Kentucky is a nature lover’s dream with 45 state parks, including 17 full-service resorts. Whether you’re an individual looking for a quiet getaway or a large family ready to escape your everyday life, Kentucky has the perfect spot for you. While some of the parks are well-known and for good reason, many are just as wonderful and deserve your attention. Here are some under-appreciated state parks in Kentucky we highly recommend you pay a visit to — and soon!

  1. Big Bone Lick State Park - 3380 Beaver Road Union, KY, 41091

Flickr/Sonja Big Bone Lick is one of the most unique state parks you’ll find in Kentucky. With traditional camping and hiking options, along with a renovated museum and a herd of roaming bison, you will never be bored at this historic site. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA

  1. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park - 4441 KY Hwy. 1833, Buckhorn, KY, 41721

TripAdvisor/KentuckyTraveler15 Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Buckhorn Lake State Park provides the seclusion you may be seeking. The lodge is a lovely place to stay year round and the views and fishing can’t be beat. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USA

  1. Carter Caves State Resort Park - 344 Caveland Dr., Olive Hill, KY 41164

Flickr/Kentucky Photo File Carter Caves may not get as much attention as another Kentucky cave, but it’s just as exciting. At this park, you can take a cave tour, hike through thick wilderness and even mine for gemstones. Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA

  1. Dawkins Line Rail Trail - HWY 825 Swamp Branch, KY, 41240

Flickr/Steve Beshear At only a few years old, Dawkins Line Rail Trail is a unique way to experience Kentucky’s beautiful landscape. The first 18 miles are complete and eventually there will be a total of 36 miles to explore. The trail was built over an old railway, so whether you are walking, bicycling, or horseback riding, the views will impress you. Dawkins Line Rail Trail, Kentucky, USA

  1. John James Audubon State Park - 3100 US Hwy 41 North, Henderson, KY, 42419

Facebook/John James Audubon State Park The John James Audubon State Park is worth a visit for its museum alone. Along with the fantastic nature center, they provide a one-of-a-kind park experience in a charming setting. John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA

  1. Kincaid Lake State Park - 565 Kincaid Park Rd., Falmouth, KY, 41040

Facebook/Kincaid Lake State Park Board This 183-acre lake in Falmouth, Kentucky is a hidden gem of a park. The marina offers boat rentals for those eager to fish and the 9-hole golf course shows off the natural beauty of Kentucky. Kincaid Lake State Park, 565 Kincaid Park Road, Falmouth, KY 41040, USA

  1. Mineral Mound State Park - 48 Finch Ln., Eddyville, KY, 42038

Facebook/Mineral Mound State Park Speaking of golf, Mineral Mound is the Kentucky mecca for this treasured sport. The park has many features, but the challenging golf course, that winds its way around the lake, is the true highlight. Mineral Mound State Park, 48 Finch Ln, Eddyville, KY 42038, USA

  1. Pennyrile Forest State Park - 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd., Dawson Springs, KY, 42408

Flickr/Kentucky Photo File Pennyrile is the ideal Kentucky hideaway and escape into nature. The lake and beach are great for hot summer days and there are more than 14,000 acres to explore during your visit. Pennyrile Forest State Park Road, Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Kentucky, USA

  1. Pine Mountain State Resort Park - 1050 State Park Road, Pineville, KY, 40977

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson As Kentucky’s first state park, Pine Mountain should not be forgotten. The lodge is a piece of art and there are endless activities, from restful to challenging. The views of Kentucky Ridge State Forest are priceless. Pine Mountain State Resort Park, 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA

  1. Taylorsville Lake State Park - Taylorsville, KY, 40071

TripAdvisor/Gwen W. Horse lovers can meet up at Taylorsville Lake for one of the best riding trails in the state. This park is also wonderful for those looking to fish, boat and simply relax. Taylorsville Lake State Park, 1320 Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046, USA

You don’t have to leave Kentucky to experience all nature has to offer. How many of these state parks in Kentucky have you paid a visit to recently? Which state parks did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!

Flickr/Sonja

Big Bone Lick is one of the most unique state parks you’ll find in Kentucky. With traditional camping and hiking options, along with a renovated museum and a herd of roaming bison, you will never be bored at this historic site.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA

TripAdvisor/KentuckyTraveler15

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Buckhorn Lake State Park provides the seclusion you may be seeking. The lodge is a lovely place to stay year round and the views and fishing can’t be beat.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USA

Flickr/Kentucky Photo File

Carter Caves may not get as much attention as another Kentucky cave, but it’s just as exciting. At this park, you can take a cave tour, hike through thick wilderness and even mine for gemstones.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA

Flickr/Steve Beshear

At only a few years old, Dawkins Line Rail Trail is a unique way to experience Kentucky’s beautiful landscape. The first 18 miles are complete and eventually there will be a total of 36 miles to explore. The trail was built over an old railway, so whether you are walking, bicycling, or horseback riding, the views will impress you.

Dawkins Line Rail Trail, Kentucky, USA

Facebook/John James Audubon State Park

The John James Audubon State Park is worth a visit for its museum alone. Along with the fantastic nature center, they provide a one-of-a-kind park experience in a charming setting.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA

Facebook/Kincaid Lake State Park Board

This 183-acre lake in Falmouth, Kentucky is a hidden gem of a park. The marina offers boat rentals for those eager to fish and the 9-hole golf course shows off the natural beauty of Kentucky.

Kincaid Lake State Park, 565 Kincaid Park Road, Falmouth, KY 41040, USA

Facebook/Mineral Mound State Park

Speaking of golf, Mineral Mound is the Kentucky mecca for this treasured sport. The park has many features, but the challenging golf course, that winds its way around the lake, is the true highlight.

