Hopefully by now you already realize how lucky we are to have so many incredible state parks throughout Kentucky. Some are resorts and offer overnight accommodations, while others provide the natural oasis so many of us need. Experience natural beauty, relaxation, and plenty of fresh air at these destinations and there is one area of the Bluegrass State where you can visit three scenic Kentucky State Parks in one adventurous weekend. Head to northeastern Kentucky and check out Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park, and Grayson Lake State Park, for the ultimate getaway in the Bluegrass State!
You can begin your weekend at any of these three parks, but we’re going to first introduce Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.
Facebook/Greenbo Lake State Resort Park As a resort, there are a plethora of activities here, as well as a lodge if you wish to spend the night. There is also a campground if you want to bring along a tent or RV. If you do choose the lodge, many of the lovely rooms overlook scenic Greenbo Lake.
The lake is a source of much natural beauty and entertainment within the park.
Facebook/Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Get out on the water, thanks to the marina, take a hike, and be sure to look out for a variety of wildlife. You can also go fishing, have a picnic, enjoy the restaurant, among many other features.
With just a 40 minute drive, you can then arrive at the incredible Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Facebook/Carter Caves State Resort Park Known of course for its caves and cave tours, you can also stay in the lodge here, or at the campground. But that is just the beginning of the fun to be had at this park that truly has it all.
The hiking trails at Carter Caves are some of the best in the state.
Facebook/Carter Caves State Resort Park Cross swinging bridges, explore rock formations, and experience so many exciting highlights. You can read more about all this must-visit park has to offer in our previous article.
And then less than 30 minutes from Carter Caves is the wonderfully beautiful Grayson Lake State Park.
Facebook/SUP Kentucky This park seems to be lesser known than others, but it is anything but ordinary. The scenic lake is surrounded by rocky cliffs and towering trees, making it one of the best places to try out water sports. If you’d like some guidance on getting out on the lake, be sure to check out SUP Kentucky.
Grayson Lake may not offer a lodge, but they do have a lovely campground for both RVs and tents.
Google/Grayson Lake State Park There is also a golf course within the park, as well as a hiking trail that circles the campground along the shore of the lake.
And this lake is one you will want to explore.
Facebook/SUP Kentucky Grab a kayak, stand up paddle board, or canoe and see if you can find this hidden grotto. And for more information on Grayson Lake, be sure to check out our previous article.
There are many scenic Kentucky State Parks, but we especially love that you can pay a visit to three in one adventurous weekend. Each one offers a unique experience and all three are ideal for relaxation and fresh air. Have you spent time at any of these parks before? Are there other scenic Kentucky State Parks that you visit back to back? Let us know in the comments below!
Facebook/Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
As a resort, there are a plethora of activities here, as well as a lodge if you wish to spend the night. There is also a campground if you want to bring along a tent or RV. If you do choose the lodge, many of the lovely rooms overlook scenic Greenbo Lake.
Get out on the water, thanks to the marina, take a hike, and be sure to look out for a variety of wildlife. You can also go fishing, have a picnic, enjoy the restaurant, among many other features.
Facebook/Carter Caves State Resort Park
Known of course for its caves and cave tours, you can also stay in the lodge here, or at the campground. But that is just the beginning of the fun to be had at this park that truly has it all.
Cross swinging bridges, explore rock formations, and experience so many exciting highlights. You can read more about all this must-visit park has to offer in our previous article.
Facebook/SUP Kentucky
This park seems to be lesser known than others, but it is anything but ordinary. The scenic lake is surrounded by rocky cliffs and towering trees, making it one of the best places to try out water sports. If you’d like some guidance on getting out on the lake, be sure to check out SUP Kentucky.
Google/Grayson Lake State Park
There is also a golf course within the park, as well as a hiking trail that circles the campground along the shore of the lake.
Grab a kayak, stand up paddle board, or canoe and see if you can find this hidden grotto. And for more information on Grayson Lake, be sure to check out our previous article.
For more information on these Kentucky State Parks, visit each of their websites: Greenbo Lake, Carter Caves, Grayson Lake. Which of these three destinations is your favorite?
