Spring is springing in The Bluegrass State, and the trails are beckoning! In Kentucky, there's really no better way to enjoy the splendor of spring, than out on the trails. Happily, there is an abundance of short-and-sweet hikes in Kentucky that really allow you to experience the budding trees, chirping birds, babbling waters, and blooming flowers that all signal the arrival of spring here in The Bluegrass State. So dust off your hiking boots and hit the trails. Here are nine spring hikes in Kentucky that will let you bask in the beauty of our state:

1. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

In the spring, Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is a vision; you'll find blooming cherry blossom trees, vivid wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the 16,000-acre property, and really revel in the resplendence of spring in The Bluegrass State.

2. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Each spring, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary transforms into a veritable wildflower wonderland. With 10 miles of trails, there is an abundance of hiking options here. At 3.8 miles long, the eponymous Raven Run Nature Sanctuary Trail is just about perfect, an accessible trek straight through some of the most wondrous flocks of wildflowers. It's one of the best hikes in KY!

3. Indian Staircase Trail - Red River Gorge

In the spring, the hills and valleys of Red River Gorge are painted with prismatic blooms. This 3.1-mile loop trail offers some of the very best wildflower viewing in the Red, as well as some sweeping panoramas that will absolutely take your breath away.

4. Resurgence Cave - Daniel Boone National Forest

Even though it is one of the longer hikes on this list, don't let the length of the Resurgence Cave hike deter you. This 4.7-mile, out-and-back trail located near McKee, Kentucky is flat and perfect for all skill levels and features some seriously beautiful wildflowers *and* a lovely Kentucky creek along the way.

5. Rock Bridge Trail - Red River Gorge

Rock Bridge Trail is an easy loop hike with some of the most amazing views in the state. The beginning of the trail is paved, but it quickly descends into a deep ravine surrounded by lush, green forest, dotted with ancient rock formations and shelters. The waterfall here is particularly wow-worthy after a spring rain!

6. Three Bridges Trail - Carter Caves State Resort Park

The Three Bridges Trail within Carter Caves State Resort Park is an easy and enjoyable 3.5-mile loop that winds through magical landscapes and provides beautiful views.

This area is best known for its caves and rock formations, and you'll see an abundance of those features along the Three Bridges Trail. In the spring, the contrast between the shadowy caverns and emerald greens of the budding forest will make you feel as if you're in a real-life fairy tale.

7. Cedar Sink Trail - Mammoth Cave National Park

Rich and resplendent, the Cedar Sink Trail is a symphony of green in the spring. This 1.8-mile, out-and-back hike has its own trailhead, and the area is filled with unique features that will make you feel as though you're in Middle Earth. The intense greenery will delight you, making you wonder if The Bluegrass State should in fact be called something, well, greener.

8. John James Audubon State Park

While stunning any time of the year, the John James Audubon State Park is particularly winsome in the spring. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike; John James Audubon offers six miles of hiking trails that range in difficulty, terrain, and scenery. Much of the park is within a dedicated Kentucky State Nature Preserve, so the surroundings are particularly untouched, with a bounty of wildflowers and native plants. This park is pure and pristine Bluegrass State beauty.

9. Cumberland Falls Trail

There are actually 12 hiking trails throughout the park, but if you're looking to really savor the splendor of the iconic Cumberland Falls, the eponymous Cumberland Falls Trail is your best bet. This half-mile hike offers some seriously spectacular waterfall views, and if you time your visit right, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive moonbow. You don't want to miss that incredible sight!

If you were curious about the best spring hikes in Kentucky, now you know where to go! There really is nothing that compares to spring in Kentucky. Have you had the chance to explore these nice trails? Which ones were your favorites? Please let us know in the comments section! We're always happy to hear from you.

Get out and enjoy a little adventure this season in the Bluegrass State! To get yourself ready for your next outdoor journey, make sure you're outfitted and prepared for anything with gear from The North Face.

And for another swoon-worthy spring adventure in Kentucky, plan a visit to this gorgeous, blooming arboretum in Lexington!