Top 21 Stunning Destinations in Kentucky You Must See

Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, presents some of the most stunning and remarkable landscapes and attractions to explore! Browse through these captivating images and be inspired by its beauty.

1. Dog Slaughter Falls

Ideal for a family outing, Dog Slaughter Falls is one of Kentucky’s most renowned natural attractions. The 15-foot waterfall is truly impressive, with outstanding views provided along the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. This two-mile hike is rated moderate and is particularly suitable for dog walking. Hemlock and rhododendrons are among the vegetation visitors can expect to encounter along the trail, but Dog Slaughter Falls undoubtedly stands out as the centerpiece of any visit to this region of Kentucky.

2. The Appalachians

Historically, the Appalachians rivaled the Rocky Mountains and the Alps in majesty, yet through time, they have gradually eroded to their current form. Spanning nearly 2,000 miles, this mountain range serves as a natural barrier between the interior lowlands of North America and the eastern coastal plain.

Although the peaks in Kentucky are not particularly elevated, the terrain is recognized as quite rugged and is recommended only for seasoned hikers. Nevertheless, the views from the summits remain breathtaking, regardless of the lower altitude.

3. Breaks Interstate Park

Dubbed the Grand Canyon of the South, Breaks Interstate Park straddles the border between Kentucky and Virginia. The park is distinguished by housing the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River, with Virginia State Route 80 being the principal access route to the area. Explorer Daniel Boone is credited with first uncovering the allure of Breaks Interstate Park, and today, numerous lodges exist for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the local scenery.

4. Fairmount Falls

Despite its modest area of eight acres, Fairmount Falls is home to an extraordinary 40-foot waterfall that attracts visitors from afar. Located just a short drive from the Gene Snyder and Bardstown Road interchange, this notable Kentucky landmark is accessible solely via permit to safeguard its natural landscape. The optimal times to visit are spring or winter, as the water flow at Fairmount Falls is most impressive during these seasons.

5. Gallatin County

Gallatin County serves as an excellent destination for those interested in Civil War history and is also home to some of Kentucky’s most scenic locales. Although it is the smallest county in Kentucky by area, it compensates with its unique charm. Sparta, a community within Gallatin County, merits a visit, especially because it hosts the Kentucky Speedway.

6. Sunset on Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake stands as one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, with a storage capacity of 4,008,000 acre-feet of water. Moreover, it is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Popular activities at Kentucky Lake and its neighbor, Lake Barkley, include bass and crappie fishing. The area between these two lakes features an elk and bison prairie, which is open to the public year-round. Additionally, Kenlake State Resort Park is situated to the west of Kentucky Lake, while Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park lies to the north.

7. George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge

The George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, commonly referred to as the Second Street Bridge by locals, spans the Ohio River, connecting Louisville and Jeffersonville, Indiana. This bridge gained notoriety from a scene in the movie Stripes, in which Bill Murray’s character exits a cab and discards his keys into the river. Additionally, it serves as the focal point of the annual Thunder Over Louisville event, where spectacular fireworks illuminate the sky. The bridge is named in honor of the founder of Louisville, George Rogers Clark.

8. Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park holds the distinction of being the longest known cave system globally, with over 400 miles of mapped passages. Enthusiastic explorers should allocate time to discover Mammoth Cave and its vicinity, as new caves are continually being uncovered.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mammoth Cave attracts approximately 400,000 visitors annually. During guided tours, park rangers often extinguish their guiding lights, making Mammoth Cave National Park one of the scarce locations globally where visitors can experience the phenomenon of absolute darkness.

9. Perryville

Perryville is an essential destination in Kentucky for those interested in Civil War history. The Battle of Perryville, also known as the Battle of Chaplin Hills, is recognized as one of the bloodiest confrontations of the Civil War. Today, Perryville stands as a National Historic Landmark and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Many of Perryville’s original structures remain intact, some nearing 200 years old.

10. Kentucky State Capitol

The headquarters of Kentucky’s government, the state capitol is situated in the city of Frankfort. The capitol building features a stunning marble staircase, making it one of the most beautiful architectural pieces in the state. The staircase is undoubtedly one of the primary attractions, with its marble interiors inspired by the Opera Garnier in Paris.

