Wintertime is a season of great beauty in Kentucky. However, it also invokes in residents a sort of restlessness as cabin fever sets in. Fortunately, there is one easy way to combat cabin fever: embark on one of the many beautiful winter hikes in Kentucky! Our landscape boasts many incredible and hikeable destinations, and winter oftentimes makes our landscape all the more picturesque. Bundle up and lace up your hiking boots, because snow and ice won't be keeping you indoors this season.

1. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is an absolutely splendid getaway with a rich and engaging landscape. This United States National Recreation Area stretches across the Kentucky and Tennessee borders, right between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. As winter coats the landscape, this dreamy natural space becomes a jaw-dropping landscape, making it one of our favorite winter hikes in Kentucky.

2. Dog Slaughter Falls Trail

This enchanting trail runs almost totally parallel to Dog Slaughter Creek, which transforms splendidly with the presence of snow and ice. The Dog Slaughter Falls Trail spans 2.6 miles, a distance worth traveling to experience its very own ice-covered waterfall.

3. Carr Creek Lake

Just east of Hazard, Kentucky is a lake that's absolutely enchanting when draped in a blanket of snow. Carr Creek Lake is a reservoir of 710 acres created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s. Today, it is surrounded by Carr Creek State Park, which is full of family-friendly fun. While most often visited for swimming and camping in the summer, Carr Creek Lake is equally lovely in the winter!

4. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Once upon a time, this vivid site in Boone County, Kentucky was frequented by gigantic Ice Age mammals. Known to modern science as megafauna, these critters were attracted by a salt lick in the midst of the most recent ice age. Today, this underrated Kentucky State Park is a marvelous winter destination due to its its unique displays and impressive views.

5. Nolin Lake

Nolin Lake is a landscape that has delighted visitors for generations. This 5,795-acre lake was first formed in 1963, though it would not open as Nolin Lake State Park until 2001. Today, this site is particularly beloved in the summer months thanks to its sandy beaches. Of course, it is equally as striking in the winter.

6. General Butler State Resort Park

Another underrated Kentucky State Park, General Butler State Resort Park is a vision in the winter. If you have ever longed for the opportunity to look down over a snow-covered valley, the gorgeous landscape of General Butler State Resort Park is yours to conquer! Their cozy lodge offers gorgeous views and easy access to snow-kissed trails.

7. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Hiding in Powell and Wolfe Counties is... well, a natural bridge. This naturally-occurring sandstone arch is surrounded by the splendid Daniel Boone National Forest, and its own 2,300 acre expanse features much to discover.

8. Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Tucked away in the appropriately named community of Pineville is a dreamy mountain landscape. Pine Mountain was Kentucky's first state park, and it was established back in 1924. Ever since, visitors have found themselves charmed by its beauty and awe-inspiring features.

9. Kenlake State Resort Park

Anyone up for a wintertime road trip? The landscape of

Kenlake State Resort Park is so enchanting that it even stuns visitors from the comfort of their cars. Once you park and begin exploring the western shore of Kentucky Lake, you'll find that there is much to discover! Cherokee and Chickasaw Trails make for a particularly lovely walk through this snow-covered landscape.

Longing for the best winter hikes in Kentucky? These scenic spots just might become your new favorite wintertime getaways. Which of these pretty places is your favorite? Share it with us in the comments below!

Craving more wintertime splendor? Add these frozen waterfalls in Kentucky to your seasonal bucket list! And for more hiking inspiration, check out these 12 scenic trails in Kentucky to take over the course of the year.