17 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Kentucky

Known for its bourbon, bluegrass, and rolling farmland, Kentucky may not be a top tourist hotspot, but from my own travels I discovered it’s packed with gorgeous gems — here are my favorite destinations in the Bluegrass State…

1. Cumberland Falls

This is a jaw-dropping natural attraction! Located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in the southeastern part of the state (near the city of Corbin), I personally think these falls are seriously spectacular, as well as being very photogenic! 

Known as the “Niagara of the South,” the powerful waterfall has a dramatic 68-foot drop into the Cumberland River and is surrounded by lush forests and rugged cliffs. I love the serene and zen-like vibe this place has!

On my trip, I explored the surrounding hiking trails (there are ten in total), went kayaking down the Cumberland River, and stayed to see its famous rare moonbow – a rainbow created by the moon’s light. It’s one of only two places on the planet where you can see a moonbow, and it was truly a special moment when I experienced it!

• Address: 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: During the full moon to catch the magical moonbow!

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – I loved my cozy cabin, gorgeous forest views, the distant roar of Cumberland Falls in the background and dining on a hearty breakfast of a skillet of fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich mushroom-sage gravy!

2. Kentucky Bourbon Trail 

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was an awesome – I discovered it was an immersive journey through more than 40 distilleries in central and northern Kentucky that celebrated its rich bourbon heritage and craftsmanship. I included it not only for the great whiskies I tasted (a definite bonus!) but also for the stunning scenery of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming historic distilleries.

I spent five days exploring the trail staying at the rustic-chic Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and the unique and trendy 4-star Elwood Hotel & Suites.

I had a blast at Buffalo Trace, touring the full bourbon-making process from cooking to distilling; at Maker’s Mark, I hand-dipped my own bottle in their iconic red wax; and at Bardstown Bourbon Company, I savored bourbon straight from freshly charred American oak barrels.

• Location: Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown (which is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World”)
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring, summer, fall and winter

My highlights…

• Discovering the distinctive Spanish Mission-Style architecture at the Four Roses Bourbon Distillery, I sipped on their smooth Four Roses Single Barrel Old Fashioned with its hints of caramel, spice, and orange peel!

3. Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge

This is a stunning natural hidden gem! Located in the east-central part of the state in Daniel Boone National Forest (mostly within Powell County). I come here to gaze at the 65-foot-high natural bridge made chiefly of sandstone and soak in the spectacular views of the Red River Gorge. 

I think the scenery here is gorgeous with dramatic cliffs, thick forests, and striking natural rock formations, with the iconic Natural Bridge serving as a centerpiece. 

On our trip we rented a cozy log cabin, hiked the awesome scenic nature trails, went rock-climbing at Red River Gorge, went for a stunning scenic drive on Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, discovered ancient rock shelters, went underground kayaking in the flooded limestone caves at the Gorge Underground and took the unique Sky Chair Lift to see Natural Bridge. Discovering the extraordinary natural gravity-defying attraction Balanced Rock was also an unforgettable experience!

My personal highlights…

• Visitor’s Center Address: 3451 Sky Bridge Rd Stanton, KY 40380
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring and fall (for most comfortable temperatures)

My highlights… 

• Staying in the rustic and cozy Restful River Cabin – I loved snacking on Fried Green Tomato Chips on the porch with pine-scented air, the river glistening below, and the and the steady hum of cicadas in the air!

4. Appalachian Mountains 

This mountain range is seriously dreamy, in a rugged kind of way! They mostly extend in the eastern part of the state and are part of the larger Appalachian range which stretches from Georgia all the way to Canada.

I think the scenery is breathtaking and include stunning leafy vistas, forest-covered rolling hills and dramatic rock formations, and I especially love visiting during fall when the leaves turn into a blaze of spectacular colors! 

I explored the scenic hiking trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Red River Gorge as well as the famous Appalachian Trail, went rock climbing at the spectacular Red River Gorge, kayaked along the serene Laurel River Lake and went caving at Mammoth Cave National Park (which is home to the longest cave system in the world)! 

