While Kentucky has actually made a reputation for itself in bourbon, baseball, and horseracing, it’s additionally dwelling to among the most naturally stunning parks, trails, and historic markers our nation has to supply. To assist plan your tour of the American Southeast, right here’s a complete checklist of Kentucky National Parks you shouldn’t miss.
Kentucky National Parks
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Located within the coronary heart of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is dwelling to deep rivers, rolling hills, and the world’s longest-known cave system — spanning over 400 miles. Visitors can take guided excursions beneath the floor to discover the depths of the cavern, in addition to traverse nicely over 70 miles of climbing trails, campgrounds, and gorgeous ecology.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
Located close to Hodgenville, Kentucky, the Abraham Lincoln National Historic Park is devoted to preserving the kid dwelling 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 encompasses a museum showcasing artifacts, furnishings, clothes, and art work from the President’s life.
The Boyhood Home 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 middle with reveals additionally commemorating his childhood.
Additionally, the park presents particular occasions all year long, together with, historic demonstrations, ranger-led packages, and a wreath-laying ceremony on Lincoln’s birthday.
Cumberland Gap Historic Trail
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A 300-mile path system spanning Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, the Cumberland Gap follows the historic routes of early settlers who crossed the Appalachian Mountains and settled within the western frontier.
In addition to tracing the historic territory of Native Americans and pioneers, fashionable nomads can expertise among the most scenic climbing, biking, and driving east of the Mississippi.
Lewis and Clark Historic Trail
Following the well-known route taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail spans over 3,700 miles and passes via Kentucky on its solution to the Pacific Ocean. In addition to a wealthy historical past, the path system contains a wide range of points of interest together with museums, interpretive facilities, and definitely loads of historic websites.
The Historic Trail of Tears
A somber but highly effective reminder of our nation’s historical past, the Trail of Tears is a 5,000-mile path commemorating the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole individuals who have been compelled to relocate from their homelands. With a part of the path spanning Kentucky, it serves as a chance for biking, climbing, and reflection, whereas taking in the fantastic thing about the American Southeast.
Camp Nelson National Monument
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Located in Jessamine County, Kentucky, Camp Nelson National Monument is devoted to preserving the legacy of the Civil War-era Union Army recruitment and coaching middle. Today, Camp Nelson encompasses a customer middle, historic buildings, barracks, and a cemetery, full with guided excursions and historic reenactments.
Mill Springs Battlefield
Located in south-central Kentucky, Mills Springs is among the state’s most important Civil War battlefields, representing a major Union victory on January 19, 1862. Today the battlefield is managed by the National Park Service and serves as a historic landmark with residing 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 National Battlefield commemorates an necessary victory for the Union forces in addition to the primary time the Confederate military surrendered a big portion of their military, in February of 1862. Today guests can take within the significance of the battlefield via self-guided excursions and interpretive signage detailing the occasions of the battle.
Big South Fork River and Recreational Area
Located on the southern border of Kentucky, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boasts 125,000 acres of rugged canyons, sandstone cliffs, and the southern fork of the Cumberland River. Offering loads of nice spots for climbing, fishing, tenting, and kayaking, in addition to a few historic mining cities (Blue Heron and John Muir Trail), guests of Big South Fork will discover a lot to do.
Planning your Kentucky journey
Ready to expertise the sweetness and historical past of Kentucky? Good Sam may also help you propose out your subsequent journey, with dozens of nice campgrounds, RV leases, and full roadside protection in a pinch. There actually isn’t a greater manner to soak up the American Southeast!