Kentucky is a big and beautiful state full of geographical diversity that never ceases to amaze us. From the deep, expansive underworlds of Mammoth Cave, the Louisville Mega Cavern, and Carter Caves State Park to the expansive gorges of the Grand Canyon of Kentucky and the cerulean blue lakes of the south-central part of the state, Kentucky is a land of endless recreational opportunity. Today, we’re exploring the state’s best bodies of water and caves, in an epic Kentucky road trip sure to fuel and fan the flames of your wanderlust.
This road trip visits some of the most wondrous places in south-central Kentucky, from lakes to caves, in a 300-mile, 5.5-hour adventure.
Google Maps While technically doable in a day, we have suggested accommodations listed below so you can enjoy the beauty of each featured destination! View an interactive Google Map to help plan your trip.
Nolin Lake State Park is a hidden gem of a Kentucky State Park that tends to be overshadowed by its mammoth neighbor (more on that soon!).
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook Don’t make that mistake. This 333-acre park boasts a beautiful 5,795-acre lake that’s absolutely dazzling, and perfect for all sorts of recreation, from boating and fishing to waterside camping.
Ready to pitch a tent and stay awhile? We don’t blame you! Nolin Lake State Park has 32 campsites with hookups for water and electricity, along with 27 primitive campsites.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook Nolin Lake State Park, 2998 Brier Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
A natural paradise straddling the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, Land Between the Lakes is, quite simply, sublime.
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr This natural area offers 170,000 acres of outdoor beauty and adventure, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Given its remote location and low light pollution, the stargazing at Land Between the Lakes is out-of-this-world! At Land Between the Lakes’s Golden Pond Planetarium, you’ll enjoy a truly otherworldly experience.
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr If you opt to participate in this activity, definitely plan on camping at Land Between the Lakes; you’ll find a variety of lovely options whether you set up your RV or pitch a tent!
Now we’re headed to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where another aquatic adventure awaits: scuba diving.
Pennyroyal Scuba Center LLC. Blue Springs Park/Facebook Did you know you could go scuba diving in the Bluegrass State? There’s a place in western Kentucky where divers can experience turquoise waters and plenty of adventure. Pennyroyal Scuba Center at Blue Springs Resort in Hopkinsville is a hidden oasis in Kentucky and an epic scuba diving resort that you have to see to believe. Pennyroyal Scuba Center, 602 Christian Quarry Rd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240, USA
Next, it’s time for a beach day! Yes, in Kentucky. Lake Malone State Park is a perennial summertime favorite for its sandy shores and fish-filled waters.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook The 788-acre Lake Malone is beautiful and known as an “angler’s delight” – and indeed, it is! Lake Malone State Park Beach, 100 Beachview Ln, Dunmor, KY 42339, USA
Last but certainly not least, we’re headed to one of the crown jewels of Kentucky: Mammoth Cave.
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook Kentucky’s one and only national park, Mammoth Cave is a superlative superstar. A bucket-list must, the cavern system features over 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways, with more miles being added all the time. It’s also one of the best places for stargazing in the country; a designated Dark Sky Park that’s the first National Park Service operated site and Dark Sky Place in Kentucky, and it’s well-earned: the stargazing here is nothing short of extraordinary.
Mammoth Cave is a place of immense beauty and splendor, worth visiting again and again for its continually unfolding and infinite wonder.
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook But of course, Kentucky isn’t just one world-famous headliner; the Bluegrass truly is the sum of all its parts, and we hope this road trip has you feeling newfound love and adoration for our beautiful state. Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
What are your favorite road trips in Kentucky? Your top spots for outdoor recreation? Share them with us in the comments below… we’re always up for more Bluegrass adventures!
Google Maps
While technically doable in a day, we have suggested accommodations listed below so you can enjoy the beauty of each featured destination! View an interactive Google Map to help plan your trip.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Don’t make that mistake. This 333-acre park boasts a beautiful 5,795-acre lake that’s absolutely dazzling, and perfect for all sorts of recreation, from boating and fishing to waterside camping.
Nolin Lake State Park, 2998 Brier Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
This natural area offers 170,000 acres of outdoor beauty and adventure, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
If you opt to participate in this activity, definitely plan on camping at Land Between the Lakes; you’ll find a variety of lovely options whether you set up your RV or pitch a tent!
Pennyroyal Scuba Center LLC. Blue Springs Park/Facebook
Did you know you could go scuba diving in the Bluegrass State? There’s a place in western Kentucky where divers can experience turquoise waters and plenty of adventure. Pennyroyal Scuba Center at Blue Springs Resort in Hopkinsville is a hidden oasis in Kentucky and an epic scuba diving resort that you have to see to believe.
Pennyroyal Scuba Center, 602 Christian Quarry Rd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240, USA
The 788-acre Lake Malone is beautiful and known as an “angler’s delight” – and indeed, it is!
Lake Malone State Park Beach, 100 Beachview Ln, Dunmor, KY 42339, USA
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook
Kentucky’s one and only national park, Mammoth Cave is a superlative superstar. A bucket-list must, the cavern system features over 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways, with more miles being added all the time. It’s also one of the best places for stargazing in the country; a designated Dark Sky Park that’s the first National Park Service operated site and Dark Sky Place in Kentucky, and it’s well-earned: the stargazing here is nothing short of extraordinary.
But of course, Kentucky isn’t just one world-famous headliner; the Bluegrass truly is the sum of all its parts, and we hope this road trip has you feeling newfound love and adoration for our beautiful state.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
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