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This Hidden Spot In Kentucky Is Unbelievably Beautiful And You’ll Want To Find It

Discover the beauty of Tioga Falls, a hidden gem in Kentucky, through a moderate 2-mile hike.

Published Nov 28, 2017

Written by 

Andrea Limke

One of the many wonderful things about Kentucky is that it is full of hidden spots and wonderful surprises. With such a diverse landscape across the state, there are surely countless places that have yet to be discovered, and probably never will be. But just south of Louisville on the property of Fort Knox, there is a discovered spot that it is unbelievably beautiful and worth seeking out. Take the short hike to this incredibly unique waterfall and fall in love with Kentucky all over again.

Located on the property of Fort Knox, south of Louisville near Radcliffe, the hike to Tioga Falls is nothing short of unforgettable.

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Joan Judah
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Joan Judah

Since it is located within the area of Fort Knox and is used for military training, the trail is closed at times to hikers. If you check it out in the near future, keep in mind that there is currently a detour at the beginning of the hike, so make sure to follow the signs! It's worth it!

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The majority of the first half of the 2-mile hike is uphill, which is why it is rated moderate.

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Joan Judah

There are a variety of interesting scenes along the hike, including a train trestle and a historic building. It can be slippery, so make sure to be cautious and wear sturdy, appropriate shoes.

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Joan Judah

The views are also noteworthy and add even more charm to this enchanting spot.

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Joan Judah

And then when you reach the Falls, you're rewarded with a cascade that is about 130 feet tall! This secret place is beautiful anytime of year and while the water flow does vary with the weather, it really is a lovely scene no matter the conditions.

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Joan Judah

The trail takes you to the base of the falls and it is well marked and easy to then head back down the remainder of the trail.

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Joan Judah

When you seek out the Tioga Falls Trail, you'll get to experience the essence of Kentucky's natural beauty.

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Nathan Pentecost

It is relatively untouched and you'll feel as if you've discovered a hidden gem, tucked away in the Kentucky forest.

Tioga Falls Trail is a hidden spot that is definitely worth the efforts of tracking down. Have you hiked to this picturesque spot? What other hidden places do you love to visit throughout Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

For more information on Tioga Falls and more detailed directions, visit the Radcliff website here. And to see more stunning photos, be sure to visit the sites of the photographers featured: Joan Judah (click here) and Nathan Pentecost (click here).

And for more secret waterfalls throughout Kentucky, check out our previous article here.

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Nature

This Natural Wonder In Kentucky Is The Definition Of A Hidden Gem

The Boone County Arboretum is a hidden gem near Union Kentucky. The arboretum earned the highest level of accreditation from the ArbNet Accreditation Program, and features thousands of trees, shrubs, and flowers. It was also the first arboretum within a recreation facility. Visitors can walk a 2.2-mile trail to see its many gardens and planting areas.

Published Oct 21, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

Isn't it incredible to think you can live somewhere for years, maybe even your entire life, and have not seen everything it offers? There are so many hidden gems in Kentucky, and there is especially no shortage of natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, and gardens. I was raised in Kentucky and live here now, and I can't believe all of the hidden gems I have left to discover. The Boone County Arboretum is a hidden gem in the northern part of the Bluegrass State, near Union, Kentucky.

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Three deer grazing under a tree, surrounded by lush green grass and dappled sunlight.
Management / Facebook

Boone County dedicated the Boone County Arboretum in 1999. It had established Central Park, a 121-acre baseball and soccer facility, five years before and, in subsequent years, sought to establish a horticulture site to study the area's trees and shrubs. Central Park features a 2.2-mile multi-use trail snaking through the property's 121 acres. Officials decided to create America's first arboretum within a recreational site and connect the planting areas with the park's trail. A local landscaper, Richard Ammon, initially mapped out the planting, and seven local nurseries and many volunteers brought it to life. Since its dedication in 1999, the arboretum has thrived.

A monarch butterfly perched on pink flowering plants against a blurred green background.
Management / Facebook

The arboretum now has 3,600 trees, shrubs, and flowers. Throughout the property are willows, aspens, forsythias, hollies, conifers, poplars, and more. The Children's Garden, filled with kid-friendly plants, allows kids to learn and experience the garden first-hand. There's also a butterfly garden and an area dedicated to native grasslands. A bird blind lets visitors remain unseen by birds to observe them.

