There are lots of beautiful hikes in the Bluegrass, but did you know there’s a trail in Kentucky that leads straight through a real enchanted forest? This is the magic of the Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail in Kentucky’s Lake Malone State Park. The park recently added some new fairy tale friends to the forest, and these larger-than-life creatures make for an enchanting hiking adventure here in Kentucky.
Lake Malone is one of the most beautiful, underrated state parks in Kentucky. Folks come here for the water recreation, which is unrivaled.
Vicky Wolfe/AllTrails
But a recent addition at Lake Malone took this Kentucky State Park from magnificent… to downright magical.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Known as the “Big Twigs,” this family of friendly giants now calls Lake Malone home. You can see all three when you visit this imaginative attraction that’s appealing to all ages.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
But there’s always been a fairy tale quality to Lake Malone, and this is epitomized in the Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail.
Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails
This lovely, 4.5-mile trail winds through a beautiful forest, complete with a babbling little brook and even some small waterfalls!
Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails
Fairy tale features abound along this trail, with boldly colored mushrooms, lush ivy, and…
Rich Woodrick/AllTrails
…charming woodland creatures scurrying about!
Brad Gentry/AllTrails
What’s a fairy tale trail without a fanciful footbridge? Can’t you just imagine a crotchety old troll living beneath these wooden beams?
Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails
In addition to bewitching rock formations, the Laurel, Turkey Ridge and Blue Heron Trail also winds past some giant trees and striking canyons and geographical features.
Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails
Of course, the Big Twigs you’ll see along this trail certainly take it to another level that’s pure fantasy.
Vision Studios/Facebook But luckily for us, this isn’t a fairy tale. This is real life in the beautiful Bluegrass State.
Have you visited Lake Malone State Park recently? Did you know about the “Big Twigs” family of whimsical woodland creatures in this park? This enchanted forest trail in Kentucky really is the most magical hiking experience!
Vicky Wolfe/AllTrails
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Heidi Marsh Garren/AllTrails
Rich Woodrick/AllTrails
Brad Gentry/AllTrails
Vision Studios/Facebook
But luckily for us, this isn’t a fairy tale. This is real life in the beautiful Bluegrass State.
Of course, this isn’t the only straight-from-a-fairy-tale spot in the state. From dining in a real-life castle to admiring our very own moonbow, the Bluegrass State is an enchanting and magical place to be!
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Address: Lake Malone, Kentucky, USA