And for another gorgeous state park to visit in the Bluegrass, check out this mountainous area of Kentucky.
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Address: 965 Lodge Rd, Greenup, KY 41144, USAAddress: Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USAAddress: Grayson Lake State Park, 314 Grayson Lake State Park Rd, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in Kentucky January 12, 2022 Sarah M. What are some under-the-radar state parks I can visit in Kentucky? We mentioned this Kentucky State Park above, but it bears repeating. For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, there’s a splendid little lake that’s simply perfect for water-bound adventures — and it’s one you may never have even heard of. Grayson Lake is the best kayaking lake in Kentucky, and it’s absolutely worth checking out for your next adventure. How many Kentucky State Parks are there? There’s an embarrassment of riches here in the Bluegrass State, with untold wonders both above and below ground! And this beauty is epitomized in our many state parks, with Kentucky boasting no less than 45 of these amazing places! Each park has amazing amenities and attractions, offering Bluegrass State explorers a veritable choose your own adventure. There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in the Bluegrass State, with our numerous lakes and rivers providing the very best playground during the warmer months. Boating, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and tubing… we can do it all on our Kentucky state parks! What are some fun weekend trips to Kentucky State Parks? Kentucky is full of so many amazing attractions that offer fun and recreation galore for a weekend trip – and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park ranks high on the list. This perennial favorite is beautiful all year round, offering a near-endless menu of activities. Between the beautiful landscape, amazing outdoor recreation, and park amenities and accommodations, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is an amazing and affordable weekend getaway in Kentucky that deserves top spot on your bucket list – and here’s why.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in Kentucky
January 12, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some under-the-radar state parks I can visit in Kentucky? We mentioned this Kentucky State Park above, but it bears repeating. For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, there’s a splendid little lake that’s simply perfect for water-bound adventures — and it’s one you may never have even heard of. Grayson Lake is the best kayaking lake in Kentucky, and it’s absolutely worth checking out for your next adventure. How many Kentucky State Parks are there? There’s an embarrassment of riches here in the Bluegrass State, with untold wonders both above and below ground! And this beauty is epitomized in our many state parks, with Kentucky boasting no less than 45 of these amazing places! Each park has amazing amenities and attractions, offering Bluegrass State explorers a veritable choose your own adventure. There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in the Bluegrass State, with our numerous lakes and rivers providing the very best playground during the warmer months. Boating, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and tubing… we can do it all on our Kentucky state parks! What are some fun weekend trips to Kentucky State Parks? Kentucky is full of so many amazing attractions that offer fun and recreation galore for a weekend trip – and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park ranks high on the list. This perennial favorite is beautiful all year round, offering a near-endless menu of activities. Between the beautiful landscape, amazing outdoor recreation, and park amenities and accommodations, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is an amazing and affordable weekend getaway in Kentucky that deserves top spot on your bucket list – and here’s why.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We mentioned this Kentucky State Park above, but it bears repeating. For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, there’s a splendid little lake that’s simply perfect for water-bound adventures — and it’s one you may never have even heard of. Grayson Lake is the best kayaking lake in Kentucky, and it’s absolutely worth checking out for your next adventure.
How many Kentucky State Parks are there?
There’s an embarrassment of riches here in the Bluegrass State, with untold wonders both above and below ground! And this beauty is epitomized in our many state parks, with Kentucky boasting no less than 45 of these amazing places! Each park has amazing amenities and attractions, offering Bluegrass State explorers a veritable choose your own adventure. There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in the Bluegrass State, with our numerous lakes and rivers providing the very best playground during the warmer months. Boating, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and tubing… we can do it all on our Kentucky state parks!
What are some fun weekend trips to Kentucky State Parks?
Kentucky is full of so many amazing attractions that offer fun and recreation galore for a weekend trip – and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park ranks high on the list. This perennial favorite is beautiful all year round, offering a near-endless menu of activities. Between the beautiful landscape, amazing outdoor recreation, and park amenities and accommodations, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is an amazing and affordable weekend getaway in Kentucky that deserves top spot on your bucket list – and here’s why.
