There’s no better way to explore hidden gems in Kentucky than a road trip. But if you don’t have time for a multi-day excursion, you can pack a whole lot of exploring into a one-day trip if you’re in the right place. That right place happens to be the charming town of Morehead, Kentucky in the heart of Rowan County. Home to a university at its center and surrounded by natural beauty, it’s the perfect choice for a one-day trip…just be sure to pack all your road trip essentials.

So load up your car with a full tank of gas - because you'll only need one. Only two hours from major cities like Louisville and Cincinnati, you can hit seven diverse attractions and hidden gems in a full day of travel on this road trip itinerary. Hop in the car and get ready for the ultimate hidden-gems road trip around Morehead, Kentucky.
Visit Morehead, Contributed Photo
Perfect for a sunny Saturday in the greater Morehead area, this one-day road trip won't have you spending all day in the car - you'll be exploring lakes, campgrounds, trails, museums, and even a waterpark. This diverse itinerary is great if you're a solo traveler, or if you're bringing the whole family or gang along.
Hidden Gems In Kentucky
Credit: Zoran Zeremski/iStock via Getty Images Plus

1. Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake, 2375 KY-801 Morehead Kentucky, USA
Justin Reynolds, Contributed Photo
With over 200 miles of shoreline, Cave Run Lake is a popular year-round destination that will make you forget you're not at the coast. Known as the muskie capital of the south, it is a lake great for fishing, sailing, or relaxing on the open water.

2. Twin Knobs Campground

Twin Knobs Campground/ Beach, 5195 KY-801, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Mikesinlex, Instagram, Contributed Photo
You'll want to explore this family-friendly destination and check out its impressive accommodations. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest with great beach access, it's equipped with basketball and volleyball courts, picnic areas, an amphitheater, scenic foot trails, and more.

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3. Lockegee Rock

Lockegee Rock, Kentucky 40351, USA
Visit Morehead, Contributed Photo
The whole community is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and the views are truly spectacular. Just take a roughly one-mile hike to the summit, and you'll be rewarded with a stunning vista of the entire area at Lockegee Rock.

4. Kentucky Folk Art Center

Kentucky Folk Art Center, 102 W 1st St, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Speaking of art, you won't want to miss one of the most whimsically unique little museums in Kentucky. This historic building houses almost 1,400 pieces from local and self-taught artists plus an always-changing collection of fine art and artifacts. Don't miss the gift shop for some unforgettable mementos.

5. Sheltowee Falls Splash Pad

Sheltowee Falls Splash Pad, 331 Triplett St, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY/Facebook
Are the kids getting a little antsy? Is it just a little too hot in the summer sun? Head to this one-of-a-kind outdoor mini-waterpark. Themed to the natural environment around Morehead, it's full of unique water features including a pair of thrilling water slides. Plus, kids will love climbing up to the treehouse for a great view.

6. Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake, Earle Clements Drive, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Brian Wulker/Flickr
Morehead State University is the centerpiece of the city, and the campus has a stunning eighteen-acre lake right on its grounds. This is a perfect place to stop, relax, and take in the cool lake air. If you've brought a picnic, this is a great place to fuel up before you head to your final adventure...

7. Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail

Sheltowee Trace Trail, North Terminus, Section 1, KY-377, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Morehead Tourism, Contributed Photo
One of the largest trails in Kentucky, the whole path spans the entirety of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The bridges, rivers, and amazing views are a great draw for nature lovers. Morehead, home to the Northern Terminus of the Sheltowee, is unique for another reason. The town continues to be the only town where the trail meanders directly along Main Street. Trail users can enjoy local eateries, shopping and more as they traverse the trail and escape back into the woods.

Watch this cool aerial tour by explorer Kentucky Creek Adventures showing some of the pretty scenes of Morehead Kentucky. It’s such a great town to visit. 

Have you explored Morehead, Kentucky before? If there are any hidden gems in Kentucky you would add to this itinerary, let us know all about them in the comments section. Before your next visit to the area, make sure to check out this website featuring more attractions in Morehead Kentucky.

More to Explore

Hidden Gems In Kentucky

Melanie J. | December 13, 2023

What are some more hidden gems in Kentucky?

There is no shortage of hidden gems in Kentucky, and here are 10 of our best kept secrets that we like the best. 

  • Indian Staircase: Red River Gorge, Pine Ridge
  • Gorge Underground, Rogers
  • Kentucky's Stonehenge, Munfordville
  • Hidden River Cave, Horse Cave
  • Kentucky River Palisades, Lexington
  • Land of the Giants - Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont
  • Dinosaur World, Cave City
  • Lost River Cave, Bowling Green
  • The Kentucky Castle/Versailles Castle, Versailles
  • Rabbit Hash General Store, Burlington

 

Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about these hidden gems in Kentucky. 

What are some more day trip ideas in Kentucky?

From scenic train rides to underground adventure to natural wonders and more, these are some of the best day trip ideas in Kentucky:

  • Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson County
  • Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Bardstown
  • Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Horse Cave
  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
  • Lagrange Quarry/Falling Rock Park, La Grange
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
  • Churchill Downs, Louisville
  • Visit Covered Bridges
  • Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond
  • Newport Aquarium, Newport

 

Discover more by reading our previous article about day trips in Kentucky.

What are some more hidden gem towns in Kentucky?

If you’re searching for a destination in The Bluegrass State for a day trip, these are the best hidden gems in Kentucky that we recommend: 

  • Murray, Calloway County
  • Bardstown, Nelson County
  • Paducah, McCracken County
  • Maysville, Mason County,
  • Marion, Crittenden County
  • Berea, Madison County,
  • Rabbit Hash, Boone County
  • Versailles, Woodford County,
  • Fort Thomas, Campbell County,

 

Visit our website to discover more hidden gem towns in Kentucky.

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