Equestrian Experiences

Equestrian experiences abound in the Bluegrass State — the bright green grass perfect for grazing grows abundantly in our pastures. Go horseback riding through Daniel Boone National Forest or Mammoth Cave National Park. Tour a horse farm (more than 400 in the Lexington area alone!) and spend time with a titleholder-in-training or Kentucky Derby horses retired to stud. And don’t miss the high-stepping hoofbeats heard ‘round Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, each August during the Shelbyville Horse Show.

From the legendary Kentucky Derby to the one-of-a-kind Kentucky Horse Park, it’s undeniable that Kentucky’s horse culture has the inside track.
The first Saturday in May attracts more than 150,000 fans to Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby, “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but every day is Derby Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. Get hands-on with interactive exhibits, take in the 360-degree film and take a guided visit to the Churchill Downs track.

The renowned Louisville course isn’t the only place to hear and feel the thundering of hooves. Keeneland in Lexington is a National Historic Landmark; it’s hosted spring and fall thoroughbred races since the 1930s, and today spectators tailgate on “The Hill” with fare from food trucks while live bluegrass plays in the background.

Other horse racing courses are sprinkled around the state, and for something a little different check out harness racing at Red Mile Racetrack in Lexington. The second-oldest harness track in the world, the clay-course Red Mile attracts more than 18,000 fans to its season, July through the second week of October.

At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, celebrate local horse heritage every day. See American Saddlebreds to Old Kentucky Saddlers being trained and groomed in the Breeds Barn. Admire retired racehorses in the Hall of Champions. Take a trail ride on horseback or saddle up the kids for pony rides. Attend equestrian events, including show jumping, dressage and polo.

Even if you don’t come to Kentucky a horse lover, you’ll almost certainly leave as one.

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Hiking the John Muir Trail to Honey Creek Loop

Southern Kentucky Vacations

First forged by John Muir himself while making his way from Florida to Kentucky, the John Muir Trail is still adventurous in the modern day. Originally the JMT didn’t connect to Honey Creek Loop, but after it was extended in 2014, it made the route complete and hikers can now make their way across both (which are technically part of the larger Sheltowee National Recreation Trail).

What Makes It Great

Not far from Stearns, Kentucky in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest is where you’ll find your way to this trail that eventually traverses into Tennessee and connects with Honey Creek Loop. Honey Creek Loop is where the real challenge comes in, as well as a lot of the beauty—you’re sure to see wildflowers galore if you go in the spring. Waterfall are numerous. Stretching across 5.7 miles and looping back, Honey Creek Loop is a good challenge for hikers—it’s considered to be the toughest in the Big South Fork area.

It’s easy to get lost since since the blazes are inconsistent, so you’ll really have to have your wits about you. But if you love a challenge and gorgeous nature to accompany it, you’ll fall in love with this trail combo pretty fast. In addition, you’ll have to scramble over rocks at several places where packing light will come in handy.

Opting for camping and splitting this combo up is really the best way to approach it because it makes for an excellent two day excursion that allows you to go slower and take everything in.

Who is Going to Love It

History loving hiking buffs will enjoy this route that John Muir undertook himself. If you’ve dreamt of undertaking an epic and historic trail, starting off along the JMT and taking it into Tennessee towards Honey Creek is a beautiful way to kick off a southbound adventure. The trail isn’t for novices, but anyone with an appetite for hardy adventure will enjoy immersing themselves in the deep wilderness the JMT offers.

Directions, Parking & Regulations

Stearns, KY is located along the Wilburn K. Ross Highway, otherwise known as KY-92.

Kentucky Horse Country