Stumbling upon hidden gems in Kentucky is such a thrill when traveling and this experience can happen all over the Bluegrass. Perhaps you try a new, lesser-known hiking trail or take a risk on a campground you hadn’t heard of, but end up pleasantly surprised to have found a true gem. Of course if everyone visited these hidden gems, they wouldn’t be hidden, but we’ve found that even by sharing these special places, they remain relatively uncrowded (not everyone visits them, after all). So let’s take a look at some of these little-known hidden gems in Kentucky in this amazing road trip. Let’s go!
Feel free to make changes to the route and access the map and directions with this link.
Only In Your State / Google
- Nolin Lake
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park Nolin Lake State Park is a relatively new state park compared to others, but it has so much to offer. Located near Mammoth Cave, it may be overshadowed by this international attraction, but we highly recommend a stop at this park and lake, as well. Camp right on the water, swim at the beach, hike, and much more. Take a closer look at the first stop on our hidden gem road trip with our previous article. Nolin Lake, Kentucky, USA
- Pine Island Double Falls
@513Buckeye, Contributed Photo Next up, head east near London and hike to Pine Island Double Falls. While more hikers have discovered this spot recently, it remains one of the most beautiful hidden gems in our state, especially after a rainfall or snow melt. The trail to reach this double waterfall can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth the effort. See more photos and learn how to find Pine Island Double Falls in our previous article. Falls Street, Falls St, London, KY 40741, USA
- Amos Falls
Rodney Hendrickson/@rodney.hendrickson.3, Contributed Photo The next spot on our road trip is another waterfall that’s actually not far from the popular Cumberland Falls. Amos Falls is a beautiful spot, especially in the right weather conditions, and it’s typically not crowded at all. The trail can be a little difficult to follow, so be sure to read through our our article to learn more about it and read directions and reviews. Amos Falls, Kentucky 40769, USA
- Sand Cave
Facebook/Cumberland Gap National Historical Park After a couple of waterfall hikes, head even further east and you’ll actually need to cross into Virginia to reach the trailhead for Kentucky’s Sand Cave. The trail within Cumberland Gap takes you from Virginia back into Kentucky and to this magnificent cave that’s one of the most jaw-dropping places in our state. This is a must-try hike for all adventurers in Kentucky. Learn more about this longer but rewarding trail with our feature article about Sand Cave. Sand Cave, Kentucky 42127, USA
- Gabe’s Branch Falls
Photo Courtesy of Rosemary York We’ll stay in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky for the next hidden gem and this is a great one to visit on a hot day. Gabe’s Branch Falls is a scenic trail in Harlan County that offers a refreshing swimming hole. If it’s too chilly for swimming, this is still an all-around great hike that’s not often crowded. See more of Gabe’s Branch Falls in our previous article. Harlan County, KY, USA
- Kentucky’s Highest Point on Black Mountain
Flickr/Ilovemountain.org, Matt Wasson These beautiful views await you at our next hidden gem - the highest point in Kentucky. This summit can be found on Black Mountain and in the right conditions, you can see the Great Smoky Mountains through Tennessee and North Carolina. Plan a stop here with our article on Black Mountain. Black Mountain, Kentucky 40843, USA
- Double Arch Trail
Alltrails/Simona Barca Our last stop takes us north to the area of Red River Gorge. While the Gorge is far from a hidden gem, there are some trails that remain less popular, though just as scenic. The Double Arch Trail is a 5-mile trek with many unique features including a large natural arch and some of the best sweeping views in Red River Gorge. This trail is described in detail in our feature on Double Arch. Double Arch Trailhead, Rosslyn, KY 40380, USA
There may be no better adventure in our state than this Kentucky Hidden Gem Road Trip. It includes seven scenic and lesser-known places in Kentucky where you may be lucky enough to avoid crowds while experiencing some of the most beautiful spots in our state. Have you already been able to visit any of these hidden gems in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and be sure to tag your adventurous friends who would love to try this with you!
Only In Your State / Google
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park
Nolin Lake State Park is a relatively new state park compared to others, but it has so much to offer. Located near Mammoth Cave, it may be overshadowed by this international attraction, but we highly recommend a stop at this park and lake, as well. Camp right on the water, swim at the beach, hike, and much more. Take a closer look at the first stop on our hidden gem road trip with our previous article.
Nolin Lake, Kentucky, USA
@513Buckeye, Contributed Photo
Next up, head east near London and hike to Pine Island Double Falls. While more hikers have discovered this spot recently, it remains one of the most beautiful hidden gems in our state, especially after a rainfall or snow melt. The trail to reach this double waterfall can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth the effort. See more photos and learn how to find Pine Island Double Falls in our previous article.
Falls Street, Falls St, London, KY 40741, USA
Rodney Hendrickson/@rodney.hendrickson.3, Contributed Photo
The next spot on our road trip is another waterfall that’s actually not far from the popular Cumberland Falls. Amos Falls is a beautiful spot, especially in the right weather conditions, and it’s typically not crowded at all. The trail can be a little difficult to follow, so be sure to read through our our article to learn more about it and read directions and reviews.
Amos Falls, Kentucky 40769, USA
Facebook/Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
After a couple of waterfall hikes, head even further east and you’ll actually need to cross into Virginia to reach the trailhead for Kentucky’s Sand Cave. The trail within Cumberland Gap takes you from Virginia back into Kentucky and to this magnificent cave that’s one of the most jaw-dropping places in our state. This is a must-try hike for all adventurers in Kentucky. Learn more about this longer but rewarding trail with our feature article about Sand Cave.
