7 Wonders Of The World That Are Actually Right Here In Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Published April 04, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Most of us are familiar with the Seven Wonders of the World, but are you familiar with the Seven Wonders of Kentucky? People can say what they will about the Bluegrass State, but they cannot say we lack beauty, manmade or natural. We have natural bridges, tunnels carved through solid limestone and more miles of underground caves than any place around the globe.
Here are my nominees for the Seven Wonders of Kentucky:
7. The Pinnacles and Indian Fort Mountain Trail in Berea
This beautiful part of Kentucky’s nature is part of the Berea College Forest, which has been providing Madison County with water and wood since 1898. It is among the oldest "managed" private forests in the U.S. This beloved area in Berea allows nature lovers to really get out and enjoy the view and the tranquility of the area. Residents consider the majestic beauty in this area to be one of the greatest perks of living in the community.
This beautiful state park is on 2135 Natural Bridge Road and offers visitors some of Mother Nature’s best bridges. The hike up is peaceful and scenic, but nothing beats what can be seen on the actual stone bridge. That natural sandstone structure provides us with a breathtaking view for miles and the warmth of the sun beaming down.
The Lost River Cave has a unique underground river tour, but the blue pool is like gazing into a fairy tale pond. You almost expect the Fey folk to dance around the water’s edge as you look into the deep blue pool. The cave is located at 2818 Nashville Road in Bowling Green. The Blue Pool is one of my personal favorite spots, along with the butterfly habitat, nature preserve and river tour. Honestly, they are all memorable.
This tunnel through solid limestone is located along Route 77 in Powell Country. The 900 foot long tunnel has a 13 feet high clearance and has been deemed the "Gateway to the Gorge," referencing Red River Gorge. Nada was hollowed out via the Dana Lumber Company around 1910 and was used as a former railroad tunnel.
The Gorge is one of the favored spots in Kentucky to appreciate the natural beauty of our state. It is located in Stanton along highway 15 and 715, and has a variety of different scenery to mesmerize nature lovers. Visitors will find more than 100 natural arches and bridges scattered in the expansive forest, which is only a small section of Daniel Boone National Forest. Sandstone cliffs harbor small caves to take a break on the way up, or down. The Red River is also a sweet spot to take a break, have a picnic and appreciate the wonders of Kentucky.
Located at 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway in Mammoth Cave Kentucky, this gigantic cave system underneath our state is actually one of the Natural Wonders of the World. It is the longest series of connecting caves known in the world and almost everyone is like stepping into a different world. There are multiple tours and caves to explore, and there is more left to chart. This was the second tourist attraction in the U.S., following Niagara Falls in 1941.
Cumberland Falls is located at 7351 State Highway 90 in Corbin and has been deemed the Niagara of the South. The entire area is gorgeous and brimming with wildlife and natures abundance, but the falls have more to offer. The conditions are perfect for rainbows, even at night. Cumberland Falls is one of only a few places in the entire world you can witness a moonbow. This truly makes it a special wonder in this world.
In my humble opinion, these Seven Wonders of Kentucky can rival some of those in the rest of the world. I know there are even more wonders in Kentucky worth mention. What would you like to add to this list?
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