12 Scenic State Parks In Kentucky To Explore, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Sarah McCosham
Author
There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Kentucky state parks. Kentucky is home to 45 state parks that each offer unique scenery, topography, natural features, and amenities, plus 17 designated state park resorts that offer next-level lodging and accommodations. It’s quite literally a lot of ground to cover, which is why we’re proposing a reasonable and realistic resolution for y’all: savor the scenic splendor of Kentucky this year at these 12 extraordinary state parks.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA
Pine Mountain State Resort Park is, without a doubt, one of our favorite state parks in Kentucky. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, Pine Mountain was Kentucky's very first state park, offering over 1,500 acres of pristine Bluegrass beauty. The hiking at this Kentucky State Park is phenomenal, traversing through the lush forests and massive rock formations for which the Bluegrass is well known, and the views are sure to fill you with wonder and awe, starting the year on a (literal) high point.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, 3500 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
Romance is in the air this month, and Lake Barkley State Resort Park is about as sweet as it gets. Located near Land Between the Lakes, this beautiful state park boasts jaw-dropping water views from the trails, lodge, and dining room, making for a marvelous destination during this most romantic time of year.
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Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
Winter in Kentucky is no Ice Age, but we're always excited to welcome spring. In Kentucky, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is an underrated gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past that's one of the most unique state parks in Kentucky. With traditional camping and hiking options, along with a renovated museum and a herd of roaming bison, you will never be bored at this scenic and intriguing site.
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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
April showers bring May flowers, and if you're looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you'll find it at Cumberland Falls. This park's eponymous cascade, known as the Niagara of the South, is the site of an incredibly rare natural phenomenon known as a moon bow. One of the only places on the planet where you can regularly experience this wonder, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park truly is one of the crown jewels of Kentucky.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA
A place that feels more fairy tale than real, John James Audubon State Park is a glorious hidden gem in Kentucky that's at its most stunning in springtime. One of the most magical of all the Kentucky State Parks, the John James Audubon State Park is a place with the most honorable of missions: to celebrate our state’s natural beauty and the simple joys of discovering the great outdoors, which we're all too happy to do come spring!
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA
Celebrate the start of summer with a visit to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. The waters of Dewey Lake are brilliantly blue and the beaches about as white and pristine as it gets, making this the perfect place to kick off summer in Kentucky.
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Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Located in southern Kentucky, Barren River Lake State Resort Park is home to rolling blue hills, a pristine lake, and abundant wildlife. The centerpiece of the park is the eponymous lake, which spans 10,000 acres and has 141 miles of shoreline. In addition to numerous water recreation opportunities, this park has lakefront camping and a stunning golf course, making it an all-around winner for a summer getaway in Kentucky.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA
When the heat of summer in Kentucky becomes too much, it's best to head underground. While Kentucky's mammoth national park is one of its crown jewels, subterranean adventures abound in the Bluegrass State. In Carter County, Kentucky, there are nearly 200 caves of all sizes hiding underground. The eponymous Carter Caves State Resort Park offers tours of its expansive underworld that are a wonderful alternative to the oft-crowded Mammoth Cave, making for a delightful way to beat the heat while enjoying some spectacular scenery!
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Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USA
Soak up the last of the lazy, hazy days of summer at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. While Lake Cumberland often steals the show in terms of Kentucky lakes, you'll find the most pristine beach in the Bluegrass at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. This is a lovely area in the southeastern part of Kentucky, surrounded by forest-covered hills and a 1,200-acre lake. This lake has a splendid beach, with white, sandy shoes and clear waters, making for the most perfect sign-off to summer.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
In resplendent Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to some of the state's most iconic rock formations and features, which are even more breathtaking when contrasted with the vibrant explosion of fall foliage. After a day spent exploring this wondrous place, check into Hemlock Lodge to keep the cozy autumnal vibes going!
Columbus Belmont State Park, 350 Park Road, Columbus, KY 42032, USA
Columbus-Belmont State Park is an immensely beautiful park located on a cliff overlooking the Mississippi River in southwestern Kentucky. This park is perched on an overlook offering expansive vistas of the iconic Mississippi River, which has long played a crucial part in America's history. The riverfront town of Columbus, Kentucky, was once such an important city, in fact, that many argued it should be the capital of the country, rather than Washington, D.C.! This Kentucky State Park is historic and scenic, uncrowded and quiet, making it a perfect pause before the busyness of the holidays.
Ic-8005D, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Absolutely charming and picture perfect, there's no better place to end the year than My Old Kentucky Home. This 200-year-old mansion in Bardstown is both inspired and inspiring, and during the holiday season when its halls are decked and lights are aglow, it becomes downright magical.
What are your favorite Kentucky State Parks? We hope this list provides you with an exciting itinerary for 2023, and wish you a year of health, happiness, and hiking!
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