Home to flourishing jungles, magnificent rivers, and picturesque towns, Kentucky’s breathtaking beauty makes it one of the perfect US destinations, especially for summer travel. From the Appalachian Mountains on its east side to its Horse Country, the world’s horse capital, the Bluegrass state is brimming with specular attractions that will definitely leave tourists in awe! Have a camera ready, take a trip to this state, and experience its majesty. Whether one is looking a natural scenery, an incredible city view, or historic settings, these 10 of the most beautiful spots to visit in Kentucky guarantee unforgettable trips.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Places For A Summer Vacation In Kentucky

UPDATE: 2023/07/10 23:41 EST BY QUINTER AUMA

Most Beautiful Spots To Visit In Kentucky

Kentucky is a beautiful state, and boasts some of the most picturesque places in the U.S. This article was updated to add more breathtaking places to explore in the state. It also added more valuable information, including a few tips in between the entries to help vacationers make the most of their visit.

14 The Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Blue Heron Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Photo from Shutterstock
The abandoned Blue Heron mining site in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Home to one of the abandoned places in the to see in the U.S. national parks, the Blue Heron mining site, the Big South Fork National River, and Recreation Area is a perfect spot for visitors looking for opportunities to connect with nature. Nestled in the northeastern side of the state, in the Cumberland Plateau, the place comes with several outdoor activities, including rock climbing, hiking, rafting, camping, and horseback riding.

Travelers are bound to find numerous natural bridges in this region and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding.

Covering 125, 000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, the Big South Fork National River, and Recreation Area boasts several miles of breathtaking gorges and other rich historical features worth noticing.

  • Space covered: 125,000 acres of Cumberland Plateau

The Big South Fork National River is home to the Blue Heron, one of the abandoned mining sites to explore in the U.S. If exploring the neglected places in the country, one should also check some of the U.S. abandoned sites to see on a road trip.

13 Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area

Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Photo by Ben Wilkins on Unsplash
A lake in The Land Between the Lakes in Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Mounted between Kentucky and Tennessee, this spot was designated a national recreation area in 1963, and is never short of things to see and do.

From incredible hiking trails to scenic drives to fantastic wildlife, including bison and elk, there is something for everyone in this gorgeous region. The recreation area offers one of the eastern United States' largest blocks of rugged forest.

The family-friendly destination offers travelers incredible access to magnificent lakes, picnicking, fishing, water sports, and boating, among others.

12 Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest
Image by WycliffeToo from Pixabay
Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky

Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the U.S., covers over 708, 000 acres running through Kentucky’s 21 counties. The park uniquely features beautiful gorges, cliffs, streams, and rivers that together make up its varied terrain.

The other notable feature in this park is the Natural Bridge, standing 65 ft high, and stretching 75 ft long.

The park offers several outdoor opportunities, including numerous miles of hiking trails, backpacking, and climbing. Stretching for 273 miles, Sheltowee Trace is the largest hiking trail in the park.

11 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

With some of the most beautiful vistas, incredible history, breathtaking scenery, spectacular caverns, and amazing wildlife, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Kentucky.

Offering more than 70 miles of hiking trails, visiting this park comes with plenty of opportunities for discovering the wild areas of the state.

The Wilderness Road Trail, one of the best hikes one can do in the U.S., allows tourists to take in the history of Kentucky, as they walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, the first inhabitants of the place, and soldiers that fought in the civil war.

Related: Why Kentucky's Cumberland Gap Is A National Park Worth Visiting

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park offers a lot to explore, including unique rock formations, gorgeous underground caverns, and some of the most incredible fauna and flora. During a trip to the park, vacationers shouldn't miss the Hensley Settlement, which gives a glimpse of the 20-th century lifestyle.

10 Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls Waterfall, a famous attraction in Kentucky
Photo by lauren barton on Unsplash
Cumberland Falls Waterfall, a famous attraction in Kentucky 

Also known as the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls is proof that Kentucky is one of America's most gorgeous states. Measuring 68 ft tall, this is probably the only place where travelers can easily spot moonbows on regularly.

The best time for seeing the Cumberland Waterfalls moonbows is between dusk and midnight. Part of the Cumberland Falls State Park, where several hiking trails and other waterfalls surrounding are nothing but a feast for the eyes.

  • Waterfall height: 68 feet

9 Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the best in Kentucky for a summer vacation
Photo 69431385 © Kottapsm | Dreamstime.com
Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the best in Kentucky for a summer vacation

One of the world's longest caves with a lot to offer, Mammoth Cave, is among the most stunning places to explore in Kentucky. Having been wandered by travelers for more than 4,000 years, Mammoth Cave is easily one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions.

Within the cave, travelers will find some bats enjoying the darkness it offers. While the cave system is the Mammoth Cave National Park’s major draw, there are miles of beautiful trails in the region to explore.

This park is also a perfect place for wildlife viewing, and vacationers are likely to spot black bears and several species of birds.

8 Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks Interstate Park Kentucky
via Shutterstock
A view of the trees and clouds at Breaks Interstate Park in Kentucky

Also referred to as the Grand Canyon of the South, this park hosts the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi, Russel Fork Gorge, and the most convenient way to get there is by following Virginia State Route 80.

