The Bluegrass State is a marvelous, magical place. We know this, and there’s nothing like a day along the stunning trails of Kentucky for a reminder of just how enchanting our state truly is. There’s one particular hike, however, that is quite literally a real-life fairy tale trail in Kentucky. The Forest Giants Trail at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a downright magical hiking adventure that winds over wooden bridges and past real-life woodland creatures… and giants.
Located just outside Bardstown in Central Kentucky, Bernheim Arboretum is one of those impossibly beautiful places that seems too spectacular to be real.
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
Home to a world-class arboretum, numerous hiking trails, canopy tree walk, epic children’s playscape, and more, Bernheim Forest is one of the top outdoor destinations for Kentucky nature lovers.
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
At this delightful arboretum, you can explore over 16,000 acres of natural beauty, for an enchanting escape in nature. In addition, it’s home to 8,000 unique varieties of trees and more flora and fauna to count.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest/Facebook
And a few years ago, this place took on an even more magical and irresistible intrigue with the arrival of three larger-than-life forest giants.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest/Facebook
For its 90th anniversary, Bernheim Arboretum invited Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist, to build three forest giants: Mama Loumari and her two children. These whimsical giants have become an iconic Kentucky photo op, and are totally fantastic to see in person. Easily viewable via the two-mile, out-and-back Forest Giants Trail, there’s nothing quite like this fairy tale trail in Kentucky.
Kelsy Heffley/AllTrails
But the thing is, Bernheim Forest doesn’t need these enthralling woodland giants to be magical. It’s naturally splendiferous all on its own; a place where, if ever there were a place in Kentucky where enchanted, benevolent beings existed, would be it.
Jacob-Amanda Miller/AllTrails
Truly, have you ever seen a place so beautiful in its pure, natural beauty?
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest/Facebook
Because we sure haven’t. Come and wander the fairy tale trail at this beautiful Kentucky park. Take in the landscape, the abundant wildlife, the unfitted beauty, and…
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest/Facebook
…the magic. So much magic!
Dana Cox/AllTrails
Have you hiked the the Forest Giants Trail at Bernheim Arboretum before? This is one fairy tale trail in Kentucky sure to capture your heart… and imagination.
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest/Facebook
Kelsy Heffley/AllTrails
Jacob-Amanda Miller/AllTrails
Dana Cox/AllTrails
Looking for more sublime Bluegrass State scenery? This Kentucky State Park is blessed in the “natural beauty” department!
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Address: Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110, USA