• Location: the range covers the eastern portion of the state. 
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring, summer or fall

My personal highlights…

• The interesting Hensley Settlement (once a thriving mountain community) – I saw weathered-worn oak cabins, smoky stone chimneys, and a creaky one-room schoolhouse that brought Appalachian pioneer life vividly to life!

5. Louisville

I personally think this one of the most underrated cities in the USA! Located in the north-central part of the state, on the southern shore of the Ohio River, it’s the largest and busiest city in the state.

In my opinion it’s an easy-on-the-eye place and I’m a big fan of its impressive skyline, vibrant mix of urban landscapes, lush green parks, vibrant arts scene, scenic riverfront views and its long-established bluegrass music scene.

I stayed at the cool and unique 4-star 21C Museum Hotel for three days. I discovered the impressive Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, the adventurous Louisville Mega Cavern, explored the diverse culinary scene in the farm-to-table restaurants, took at interactive tour at the trendy Rabbit Hole Distillery and the spooky Louisville Historic Tours, and drank cocktails in the historic Old Seelbach Bar.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 301 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring to fall

My highlights…

• Dining at the cool but cozy Venezuelan restaurant Full Arepa where I devoured a rice bowl loaded with fiery jackfruit, slow-cooked black beans, caramelized plantains, and a zingy drizzle of lime crema! 

6. Kentucky Lake

I think this is an awesome recreational and family-friendly spot! Located in the western part of the state (near the city of Paducah), it covers 184 miles and has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline.

I think the scenery here is gorgeous with vast stretches of shimmering blue water framed by thick green forests, rolling hills, and picturesque sunsets. I also love the friendly and welcoming vibe here! 

I went kayaking (from Kentucky Lake Rentals), boating, jet skiing, paddle-boarding, hike the trails surrounding the lake and time my visits in the summer to see the fun sailboat races and regattas that take place here!

• Visitor’s Center Address: 71 US Highway 641 N, Gilbertsville, KY 42044
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: summer

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the rustic and family-friendly Kenlake State Resort Park – I loved the lakeside theater and my cozy cottage which was nestled in the surrounding woodland where woke up to the sounds of American Robins and Carolina Wrens warbling each morning!

7. Frankfort

I think the capital city of the state is a charming and quaint gem! It’s located along the Kentucky River in the central part of the state and as well as its laid-back, small-town vibe, I’m a big fan of its historic landmarks, scenic river views, interesting bourbon distilleries, elegant architecture and gorgeous backdrop of tree-lined hills. To me it sums up everything I love about the state but in a compact city form! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 301 St. Clair St. Frankfort, KY 40601
• Map Location
• Peak times to visit: spring to fall

My personal highlights… 

• Dining at Bourbon On Main – the decadent chocolate chip bread pudding which came drizzled with a warm, sticky bourbon caramel sauce was a standout!

8. Daniel Boone National Forest

When visiting the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge, I love to explore the rest of the stunning Daniel Boone National Forest as well! I personally think it’s a breathtakingly picturesque area. Located in the eastern part of Kentucky, near the town of Slade, it has been a national forest since 1937 and spans over 708,000 acres on the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains

It provides a scenic backdrop to my outdoor adventures here with forested slopes, sandstone cliffs, narrow ravines, stone arches, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. 

I camped out at the superb backcountry sites, explore the stunning hiking trails (there are over 600 miles of hiking trails here!), traverse the incredible sandstone cliff with natural steps known as the ‘Indian Staircase’, see the superb Cumberland Falls and explore the forest’s many stunning natural arches!

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391
• Map Location
• Peak times to visit: spring to fall

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the Natural Bridge State Park Resort Lodge – I loved the outdoor pool with forested views, the laid-back family vibe, and my cozy wooden lodge which had knotty-pine walls and a stone fireplace!

9. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

I think this a great family-friendly attraction! Located in Harrodsburg in the central part of the state the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill shows how the Shaker religious community lived during the 19th century and has won many travel awards! When I visited I could see why – it’s an immaculately preserved historic spot set in 3,000 acres.

It’s also a gorgeous beauty spot with with forested rolling hills, lush fields, and beautifully restored historic buildings some with pretty gardens. 