Sand Cave, Kentucky 42127, USA
Photo Courtesy of Rosemary York
We’ll stay in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky for the next hidden gem and this is a great one to visit on a hot day. Gabe’s Branch Falls is a scenic trail in Harlan County that offers a refreshing swimming hole. If it’s too chilly for swimming, this is still an all-around great hike that’s not often crowded. See more of Gabe’s Branch Falls in our previous article.
Harlan County, KY, USA
Flickr/Ilovemountain.org, Matt Wasson
These beautiful views await you at our next hidden gem - the highest point in Kentucky. This summit can be found on Black Mountain and in the right conditions, you can see the Great Smoky Mountains through Tennessee and North Carolina. Plan a stop here with our article on Black Mountain.
Black Mountain, Kentucky 40843, USA
Alltrails/Simona Barca
Our last stop takes us north to the area of Red River Gorge. While the Gorge is far from a hidden gem, there are some trails that remain less popular, though just as scenic. The Double Arch Trail is a 5-mile trek with many unique features including a large natural arch and some of the best sweeping views in Red River Gorge. This trail is described in detail in our feature on Double Arch.
Double Arch Trailhead, Rosslyn, KY 40380, USA
This list focuses on natural hidden gems, but we’ve featured many other places in Kentucky, so be sure to check out more lesser-known destinations on our website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden gems in Kentucky May 09, 2022 Sarah M. What are some off the beaten path places to explore in Kentucky? One of our favorite hidden gems in Kentucky is, quite literally, off the beaten path. In Fairmount Falls Park, there is a hidden waterfall that almost no one has seen in person… even the most avid Kentucky waterfall chasers! Nestled within Fairmount Falls Park, the eponymous waterfall is one of the most hidden and difficult to access in Kentucky. Why, you ask? Because entry to the elusive Fairmount Falls is limited to just three vehicles per day, and you have to obtain a permit beforehand from the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. But don’t be deterred: the permits are free, and the hike to the falls is actually quite well-paved and easy to navigate… you just need to request a permit in advance, which you can easily do by calling the Welcome Center at (502) 368-5404. Back to the falls: after a healthy rainfall when the water is flowing, Fairmount Falls can actually be seen from the trail just off the parking area, which will only add to your excitement about getting up-close to this cascade, one of the most marvelous hidden gems in Kentucky! What are some other hidden gems to visit in Kentucky? If you’re looking to explore all the Bluegrass has to offer, you’ll want to visit both tried-and-true destinations and off the beaten path places. We’re partial, of course, to the latter, because it’s at these hidden gems that some of the most marvelous discoveries can be found! We put together this list of 10 hidden gems worth seeking out in Kentucky; notable sites on the list include The Conrad Caldwell House in Old Louisville, Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Paducah Flood Wall, and the Louisville Mega Cavern, but you’ll really want to check out all of the places because they’re some of the state’s coolest destinations!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden gems in Kentucky
May 09, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some off the beaten path places to explore in Kentucky? One of our favorite hidden gems in Kentucky is, quite literally, off the beaten path. In Fairmount Falls Park, there is a hidden waterfall that almost no one has seen in person… even the most avid Kentucky waterfall chasers! Nestled within Fairmount Falls Park, the eponymous waterfall is one of the most hidden and difficult to access in Kentucky. Why, you ask? Because entry to the elusive Fairmount Falls is limited to just three vehicles per day, and you have to obtain a permit beforehand from the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. But don’t be deterred: the permits are free, and the hike to the falls is actually quite well-paved and easy to navigate… you just need to request a permit in advance, which you can easily do by calling the Welcome Center at (502) 368-5404. Back to the falls: after a healthy rainfall when the water is flowing, Fairmount Falls can actually be seen from the trail just off the parking area, which will only add to your excitement about getting up-close to this cascade, one of the most marvelous hidden gems in Kentucky! What are some other hidden gems to visit in Kentucky? If you’re looking to explore all the Bluegrass has to offer, you’ll want to visit both tried-and-true destinations and off the beaten path places. We’re partial, of course, to the latter, because it’s at these hidden gems that some of the most marvelous discoveries can be found! We put together this list of 10 hidden gems worth seeking out in Kentucky; notable sites on the list include The Conrad Caldwell House in Old Louisville, Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Paducah Flood Wall, and the Louisville Mega Cavern, but you’ll really want to check out all of the places because they’re some of the state’s coolest destinations!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of our favorite hidden gems in Kentucky is, quite literally, off the beaten path. In Fairmount Falls Park, there is a hidden waterfall that almost no one has seen in person… even the most avid Kentucky waterfall chasers! Nestled within Fairmount Falls Park, the eponymous waterfall is one of the most hidden and difficult to access in Kentucky. Why, you ask? Because entry to the elusive Fairmount Falls is limited to just three vehicles per day, and you have to obtain a permit beforehand from the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. But don’t be deterred: the permits are free, and the hike to the falls is actually quite well-paved and easy to navigate… you just need to request a permit in advance, which you can easily do by calling the Welcome Center at (502) 368-5404. Back to the falls: after a healthy rainfall when the water is flowing, Fairmount Falls can actually be seen from the trail just off the parking area, which will only add to your excitement about getting up-close to this cascade, one of the most marvelous hidden gems in Kentucky!
What are some other hidden gems to visit in Kentucky?
If you’re looking to explore all the Bluegrass has to offer, you’ll want to visit both tried-and-true destinations and off the beaten path places. We’re partial, of course, to the latter, because it’s at these hidden gems that some of the most marvelous discoveries can be found! We put together this list of 10 hidden gems worth seeking out in Kentucky; notable sites on the list include The Conrad Caldwell House in Old Louisville, Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Paducah Flood Wall, and the Louisville Mega Cavern, but you’ll really want to check out all of the places because they’re some of the state’s coolest destinations!
