When you think of natural wonders, you may think back to social studies class when you had to memorize several of them and where they were throughout the world. That term is used a little differently these days, and it turns out that Kentucky is home to plenty of its own naturally beautiful destinations. While there are dozens and dozens of places in our state that are worth seeing in person, it's best to have an idea where to start. If you want to check out some of the best of nature in Kentucky, we highly suggest that you begin with this list of 10, and then add on from there! You'll quickly find that there is no shortage of natural beauty in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky isn't thought of as a mountainous state, but we do have a mountain range and the tallest peak in that area is Black Mountain. There are hiking trails, overlooks, and other activities to do in the area that make it worthy of a spot on your bucket list. If you've never visited the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, consider planning a getaway. Get started with the planning with our previous article about beautiful Black Mountain.
Another area of the state that's known for its peaks and overlooks is the Red River Gorge. With miles and miles of hiking trails, natural arches, bridges, waterfalls, and more, this scenic area is practically heaven on earth. You can rent a cozy cabin, camp, stay in a lodge and then spend a few days exploring this natural wonder in Kentucky.
3. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
If you're looking for diverse landscape and plenty of things to see and do, add the Big South Fork Area to your bucket list. This massive secluded area stretches into Tennessee, but even throughout this section of Kentucky you'll find natural arches, waterfalls, wildlife, and some of the best hiking trails in the state.
Within the Big South Fork Area you'll find a trail that leads to the tallest waterfall in Kentucky, Yahoo Falls. Yahoo Arch is also along this trail and both make this hike a must-see for anyone who loves the natural beauty of Kentucky. The waterfall is best viewed after rainfall, but the entire area is simply magical.
Cumberland Falls, the largest waterfall in Kentucky, is a popular destination, so if you have yet to visit this incredible sight, put it toward the top of your list. It's an easy hike to see it and then you can explore the rest of the trails within the park, including the trail to Eagle Falls which will give you another perspective of this magnificent waterfall.
Pine Island Double Falls is a lesser known spot in Kentucky but its beauty is undeniable. Located in scenic Laurel County, when this double waterfall is flowing, there isn't a more magical place in our state. If you want a true adventure with a beautiful pay off, this is your spot.
Number 7 on the list is possibly the most well-known place in Kentucky and could not be left off of this list. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world and is filled with natural beauty, mystery, and secrets. This historic site can be explored through an array of tours and don't forget to spend time above ground in the park, as well.
And speaking of caves, add Carter Caves to your Kentucky bucket list because this park has so much to offer. This natural wonder is located in Eastern Kentucky and while it does offer cave tours, you will also want to experience the hiking trails, swinging bridges, camping opportunities, and exciting activities offered by the park. It's a one-stop-shop for fun in nature in Kentucky.
While there are many natural bridges in Kentucky, this one within Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a massive natural wonder you have to see for yourself. It's unique in that you can hike to the base and the top and you can also take a chair lift to the top if you'd rather save your energy. The views from the bottom looking up and from the top looking out are both jaw-dropping.
Last, but certainly not least is actually a manmade feature that we are still going to call a natural wonder. Kentucky Lake is the largest manmade lake in the state (and actually the largest east of the Mississippi) and is a true escape in the Bluegrass. We may not be near an ocean here in Kentucky, but we do have Kentucky Lake and the open water and colorful sunsets make this destination bucket list - worthy. You will also find a most charming town here on the lake.
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The natural wonders of the world are great and all, but we happen to think that the natural wonders in Kentucky are just as worthy of a spot on your bucket list - and they're much closer to home! How many of these destinations have you seen? What would you include on a list of the next 10 Kentucky natural wonders? Let us know in the comments!
And if you love building your bucket list with places from all over the country, be sure to sign up for our exciting Bucket List Newsletter!
For those who would like to explore hikes in and around any of these areas, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.
If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
