Kentucky might not be the biggest state, but it’s chock-full of amazing attractions, historic points of interest, and stunning natural areas — so much so, that it would take a lifetime (maybe longer) to explore them all. Well today, we’re starting small, with a one-day itinerary that’s full of adventures from start to finish. If you have a free day and full tank of gas, you’ll be delighted to tackle this epic one-day road trip across Kentucky.

Our Epic Road Trip Across Kentucky travels from Mammoth Cave to Cumberland Falls, hitting a few points of interest along the way. Total trip time is just under three hours, excluding stops.
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Our trip begins by venturing underground -- deep, deep underground!
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook
Mammoth Cave is the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass, earning the state world-wide acclaim and attention.
A bucket-list must, the cavern system features over 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways, with more miles being added all the time.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook
In addition to its epic underground tours, aboveground adventures abound at Mammoth Cave, too. The trails are spectacular, and the national park is, pardon the pun, a stellar place for stargazing. For the purposes of this day trip, we're just saying "hi" to Mammoth Cave, but it's definitely a bucket-list destination worth devoting an entire trip to!
Next, we're heading above-ground... sort of. Kentucky Down Under is a Cave City attraction that transports visitors to the Australian Outback.
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, at Exit 58, I-65, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA
Kentucky Down Under
An epic attraction where kangaroos hop about and crocodiles demand snuggles, there's no place in the Bluegrass like it!
After a busy morning of above- and below-ground escapades, it's time to break for lunch. Lake Cumberland marks the halfway point of our day trip, and we're going to enjoy a bite to eat at a Kentucky favorite: The Harbor Restaurant.
Harbor Restaurant, 451 Lee's Ford Dock Rd, Nancy, KY 42544, USA
The Harbor Restaurant/Facebook

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This lakefront restaurant in Kentucky will not only float your boat, but it’ll also be a memorable dining experience with some of the best views around!
Lee's Ford Resort Marina, 451 Lee's Ford Dock Rd, Nancy, KY 42544, USA
Lee's Ford Marina/Facebook
Oh -- and the burgers? Ah-mazing.
We're heading to our final stop of the day, and it's one worth really enjoying.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
alexeys/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is easily our favorite Kentucky State Park, with some of the best trails, rock formations, and waterfalls in the state... and South!
In fact, one of our all-time favorite hikes in Kentucky is at this special park: the Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
This trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail that's rated as moderate, and leads to two of the state's most stunning waterfalls: Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls. Talk about a hiking trail twofer!
There are numerous bucket-list attractions at Cumberland Falls, so we recommend checking in to DuPont Lodge, one of the most beautiful park lodges in Kentucky, for the night.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/Google Local
Having a "home base" will help with the last item on our itinerary...
...the Cumberland Falls moonbow! Cumberland Falls is one of the few places on the planet that regularly produces this prismatic phenomenon, created when light is refracted in the waterfall's spraying water droplets.
Solomon Parker/500px Collection via Getty Images
The moonbow lingers above the falls for up to two days as long as the sky is clear, on either end of the full moon. Check out the moonbow schedule and plan your trip around this extraordinary event... it's worth staying up past your bedtime to experience.

Curious about what the Moonbow looks like in person? Check out this video from Kentucky Educational Television:

Who’s up for the day trip adventure of a lifetime? We call shotgun on this epic Kentucky road trip!

Looking for more great road trips across the Bluegrass? This rural road trip visits some of Kentucky’s most beautiful bucolic areas and countryside hidden gems!

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More to Explore

Kentucky Day Trip

Sarah M. | February 03, 2023

What are some other unique Kentucky day trip destinations for my bucket list?

Explore the best of the Bluegrass when you visit the following Kentucky day trip destinations:

  • Bardstown/Bourbon Trail. There are several different bourbon trails to enjoy in Kentucky including Versailles, Bardstown, Louisville, Lexington, and Clermont, just to name a few. Highway 245 at exit 112 off I65 takes you towards Bardstown, but you pass a nice winery by Bernheim Forest, which also makes an excellent break point. You will run into Jim Beam, Kentucky’s biggest selling distillery. On towards Bardstown, you will find Heaven Hill Distillery, the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train and My Old Kentucky Home.
  • Lincoln Scenic Byway. Kentucky may *not* be known as The Land of Lincoln, but this beloved president had big ties to The Bluegrass State. Everyone knows who Lincoln was, but not all know about the scenic byway tour that takes you for a trip down Lincoln memory lane. The journey starts on US 31 E and US 150 in Hodgenville. There you can visit Lincoln's birthplace, childhood home, and the Lincoln Museum. Next stop is Bardstown, home of the Civil War Museum and three renowned distilleries. Keep going and you will run into Springfield and Lincoln Homestead State Park. This will be followed by the site of the biggest Civil War battle in Kentucky, Perryville, and lastly Danville. This is where Kentucky’s actual statehood was determined. This is an epic trip sure to please history buffs.
  • US 23 Country Music Heritage Museum. Another scenic byway tour in The Bluegrass State, this road in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachians is known as the Country Music Highway. It runs from Ashland to the north, to Whitesburg in the south. You travel through the mountains and pass country music and several coal mining heritage sites. Plus, you will also pass by Loretta Lynn’s Butcher Hollow and the beautiful Jenny Wiley State Park. This Kentucky road trip is a must for all country music fans!
  • Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. If you have visited Red River Gorge, you already know this is one of the most incredible journeys you can make in Kentucky. The eponymous scenic byway is a 46 mile drive that passes through the amazing Nada Tunnel as and into the Gorge’s geological area. This is a great place to stop, hike, and experience the splendor of Kentucky nature. Visiting the incredible Sky Bridge and the Angel Windows are a must -- and both are accessible via an easy walk. If you grow weary of driving, simply paddle down Red River or take the sky lift to the Natural Bridge. The journey is sure to be absolutely breathtaking.

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