Best Hiking in Kentucky

Trying to find the best hiking in Kentucky? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Virginia, Scott County

03 :41 hrs
3.8 mi
283.1486 ft
Hard

This gentle ascend up the gorge carved by Little Stony Creek follows the Little Stony National Recreation Trail up from the parking area. Passing by numerous falling cascades and beautiful vistas of the surrounding southern Appalachians, the trail wends its way up towards Big Bear Lookout. Along the way, pass by stunning waterfalls that flow copious and wide in the spring, creating glistening pools that are perfect for a quick swim. Upon reaching the road, continue along the edge of VA 701 to reach Big Bear Lookout and soak in the views before returning along the edge of the creek. This hike is an easy and utterly beautiful experience of southern Virginia.

2

Illinois, Goreville

00 :19 hrs
0.4 mi
13.445282 ft
Easy

Located in Ferne Clyffe State Park, this short out-and-back trail follows a small creek that leads past multiple rock formations to one of the most scenic and popular spots in the park, an intermittent 100-foot waterfall. The trail is very wide, fairly flat, and easy to follow making this a great choice for hikers of all skill levels. There are lots of foot paths that lead up above and around the waterfall but these can be slippery and narrow so hike cautiously if exploring around the waterfall.

3

Illinois, Jackson County

01 :19 hrs
3.3 mi
114.1103 ft
Moderate

Located in the Mississippi River valley, the Little Grand Canyon is a unique and scenic destination where visitors will enjoy hiking through deep canyons and lush ravines that are habitats to abundant wildlife and interesting flora and fauna. The hike is steep along sections including a stairway of sandstone steps that can be slippery. The trail also passes along some high cliffs above sheer canyon walls that provide some impressive views down below but also require some careful footing.

4

Illinois, Saline County

00 :15 hrs
0.6 mi
23.618408 ft
Easy

This overlook trail travels through an area known for its interesting geologic history and unique rock formations as it leads along sandstone cliffs that provide excellent views down to the forest terrain below. There are lots of side spur trails off the main trail that lead to good overlook points that are optional but worth the extra mileage. The trail is a good option for hikers of all levels but there may be some exposed areas so pay close attention to younger hikers. The trail is very popular, especially on weekends, and parking may be limited so arrive early or visit during times that might be less crowded.

5

Illinois, Pope County

01 :17 hrs
3.5 mi
35.679657 ft
Moderate

Located in the Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, this scenic hike follows multiple trails through a quiet creek in a rugged canyon setting along rocky bluffs with interesting rock formations. The area provides lots of opportunity for viewing beautiful wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The trail does require some stream crossings which can be slippery so be cautious. The trail also follows some steep exposed areas that require paying close attention. There are other connecting trails in the Bell Smith Spring Recreation Area providing hikers with numerous hiking possibilities.

6

Kentucky, Powell County

02 :14 hrs
4.5 mi
197.82 ft
Moderate

Also known as "Boone Overlook". Pilots Knob is a sandstone outcrop that is said to be the prominence upon which Daniel Boone first stood and looked out over the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The trail is pretty steep and strenuous, but the views up top are breathtaking.

7

Illinois, Williamson County

00 :35 hrs
1.7 mi
24.760681 ft
Moderate

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a large natural area that offers three manmade lakes and lots of hiking trails for exploring the area. The Rocky Bluff Trail is located on the eastern side of Devils Kitchen Lake and travels through dense woodlands and along the shores of the lake where abundant wildlife and great views of the lake can be seen. There is also a scenic waterfall located along the route. The trail can be muddy with lots of debris and tree roots along sections of the path so be cautious and pay attention when hiking.

8

Illinois, Johnson County

00 :24 hrs
1 mi
23.4207 ft
Easy

The Round Bluff Nature Preserve is located in Ferne Clyffe State Park and offers a loop trail that leads through the natural area that offers interesting rock formations, abundant wildlife, and diverse flora and fauna all year long. The protected area only allows hiking on designated trails and all plants and animals are protected within the preserve. The state park also offers picnic areas, campsites, and lots of other hiking trails outside the boundaries of the nature preserve.

9

Kentucky, Powell County

00 :56 hrs
2 mi
169.41257 ft
Moderate

This hike visits Kentucky's well-known rock arch, Natural Bridge Arch. The arch is 78 feet long, 65 feet high, 12 feet thick and 20 feet wide. It is not the largest arch in the area but is very impressive. If you prefer to avoid the steep terrain up to the bridge, there is a chairlift available to take visitors to the top of Natural Bridge. There are several short trail through Natural Bridge State Resort Park available to explore.

10

Virginia, Dickenson County

02 :04 hrs
4.6 mi
322.30417 ft
Hard

This adventure follows several trails in Breaks Interstate Park. Most of the adventure is in Virginia but there is a section of the trail, Center Creek Trail, which is in Kentucky. You will start the loop off by following Loop Trail, then Prospector Trail, River Trail, Grassy Creek, Center Creek, Laurel Branch, Geological and finally to Overlook Trail. You will have great overlook views down into the Russel Fork River. The river has created a deep gorge which has been called the "Grand Canyon of the South. You will make your way down by switchbacks and follow along the river and then turn toward and follow Grassy Creek.

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