Outdoor Adventures Abound in Kentucky’s State and National Parks, Recreation Areas

2021 is the International Year of Caves(link is external) and Karst, so why not hop in your car for that road trip and visit Kentucky(link is external) and explore the outdoor wonders(link is external) of the Bluegrass State? From Mammoth Cave National Park(link is external) to state parks(link is external) throughout the state, Daniel Boone National Forest(link is external) and Red River Gorge Geological Area(link is external) to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area(link is external) – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Mammoth Cave National Park(link is external), the world’s longest known cave system, is one of the state’s most visited attraction. Although cave tours are currently closed, surface trails are open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Be sure to check their website(link is external) for the latest information on when other adventures above and below ground will resume.

With 45 State Parks, 30 of which feature campgrounds(link is external), the Bluegrass State is the ultimate summer outdoor destination. State Parks(link is external) offer fun outdoor adventure opportunities, including: hiking(link is external), biking(link is external), paddling(link is external), boating(link is external), horseback riding(link is external) and more(link is external). The portion of the Appalachian Mountains(link is external) that stretches through eastern Kentucky is easily one of the most scenic areas in the United States. Although the coronavirus pandemic(link is external) closed some parks and areas of parks, most are operating under normal business hours as of June 1. Recreational parks, lodges, cabins, hiking trails and golf courses(link is external) are open, while playgrounds, swimming pools and beaches will remain closed for the time being. State park campgrounds(link is external) will reopen June 11, with reservations now open. For the most up-to-date information regarding Kentucky’s state parks, please visit https://parks.ky.gov/covid-19-information(link is external).

The Daniel Boone National Forest(link is external) in southern and eastern Kentucky is spread across 21 counties, with more than 708,000 acres managed by the national forest. Visitors can hike, camp, rock climb, boat, hunt, fish, ride, target shoot and relax. Most recreation sites were closed during the pandemic, but the forest is reopening(link is external) using a site-by-site approach(link is external), with most day-use sites and OHV trails opening June 3.

And the Red River Gorge Geological Area(link is external) (RRG) also opens June 3! This popular area has several natural outdoor attractions that draw visitors from near and far away. World-renowned for rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, RRG is one of the top destinations for these activities in the country! Soar through the area on a zip line for the ultimate adventure tour. There are plenty of trail opportunities in the area, too, as well as some great sites to camp or rent a cabin.

Visit Natural Bridge(link is external), a beautiful 78-footlong sandstone arch located within RRG – it’s one of the most visited attractions in the state. Or take a nature hike to one of the area’s many waterfalls(link is external).

Miles of shoreline along lakes(link is external) around the state (some within state parks and others not) offer water recreation opportunities for the whole family, such as Buckhorn Lake(link is external), Dale Hollow Lake(link is external), Grayson Lake(link is external), Lake Cumberland(link is external), Nolin Lake(link is external) and more. Another can’t miss outdoor destination is the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area(link is external) in western Kentucky, which offers wildlife viewing, nature hikes, paddling or kayaking through waterways, fishing adventures and more.

Before visiting our wonderful outdoor attractions, please check their websites for the latest information.

Media Contact

Angela Blank, Assistant Director of Communications & Media Relations, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
View and download assets, visit Kentucky’s Media Hub

If you publish anything as the result of any Kentucky Dept. of Tourism’s story ideas, please let us know so we can share your work across our social media platforms and say thank you!