note is the Green River Lake, a 8,210 acre body of water that has four beaches, three marinas, and rich wildlife diversity from deer to waterfowl, and doves. You can reach it via the Green River Lake State Park. The Green River itself is also easily accessible from town and features more than 150 species of fish and 70 mussel species. Other lakes include the Big Cat Pay Lake, Spurlington Lake, and Cambellsville City Lake. If you're looking for a good place to take a hike, the Clay Hill Memorial Forest and the Trace-Pitman Greenway offer casual strolls through the woods.
Corbin
Last but certainly not least on this list is Corbin, an often overlooked town of just over 7,800 people has one of the best kept secrets in Kentucky: the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This park is called the "Niagara of the South" for its 125-foot waterfall that runs along a gorge. There are multiple trails you can explore to see the falls and more such as the Eagle Falls Trail and the Wildflower Loop. However, the falls aren't the only thing to see in the park. On a full moon night, you can see a moonbow, a rainbow that comes from moonlight. This one of the few spots in the world where you can see this moonbow, so you'll definitely want to add Corbin to your travel plans.
Conclusion
While Kentucky's state parks are not as well known as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park, they shouldn't be overlooked. By visiting these small towns, you can see everything from a scenic Shaker Village, Appalachian mountain views, serene waterfalls, and caves. In fact, Kentucky is the only place in the world you can see the largest cave system and a moonbow in a single state. There's more to see in Kentucky than horse races, and these scenic small towns are proof of that.