I loved exploring the historic Shaker structures (there are no less than thirty four of them!) and the picturesque nature preserves, organic gardens, going on boat rides on the Kentucky River and discovering the many scenic hiking trails located here including the restored native prairie here (there are 1,000 acres located here!) on the popular 7 mile Shawnee Run Trail.

Although we didn’t stay over, there is also overnight accommodation here as well (Shaker-style of course!) as well as rustic-style restaurants, a farm, excellent exhibitions, craft demonstrations and cute little craft shops! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring and summer (for the wildflowers)

My favorite highlights…

• Exploring the Cooper’s Shop where Shakers once shaped barrels and butter churns – with the atmospheric woody scent of shavings and the clang of tools—it really felt like stepping back to a simpler time!

10. Dale Hollow Lake

I’m a big fan of this gorgeous zen-like lake! It’s a family-friend recreational lake located border of this state and Tennessee (near the town of Albany). Spanning around 27,700 acres I love how calm the waters are here and also the scenery – it has stunning turquoise waters surrounded by lush forested hills. 

On my trip I went boating, kayaking and paddle-boarding, explored the scenic surrounding hiking trails (the 4.5 mile long Boom Ridge Trail was my favorite) and relaxed around the shoreline watching the other visitors go water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 5970 State Park Rd Burkesville, KY 42717
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: summer 

My highlights…

• Staying at the wonderful Byrdstown Home – I loved the beautiful but cozy modern decor, the swimming pool and sipping on a Sunergos Espresso Prima on the porch each morning while gazing at the glistening lake views in the crisp air!

11. Mammoth Cave National Park

This place always wows me! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the south-central part of the state (near Cave City) and I personally think it’s a hugely impressive family-friendly tourist attraction! Established in 1941 in 52,000 acres it’s actually home to the longest cave system in the world, with over 420 miles of passageways to explore.

In my opinion, it’s a jaw-dropping place – both overground and underground – and has a mix of thick green forests, rolling hills, winding rivers and a surreal subterranean paradise of stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, and travertine dams, which I could view up close on a guided tour.

I especially loved the short Frozen Niagara Tour, exploring the miles of scenic hiking trails above ground (there are 70 miles of trails), biking the very scenic Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail and going on a guided spelunking experience (which was a truly incredible but slightly nerve wracking experience)! 

• Address: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
• Website
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: it’s open all year round (with seasonal opening hours)

My highlights…

• The two-hour Historic Tour where we explored Mammoth Cave’s highlights—the vast Rotunda and the eerie Bottomless Pit—though the endless flights of stairs was a test for my legs!

12. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

This is an iconic attraction which I’m always in awe of! Located in the northern part of the state it crosses the Ohio River joining Cincinnati in Ohio, and Covington in this state.

Completed in 1867, it was designed by the the famous civil engineer John A. Roebling (who later designed Brooklyn Bridge) and I personally think its spectacular with its majestic-looking Gothic Revival spires and striking Art Deco look! 

I love this place for the sweeping views of the Ohio River, the city’s skylines and the picturesque waterfront! On my most recent visit I took a scenic stroll to gaze at the wonderful views, admired the impressive architecture of the bridge and then explored Covington’s Riverside District which was filled with charming cafes, boutiques, and the famous Roebling Murals along the flood wall.

• Address: 1000 Riverside Dr Covington, KY 41011
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring, summer, fall and winter

My personal highlights…

• Strolling the pedestrian walkway, I soaked up incredible views of the Ohio River, the shimmering Cincinnati skyline, and Covington’s charming historic waterfront—though the height gave me a little vertigo!

13. Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

I think this is a unique and wonderful place! It also has an interesting location (hence it’s name!) set on a narrow peninsula between the two lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in the western part of state, near the town of Grand Rivers. 

It’s a protected area of 170,000 acres and I absolutely love the natural serenity and the wilderness feel of this place. I’m also captivated by the scenery here, to me it feels raw and rustic with expansive forests, tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and interesting wildlife – gorgeous bison, elk, and wild turkeys all wander freely here! 