Guided tours of the Kentucky State Capitol are recommended, featuring attractions such as the First Lady Doll Collection.

11. Pinnacles of Berea

The Pinnacles of Berea offer not only some of the finest hiking trails in Kentucky but also throughout the entire South. The main loop trail spans 6.6 miles, typically requiring three to four hours to complete, depending on individual hiking ability and fitness levels. The trail is adorned with beautiful wildflowers and remains accessible from April through October, also permitting dog walking. Noteworthy viewpoints include the West Pinnacle and Indian Fort Outlook, which showcase stunning vistas of the captivating scenery at the Pinnacles of Berea.

12. Big South Fork National River

Established in 1974, the Big South Fork National River is essential for anyone exploring Kentucky. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and stargazing. The area also contains numerous natural bridges worth exploring, providing excellent opportunities for photography. Visitors can stay at the Charit Creek Lodge, among the variety of available accommodations while exploring the Big South Fork National River region.

13. Red River Gorge

Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge is celebrated for its natural stone arches. It is designated as a national geological area due to its sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. The Red River Gorge has emerged as a premier rock climbing destination worldwide, with climbing aficionados affectionately dubbing the area ‘Red’. Additionally, the Red River Gorge’s Sky Bridge features in the 1955 film The Kentuckian, starring Burt Lancaster.

14. Newport

Historically known as Sin City due to its numerous casinos, Newport has evolved into a family-friendly destination, with the Newport on the Levee entertainment complex being one of Kentucky’s busiest leisure and retail hubs. Furthermore, Newport proudly houses one of the 20 World Peace Bells, which was the largest swinging bell globally from 2000 to 2006.

Key attractions include Newport Aquarium, Thompson House music venue, the Northern Kentucky Gambling Museum, General James Taylor Park, and the Newport Southbank Bridge.

15. Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls is often referred to as the Niagara of the South or the Little Niagara, with the waterfalls serving as the primary attraction at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Visitors are encouraged to time their visit during a full moon and clear skies, as this is when the magnificent lunar rainbow, or moonbow, can often be witnessed. This arch of white light is a breathtaking sight and represents one of the most beautiful encounters in Kentucky.

16. Wolf Creek

While Wolf Creek may invoke memories of an Australian horror film, in Kentucky, it refers to a significant dam located in Russell County. The area also hosts the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, which is open to visitors free of charge; the Visitor/Environmental Education Center operates 364 days a year. Every year, over 100,000 individuals visit the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, which is nestled within some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes.

17. Kentucky River

The Kentucky River meanders throughout the state, commencing in Lee County at Beattyville, before winding its slow path through the mountainous terrain of Kentucky. It encompasses the Daniel Boone National Forest and traverses locations such as Boonesborough and Irvine, eventually merging with the Ohio River.

The Kentucky River Palisades, situated between Frankfort and Clays Ferry in Madison County, offers perhaps the finest vantage point to appreciate the river’s splendor. This area showcases a range of dramatic steep gorges extending up to 100 miles.

18. Lexington

Recognized as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington is a vital stop for anyone visiting Kentucky. The second-largest city in the state, Lexington boasts a diverse array of historic landmarks, including the Waveland State Historic Site and the estate of Kentucky statesman Henry Clay, Ashland. For horse enthusiasts, Lexington is a premier destination.

Noteworthy attractions include the American Saddle Horse Museum and the Kentucky Horse Park, while Keeneland Race Course provides an exceptional experience for watching races. The Festival of the Bluegrass takes place each June, and nature lovers should not miss the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.

19. Bardstown

Bardstown has been acclaimed by Rand McNally and USA Today as the Most Beautiful Small Town in America, and this designation is merited. As the county seat of Nelson County, Bardstown is globally renowned for its bourbon, and its eclectic assortment of shops is worthy of exploration. The town is home to five bourbon distilleries, including Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, and Jim Beam.

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is among Bardstown’s top attractions along with the Kentucky Railway Museum. Furthermore, the region boasts one of the largest Civil War museums in the United States, and visitors should also explore Wickland, a private residence associated with three Kentucky Governors, which offers public tours.