Kentucky might just be the most wondrous state in the country. For in the humble Bluegrass State, you’ll find the world’s largest underground cavern system, the country’s top bourbon distilleries, the most iconic fried chicken on the planet, one of the only moonbows in the world — and much, much more. With so many superlatives, it’s hard to know where to begin your Bluegrass adventures — so allow us to point you to the Daniel Boone country region, a place that’s home to countless natural wonders in Kentucky. This is the perfect place to revel in the resplendence of the Bluegrass State, with new wonders to discover at each and every turn.
Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the Bluegrass State (and the South, for that matter); it’s 708,000 acres of immense natural splendor.
DanBrandenburg/iStock via Getty Images Plus
For in this one region in central and eastern Kentucky, untold natural wonder awaits. In fact, it’s within Cumberland Gap National Historical Park where KY son Daniel Boone himself first laid eyes upon the Bluegrass.
Joshua Moore/iStock via Getty Images Plus This overlook is a place you can visit today, and there’s nothing that quite compares to standing at the exact spot that inspired Boone to say, “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA
This area is home to some of the state’s most iconic and notable natural arches and geographic features, too.
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus The Angels Windows natural arch formations at Red River Gorge are quite beautiful, especially within the context of their enchanting forest surroundings. You’ll find these beauties on the Angel Windows Trail, one of the park’s most accessible treks, in fact! This 0.6-mile trail winds beneath these winsome sandstone arch frames, and will leave you speechless. Angel Windows Trailhead - Red River Gorge, Sky Bridge Rd, Pine Ridge, KY 41360, USA
Natural Arch is perhaps the region’s most well-known landmark.
Sean Pavone/iStock via Getty Images Plus The iconic and easily recognizable Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature in our state and a place everyone should visit. Formed over millions of years, the park’s eponymous sandstone arch stretches more than 75 feet long and 65 feet high. Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
The arches aren’t just limited to Red River Gorge; at Kingdom Come State Park, immense splendor awaits.
Cris Ritchie Photo/iStock via Getty Images Plus Standing at an elevation of 2,700 feet, this park is the crowning jewel in the crest of Pine Mountain, located in the easternmost area of the state. This superlative spot boasts numerous jaw-dropping overlooks, making for a wondrous and bucket-list-worthy adventure in the Kentucky wilds. Kingdom Come State Park, 502 Park Rd, Cumberland, KY 40823, USA
Of course, the Daniel Boone country region is perhaps best-known for its waterfalls, of which there are many.
alexeys/iStock via Getty Images Plus Dog Slaughter Falls is an oft-forgotten gem that’s well-worth a visit when exploring Cumberland Falls State Resort Park! This winsome little fall is just 15 feet tall, but one of the most picture-perfect waterfalls in all of Kentucky. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Of course, Cumberland Falls is one of Kentucky’s most tremendous treasures; this incredible cascade is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country.
Sean Pavone/iStock via Getty Images Plus It’s referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the South,” and once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Within Cumberland Falls State Park, there’s a trail that leads to both Cumberland Falls and another incredible cascade, Eagle Falls. It’s one of the most picturesque hikes in Kentucky, and a must for all Bluegrass waterfall chasers. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USA
And if you thought this natural wonder couldn’t get any better, think again! Cumberland Falls is the site of the very rare moonbow. It’s the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can experience this rare phenomenon, where a rainbow seems to appear above the falls beneath the moon-lit sky.
JimVallee/iStock via Getty Images Plus Immense wonders await within the Daniel Boone National Forest region of the Bluegrass. Lace up your boots and set out on your very own grand Kentucky adventure!
Have you explored the Daniel Boone region before? Did you know about all of the above wonders? Share your experiences, favorite hikes, and must-visit gems in this resplendent region in the comments below!
DanBrandenburg/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Joshua Moore/iStock via Getty Images Plus
This overlook is a place you can visit today, and there’s nothing that quite compares to standing at the exact spot that inspired Boone to say, “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.”
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA
ehrlif/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Angels Windows natural arch formations at Red River Gorge are quite beautiful, especially within the context of their enchanting forest surroundings. You’ll find these beauties on the Angel Windows Trail, one of the park’s most accessible treks, in fact! This 0.6-mile trail winds beneath these winsome sandstone arch frames, and will leave you speechless.
Angel Windows Trailhead - Red River Gorge, Sky Bridge Rd, Pine Ridge, KY 41360, USA
Sean Pavone/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The iconic and easily recognizable Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature in our state and a place everyone should visit. Formed over millions of years, the park’s eponymous sandstone arch stretches more than 75 feet long and 65 feet high.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
Cris Ritchie Photo/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Standing at an elevation of 2,700 feet, this park is the crowning jewel in the crest of Pine Mountain, located in the easternmost area of the state. This superlative spot boasts numerous jaw-dropping overlooks, making for a wondrous and bucket-list-worthy adventure in the Kentucky wilds.
Kingdom Come State Park, 502 Park Rd, Cumberland, KY 40823, USA
alexeys/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Dog Slaughter Falls is an oft-forgotten gem that’s well-worth a visit when exploring Cumberland Falls State Resort Park! This winsome little fall is just 15 feet tall, but one of the most picture-perfect waterfalls in all of Kentucky.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
It’s referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the South,” and once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Within Cumberland Falls State Park, there’s a trail that leads to both Cumberland Falls and another incredible cascade, Eagle Falls. It’s one of the most picturesque hikes in Kentucky, and a must for all Bluegrass waterfall chasers.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USA
JimVallee/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Immense wonders await within the Daniel Boone National Forest region of the Bluegrass. Lace up your boots and set out on your very own grand Kentucky adventure!
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Address: Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky 40447, USA