Like many others, I last came here for outdoor adventures and I definitely got them with a spectacular and very photogenic drive through the 700-acre enclosed Elk and Bison Prairie, going boating on Lake Barkley, discovering the challenging hiking and biking rails (there are over 300 miles of them – my favorite was the leisurely Hematite Lake Trail) and camping out in the backcountry wilderness.

• Address: 100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring to fall

My favorite highlights…

14. Nolin Lake

This is tranquil recreational lake which I love visiting! Located in Edmonson County in south-central (near the city of Brownsville) it covers an area of 3,200 acres and as well as outdoor adventures I love the scenery here – sparkling blue waters framed by lush forests and rolling hills!

I stayed for four days at the nearby rustic-chic 4-star Mammoth Cave Lodge and Cabins and went boating and paddle-boarding (jet-skiing was also popular here), hiked the miles of scenic trails here, relaxed, swam and picnicked on the sandy beach.

• Address: Nolin Lake State Park, 2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, KY 4225
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: summer (or spring to see the nearby waterfall).

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at the nearby Blue Holler Cafe – I loved the German style dishes especially the soft giant pretzels which came with a sweet and smoky Maple Bourbon Mustard!

15. Bardstown

This quaint city totally charmed me! Located in the central part of state in Nelson County, I was won over by the warm, welcoming vibe and its sense of community as well as its historic architecture and tree-lined streets surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland. USA Today even named it as the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” and I could see why!

I also loved that it was a significant stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with tours available around several famous distilleries here like the Heaven Hill Distillery and Bardstown Bourbon Company.

On my trip, I visited the historic (and very impressive!) Old Talbott Tavern which dates back to the 1700s, went on a spooky ghost tour, toured the sprawling My Old Kentucky Home State Park and Gardens (the former historic home of composer Stephen Foster) checked out interesting Civil War memorabilia at the Bardstown Museum and dined on traditional Southern cuisine in The Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge ( the Chocolate and Orange Bourbon Bread Pudding was a highlight)!

• Address: Bardstown, KY 40004
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer, fall or winter

My favorite highlights…

• The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History – I loved the interesting Prohibition-era bottles with their original creamy off-white labels edged in red and black, still clinging to the amber glass!

16. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum

This is a fun and interesting attraction for music fans! Located in Owensboro, Daviess County it’s located in the western part of state situated along the Ohio River, which provides a great scenic backdrop. 

On my trip, I saw interactive displays that showcase the history and evolution of bluegrass music, the Hall of Fame which showcases all the legends, watched films and documentaries about bluegrass music in the museum’s theater, browsed merchandise and memorabilia in the cool onsite store and played the banjo in their fun interactive exhibition!

I found out they also hosted songwriting workshops, jam sessions, concerts, lessons, and special events like the fun three-day ROMP Music Fest, which is held in June each year.

• Address: 311 West 2nd St. Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 926-7891
• Website
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: Any day apart from Mondays, as it’s closed

My personal highlights… 

• Learning all about Alison Krauss one of my favorite country singers – it was awesome to see her early fiddle (a honey-brown instrument with worn edges from years of practice!) on display and learning how she became one of the genre’s most celebrated musicians!

17. Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

This was such a lush, serene and picturesque tourist attraction! The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is located in the western part of the state in the city of Owensboro, and I’m a big fan of this well-kept and underrated gem! 

It featured serene landscapes filled with coloful flowers, pretty greenery, and picturesque walking paths. On my visit, I explored themed gardens, perennials, annuals, native Kentucky species, and gorgeous ornamental trees and discovered the charming Herb Garden, Rain Garden and wonderful displays of local art dotted around the place! I loved the zen-like Japanese Memorial Garden with its koi pond ornate pagoda!

The garden featured vibrant flowers and plants, seasonal holiday events, kid-friendly activities, and workshops on everything from caring for your favorite blooms to creative indoor and outdoor gardening!

• Address: 2731 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
• Map Location
• Best times to visit: spring and summer (to make the most of the flowers)

My highlights…

• I loved the butterfly garden, especially see the orange and black Monarchs fluttering over the fragrant milkweed and the distinctive eyespots of the Common Buckeye!

Where is Kentucky?

Kentucky is located east-south-central region of the United States, bordered by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia and Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Missouri to the west.

Related