Mineral Mound State Park, 48 Finch Ln, Eddyville, KY 42038, USA

Pennyrile is the ideal Kentucky hideaway and escape into nature. The lake and beach are great for hot summer days and there are more than 14,000 acres to explore during your visit.

Pennyrile Forest State Park Road, Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Kentucky, USA

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson

As Kentucky’s first state park, Pine Mountain should not be forgotten. The lodge is a piece of art and there are endless activities, from restful to challenging. The views of Kentucky Ridge State Forest are priceless.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA

TripAdvisor/Gwen W.

Horse lovers can meet up at Taylorsville Lake for one of the best riding trails in the state. This park is also wonderful for those looking to fish, boat and simply relax.

Taylorsville Lake State Park, 1320 Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046, USA

For some more under-the-radar state parks to visit in Kentucky, check out this article: 7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Kentucky That Will Absolutely Amaze You!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 825 Swamp Branch, KY 41240Address: 1833 Buckhorn, KY 41721

The OIYS Visitor Center

State Parks to Visit in Kentucky January 15, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other state parks I should make a point to visit in Kentucky? There are so many beautiful state parks to visit in Kentucky (45, in fact!), that it can be overwhelming knowing where, exactly, to begin. We’re here to help. Here are 10 of the most beautiful state parks in Kentucky; they are located all across the state, so there’s sure to be one close to you! Some of the notable sites on the list include Lincoln Homestead State Park, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, General Burnside State Park, and General Burnside State Park. If you’re into boating and water recreation, General Burnside State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Kentucky to visit, as are Nolin Lake State Park and Paintsville Lake State Park! What’s the most beautiful state park in Kentucky? Here in Kentucky, we’re no stranger to great parks. Kentucky is home to 45 state parks, each offering a unique and unrivaled experience. Today, however, we’re playing favorites, and naming Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as the single best state park in Kentucky. This superlative superstar has it all: breathtaking scenery, amazing outdoor recreation, and some of the most incredible natural wonders in the Bluegrass State. In terms of Kentucky State Parks, Cumberland Falls reigns supreme. It’s 1,657 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering visitors an extraordinary park experience – and the extraordinary experience of Cumberland Falls begins with its accommodations. DuPont Lodge is one of the most beautiful park lodges in Kentucky, and you’ll be enchanted by its postcard-perfect charms! Of course, you can also choose to camp at Cumberland Falls; the state park has 50 gorgeous campsites, each with electric and water hookups – and sweeping scenic views. This state park in Kentucky really does have it all, and that’s why we’ve named Cumberland Falls State Resort Park the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass State!

The OIYS Visitor Center

State Parks to Visit in Kentucky

January 15, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some other state parks I should make a point to visit in Kentucky? There are so many beautiful state parks to visit in Kentucky (45, in fact!), that it can be overwhelming knowing where, exactly, to begin. We’re here to help. Here are 10 of the most beautiful state parks in Kentucky; they are located all across the state, so there’s sure to be one close to you! Some of the notable sites on the list include Lincoln Homestead State Park, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, General Burnside State Park, and General Burnside State Park. If you’re into boating and water recreation, General Burnside State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Kentucky to visit, as are Nolin Lake State Park and Paintsville Lake State Park! What’s the most beautiful state park in Kentucky? Here in Kentucky, we’re no stranger to great parks. Kentucky is home to 45 state parks, each offering a unique and unrivaled experience. Today, however, we’re playing favorites, and naming Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as the single best state park in Kentucky. This superlative superstar has it all: breathtaking scenery, amazing outdoor recreation, and some of the most incredible natural wonders in the Bluegrass State. In terms of Kentucky State Parks, Cumberland Falls reigns supreme. It’s 1,657 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering visitors an extraordinary park experience – and the extraordinary experience of Cumberland Falls begins with its accommodations. DuPont Lodge is one of the most beautiful park lodges in Kentucky, and you’ll be enchanted by its postcard-perfect charms! Of course, you can also choose to camp at Cumberland Falls; the state park has 50 gorgeous campsites, each with electric and water hookups – and sweeping scenic views. This state park in Kentucky really does have it all, and that’s why we’ve named Cumberland Falls State Resort Park the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass State!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are so many beautiful state parks to visit in Kentucky (45, in fact!), that it can be overwhelming knowing where, exactly, to begin. We’re here to help. Here are 10 of the most beautiful state parks in Kentucky; they are located all across the state, so there’s sure to be one close to you! Some of the notable sites on the list include Lincoln Homestead State Park, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, General Burnside State Park, and General Burnside State Park. If you’re into boating and water recreation, General Burnside State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Kentucky to visit, as are Nolin Lake State Park and Paintsville Lake State Park!

What’s the most beautiful state park in Kentucky?

Here in Kentucky, we’re no stranger to great parks. Kentucky is home to 45 state parks, each offering a unique and unrivaled experience. Today, however, we’re playing favorites, and naming Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as the single best state park in Kentucky. This superlative superstar has it all: breathtaking scenery, amazing outdoor recreation, and some of the most incredible natural wonders in the Bluegrass State. In terms of Kentucky State Parks, Cumberland Falls reigns supreme. It’s 1,657 acres of pure Bluegrass beauty, offering visitors an extraordinary park experience – and the extraordinary experience of Cumberland Falls begins with its accommodations. DuPont Lodge is one of the most beautiful park lodges in Kentucky, and you’ll be enchanted by its postcard-perfect charms! Of course, you can also choose to camp at Cumberland Falls; the state park has 50 gorgeous campsites, each with electric and water hookups – and sweeping scenic views. This state park in Kentucky really does have it all, and that’s why we’ve named Cumberland Falls State Resort Park the superlative superstar of the Bluegrass State!