Lying both in Kentucky and Virginia, this place is an outdoor adventurers’ paradise, boasting 25 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birding.

There is a zip line within the park offering breathtaking views of the gorge.

  • Cost of entrance: $3 per car, and $10 per bus (with 15 or more passengers)
  • Number of hiking trails: 25

7 Kentucky State Capitol

State Capitol Building, Kentucky
Image by Simon from Pixabay
Inside the State Capitol Building, Kentucky

Located in the city of Frankfort, Kentucky State Capitol is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Kentucky, thanks to its outstanding architecture. It is the house of the three government branches, the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Constructed in 1837, the building has served as the home of the state’s General Assembly from 1830 to 1910.

Featuring incredible decorative murals, the state's dignitaries' sculptures, and 70 iconic columns, the Kentucky State Capital is spectacular and shouldn't miss on a bucket list for exploring the state.

  • Year built: 1837

6 Louisville’s Olmsted Parks

Louisville, Kentucky
Photo by Kyle Nieber on Unsplash
Cherokee Park in Louisville, Kentucky

Lying on the Ohio River's banks, Louisville has plenty of things to do, including beautiful parks, some of which, are the most iconic in the country. The city's Olmsted Parks are some of its most gorgeous places to explore, especially in the summer.

When exploring the big city, travelers can always escape to Iroquois, Cherokee, Seneka, or Shawnee Parks, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. These parks offer a bunch of recreational activities, including hiking, playing tennis, and mountain biking.

The Olmsted Parks Conversancy is responsible for improving, restoring, and preserving the designated Olmsted Parks.

5 Red River Gorge

Courthouse Rock of the Red River Gorge in Kentucky
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Courthouse Rock of the Red River Gorge in Kentucky

Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is known for its natural stone arches and for being a world-famous destination for rock climbing and hiking.

Because it hosts unique rock formations and sandstone cliffs, the Red River Gorge is a national geological area.

The gorge's natural beauty is spectacular, and is a perfect spot for a family getaway, thanks to the amazing recreation opportunities and incredible accommodation options between the woods.

Related: Here's A Full Guide To Planning A Day Trip From Lexington To Red River Gorge

4 Dog Slaughter Falls

Dog Slaughter Falls in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Southern Kentucky
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Dog Slaughter Falls in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Southern Kentucky

Dog Slaughter is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Kentucky, and among the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the U.S. Standing at a height of 15 feet, it is definitely one of the most picturesque spots in the state and guarantees epic travel experiences for adventurous tourists. The Dog Slaughter Falls Trail offers breathtaking views of the falls, and an opportunity to marvel at the natural scenery of the surrounding. The hike is rated as moderately challenging, and a perfect place to take dogs for some strolls. Any trip to Kentucky can’t be complete without exploring this waterfall.

  • Waterfall height: 15 feet
  • The trail for getting to the waterfall: Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
  • Hike difficulty: Moderately challenging

Dog Slaughter Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Kentucky, which means it will be crowded, especially during the high season. But since the trail is open year-round, vacationers can explore it when it's less crowded.

3 The Appalachians

Appalachian Mountains
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash
The Appalachian Mountains at midday

The Appalachians used to be as expansive as the iconic Rocky Mountains and the Alps, but it is still among the most beautiful places one can visit in the United States and among the must-have travel experiences at least once in a lifetime. Covering a space of about 2,000 miles, the Appalachian region is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the U.S., and while the Kentucky side of the region doesn't have the highest peaks, it is incredibly gorgeous and definitely worth exploring.

  • Space covered by the Appalachians: 2,000 miles

2 Fairmount Falls

Aerial view of Louisville, Kentucky

Photo 248370609 © Walter Arce | Dreamstime.com
Aerial view of Louisville, Kentucky

Standing at a height of 40 feet, Fairmount Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kentucky to visit in the summer. It’s no wonder it entices many tourists from different places who come to witness its glory. Vacationers can explore it any time of the year, thanks for having a less-strenuous. While it's a hidden gem of Louisville, it's definitely worth including on one's bucket list. It is one of the most affordable U.S. summer vacations not to miss in Kentucky. Even in winter, one can still enjoy a quick escape to this gorgeous natural attraction. One won't need to be in the cold for a very long time.

  • Waterfall height: 40 feet

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Places For A Summer Vacation In Kentucky

1 Kentucky Lake

Kentucky, USA
Image by Olivia Scholz from Pixabay
Two people kayaking on a body of water in Kentucky

Expanding over 160,000 acres of space, Kentucky Lake is one of the most beautiful and largest artificial lakes in the U.S. The sunset views from this lake are some of the most breathtaking and guarantee beautiful experiences for vacationers. Marveling at the gorgeous oranges, reds, and yellows is fulfilling, and photography enthusiasts can take some of the best memories of Kentucky. Some of the spots for catching the best sunsets over Kentucky Lake include the Marina at Lighthouse Landing and a scenic drive along Kentucky Lake Drive.

  • Space covered: 160,000 acres
  • Where to enjoy the best sunsets over Kentucky Lake: the Marina at Lighthouse Landing and a scenic drive along the Kentucky Lake Drive