The Boone County Arboretum is maintained by a paid staff, and a nonprofit organization, the Friends of Boone County Arboretum, helps with fundraising and volunteering. The arboretum consistently holds programs and events for the community.

Three vibrant trees with purple flowers stand amidst lush green foliage in a wooded area.
Management / Facebook

The Boone County Arboretum holds the highest level of accreditation for an arboretum, Level IV, from the ArbNet Accreditation Program. It was also the first arboretum in the country to have its plants mapped by global positioning technology. The Arboretum is working towards constructing a visitor center to improve its ability to welcome and educate community groups year-round.

Boone County Arboretum is open every day and is free to the public. There are restrooms on-site. Informational kiosks along the trail provide visitors with guides and collection maps. It welcomes leashed dogs and owners should always pick up after them.

A tall, leafless white tree stands in a grassy area under a clear blue sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation.
Management / Facebook

Union, Kentucky, is a small town with awesome attractions, including Big Bone Gardens. There are also fantastic restaurants, like the waterfront Weather Oar Knot. Union is only about 25 minutes from Cincinnati, where the big city provides even more things to do.

If you'd like to stay overnight near Union, Kentucky, consider booking this three-bedroom Airbnb that accommodates up to eight guests.

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Nature|Forests

The Remote Destination in Kentucky Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

The Pinnacle Overlook near Middlesboro, Kentucky has a fantastic view of the city and the Cumberland Gap. Come hike and enjoy the panoramic views!

Published Oct 9, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

When you imagine Kentucky's pinnacle, what do you see? Do you see the state's highest mountain (Black Mountain), the tallest waterfall (Yahoo Falls), or the longest cave (Mammoth Cave)? You might imagine a spectacular place with the word pinnacle in its name: the Pinnacle Overlook near Middlesboro, Kentucky. 

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People who live near the scenic overlook refer to it as "the pinnacle." It offers spectacular views of the Cumberland Gap and Middlesboro. The area is in southeast Kentucky, very close to Kentucky's borders with Tennessee and Virginia, and visitors can view points of interest in several states.

Aerial view of a lush green mountain landscape shrouded in mist under a clear blue sky.
Tony Sweet / Photodisc Collection via Getty Images

The overlook dates back to the 1800s and holds great historical significance. Many groups have traveled through the area to traverse the Cumberland Gap. Native Americans moved through the area in search of hunting grounds. Later, colonists traveled through on their way out west. The area was also vital to the Civil War, and cannons shot down into the valley from a part of a mountain near the overlook.

To get to Pinnacle Overlook, visitors drive up a steep mountain, which they describe as full of switchbacks and steep, curvy roads. There is a parking lot at the overlook where visitors can leave their cars and walk a short distance to a viewing platform. Once there, they'll see breathtaking views. Middlesboro, Kentucky, is at the bottom of a 3.6-mile-wide crater formed by a meteor crash long ago.

To the city's left is the Cumberland Gap, the first major gateway through the Cumberland Mountains to the west. Its significant place in American history is tied to the groups who traveled through it—including Native Americans and pioneers. The pass through the Cumberland Mountains leads to the Tennessee city of Harrogate, and Virginia is further to the left. On days with high visibility, visitors can sometimes see Bays Mountain in Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. 

A panoramic view from a rocky overlook, showcasing a valley with a small town and winding roads surrounded by green hills.
View of Cumberland Gap from Pinnacle Overlook in Kentucky Mountains, 25E in the Background

Pets are allowed to visit the viewpoint with their owners. A picnic table and restrooms are also available for visitors' use. 

While near the overlook, many visitors recommend seeing Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park's principal visitor center is south of Middlesboro and is the perfect place to learn about it. It offers a museum, gift shop, and gardens. 

For more information, visit the National Park Service's Pinnacle Overlook site. 

Have you visited the Pinnacle Overlook or Cumberland Gap?

Middlesboro is a unique mountain town with a charming downtown. It also has a swimming hole called Devil's Garden, where a devastating tragedy occurred. It has several fantastic restaurants, including Shades Cafe and Restaurant and Pelanchos Mexican restaurant.

Middlesboro may be the perfect place for a small-town getaway, and this three-bedroom Airbnb farmhouse may be the ideal accommodation. It has a beautiful outdoor porch, a peaceful environment, and stunning views.

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