7 Kentucky Hikes With Amazing Views
For a hiker in Kentucky, the state’s unique landscape—varying from rocky Appalachian Mountain terrain to rolling meadows—includes plenty of national forests and hundreds of miles of trails that don’t disappoint. While the Bluegrass State is known for cavernous hikes that explore its depths, Kentucky has plenty of above-ground vistas, too.
From gorgeous gorge views and breathtaking waterfalls, here’s some of the best hikes with a view you’ll find in Kentucky.
1. BATTLESHIP ROCK TRAIL IN NATURAL BRIDGE STATE RESORT PARK
This 0.75-mile long trail snakes below towering cliffs and beneath a luscious mixed mesophytic forest canopy as it ascends to Natural Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Kentucky. The trail, named for one of the razor thin ridges that overshadow it, provides hikers the opportunity for additional adventure in the form of two rugged staircases, Devil’s Gulch and Needles Eye, that spur between Battleship Rock Trail and Laurel Ridge Trail. If you choose to ignore the spurs, you can follow Battleship Rock Trail all the way to Natural Bridge, where you can access the top of the arch as well as the breathtaking views that accompany it by climbing a staircase that goes through a narrow crack known as “the squeeze”.
2. DOUBLE ARCH TRAIL IN DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST
A hiking-only trail, this beauty is open year round. Double Arch Trail clocks in at just under 4.5 miles as it weaves through hemlock forests below a sandstone cliff, ultimately leading to a killer overlook of Courthouse Rock. The trail begins at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead, which you can get to from the Auxier Ridge parking area at the end of Tunnel Ridge Road, just off of State Highway 15. Double Arch is a great day hike, but if you want to camp, staying overnight is an option too—just don’t forget to grab a permit beforehand.
3. RAVEN RUN NATURE SANCTUARY TRAIL
This 4.1-mile beauty is heavily trafficked, but when you see the views this loop trail has to offer, you’ll understand why. Raven Run climbs 515 feet as it makes its way to Palisades Overlook above the Kentucky River. The views are great anytime of the year, but fall is especially stunning. Shorter trails named after various colors make it possible to take shorter and easier hikes if you like. Raven Run is kid friendly, but you’ve got to leave your pooch at home.
4. BREAKS INTERSTATE PARK LOOP
Breaks Interstate Park encompasses parts of both Kentucky and Virginia. The Loop is a 4.7 miler considered a moderate trek. Open from April to December, you can bring your pup with you as long as it’s on a leash, and together you can enjoy the 1,335-foot climb to see stunning rock formations and vistas that stretch out over a five-mile-wide gorge, referred to by locals as "the Grand Canyon of the south," some 1,650 feet below you.
5. INDIAN STAIRCASE AND INDIAN ARCH LOOP IN RED RIVER GORGE
This hike is not for the faint of heart and isn’t intended to be undertaken alone. The staircase is steep and there are a couple places along the way that can spell danger if you’re not paying attention. That said, for experienced hikers there are few other choices in the state that boast the kinds of views that this hike delivers. Once you get to the top of the staircase, expect to spend some time soaking up the views. It’s best to allow four to six hours to hike Indian Staircase and Indian Arch Loop, even though the trip is only about 3.5 miles in length.
6. EAGLE FALLS TRAIL IN CUMBERLAND FALLS STATE RESORT PARK
The Eagle Falls Trail is the only way to get to Eagle Falls, so sometimes it can be a bit congested with fellow hikers. It’s a short jaunt though, just 1.5 miles in length, which makes it an ideal hike if you’ve got a group of varying ages and skill levels. (There are a steps along the way, however.) A lovely view of Cumberland Falls is in store for those who undertake it, and the trail is open year round.
7. PINNACLE TRAIL IN CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Cumberland Gap offers over 85 miles of trails that vary in length and difficulty. But the one with the best view is undoubtedly the Pinnacle Trail that leads to Pinnacle Overlook. It’s an out-and-back trail that stretches for 7.8 miles and climbs about 1,500 feet before reaching the overlook peering out over Cumberland Gap. The trail is accessible from April through October and lights up with fiery colors when fall rolls in.
Originally written by RootsRated for Kentucky Tourism