Whereas Kentucky has definitely made a reputation for itself in bourbon, baseball, and horseracing, it’s additionally house to a few of the most naturally lovely parks, trails, and historic markers our nation has to supply. To assist plan your tour of the American Southeast, right here’s a complete listing of Kentucky Nationwide Parks you shouldn’t miss.
Kentucky Nationwide Parks
Picture by way of Shutterstock
Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park
Positioned within the coronary heart of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park is house to deep rivers, rolling hills, and the world’s longest-known cave system — spanning over 400 miles. Guests can take guided excursions beneath the floor to discover the depths of the cavern, in addition to traverse effectively over 70 miles of mountain climbing trails, campgrounds, and gorgeous ecology.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
Positioned close to Hodgenville, Kentucky, the Abraham Lincoln Nationwide Historic Park is devoted to preserving the kid house and legacy of our sixteenth president.
The Birthplace unit the place Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, features a memorial constructing resembling that of a log cabin and incorporates a museum showcasing artifacts, furnishings, clothes, and art work from the President’s life.
The Boyhood Dwelling unit contains the Sinking Spring Farm the place Lincoln lived along with his household till he was seven, in addition to a duplicate cabin, picnic space, and customer heart with displays additionally commemorating his childhood.
Moreover, the park affords particular occasions all year long, together with, historic demonstrations, ranger-led packages, and a wreath-laying ceremony on Lincoln’s birthday.
Cumberland Hole Historic Path
Picture by way of Shutterstock
A 300-mile path system spanning Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, the Cumberland Hole follows the historic routes of early settlers who crossed the Appalachian Mountains and settled within the western frontier.
Along with tracing the historic territory of Native People and pioneers, trendy nomads can expertise a few of the most scenic mountain climbing, biking, and driving east of the Mississippi.
Lewis and Clark Historic Path
Following the well-known route taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Lewis and Clark Historic Path spans over 3,700 miles and passes via Kentucky on its option to the Pacific Ocean. Along with a wealthy historical past, the path system contains quite a lot of points of interest together with museums, interpretive facilities, and positively loads of historic websites.
The Historic Path of Tears
A somber but highly effective reminder of our nation’s historical past, the Path of Tears is a 5,000-mile path commemorating the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole individuals who have been pressured to relocate from their homelands. With a part of the path spanning Kentucky, it serves as a chance for biking, mountain climbing, and reflection, whereas taking in the great thing about the American Southeast.
Camp Nelson Nationwide Monument
Picture by way of Shutterstock
Positioned in Jessamine County, Kentucky, Camp Nelson Nationwide Monument is devoted to preserving the legacy of the Civil Battle-era Union Military recruitment and coaching heart. Immediately, Camp Nelson incorporates a customer heart, historic buildings, barracks, and a cemetery, full with guided excursions and historic reenactments.
Mill Springs Battlefield
Positioned in south-central Kentucky, Mills Springs is without doubt one of the state’s most important Civil Battle battlefields, representing a major Union victory on January 19, 1862. Immediately the battlefield is managed by the Nationwide Park Service and serves as a historic landmark with dwelling demonstrations providing guests an opportunity to expertise a pivotal piece of our nation’s historical past.
Fort Donelson Battlefield
Bleeding into each Tennessee and Kentucky, Fort Donelson Nationwide Battlefield commemorates an vital victory for the Union forces in addition to the primary time the Accomplice military surrendered a big portion of their military, in February of 1862. Immediately guests can take within the significance of the battlefield via self-guided excursions and interpretive signage detailing the occasions of the battle.
Massive South Fork River and Leisure Space
Positioned on the southern border of Kentucky, the Massive South Fork Nationwide River and Recreation Space boasts 125,000 acres of rugged canyons, sandstone cliffs, and the southern fork of the Cumberland River. Providing loads of nice spots for mountain climbing, fishing, tenting, and kayaking, in addition to a few historic mining cities (Blue Heron and John Muir Path), guests of Massive South Fork will discover a lot to do.
Planning your Kentucky journey
Able to expertise the sweetness and historical past of Kentucky? Good Sam can assist you intend out your subsequent journey, with dozens of nice campgrounds, RV leases, and full roadside protection in a pinch. There actually isn’t a greater method to soak up the American Southeast!
