Your Guide to Outdoor Activities in Kentucky
Bordered by the Ohio River to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the east, Kentucky is also known as the ‘Bluegrass State’ due to its abundance of bluegrass found in many of its pastures. Kentucky is known for its diverse landscape which includes the world’s longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park. Kentucky is also home to the longest navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous US as well as the two largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River. With the highest per capita of deer and turkey in the US as well as populations of elk and other animals and an expansive park system, Kentucky is the destination for many who seek to experience all that the outdoors and its wildlife and scenery has to offer.
Cave Exploration
As we’ve mentioned before, Kentucky is home to the longest cave system in the world. Located in central Kentucky primarily in Edmonson County, Mammoth Cave National Park encompasses part of Mammoth Cave and boasts 52,850 acres of land area. There are 400 miles of surveyed passageways within the cave system, dwarfing the world’s second-longest cave system, Mexico’s Sac Actun underwater cave.
If you’re looking to explore Mammoth Cave, you can opt for a cave tour or even camp on-site!
Ranger-Led Activities at Mammoth Cave National Park are offered by season. There are three developed campgrounds and more than a dozen primitive sites in the backcountry and along the Green and Nolin Rivers near Mammoth Cave.
One can also explore nearby caves as well:
Fisher Ridge Cave System: This system is located nearby and boasts 117 miles of mapped caves.
Martin Ridge Cave System: Also located nearby, this cave system has 34 miles of mapped caves which continues to grow as it’s further explored.
Boating and Fishing
One of the most popular activities in Kentucky state parks is boating. This is because most of Kentucky’s state parks lie along the borders of lakes, making them the perfect venue to get out on the water. These parks typically have boat ramps for public use, and full-service marinas offer outdoor adventurers the opportunity to rent kayaks, canoes, and fishing or pontoon boats.
If you’re looking to do a little fishing during your boating excursion, note that many of these marinas also sell live bait, fishing gear, and other necessities for your trip. Check out a few of these parks to get started:
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park: Located in Burkesville, this cliff-top lodge sits high on a bluff overlooking the 28,000-acre lake and surrounding woodlands.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park: In Buckhorn, one can find this park surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills. The lodge overlooks the beautiful 1,200-acre lake and has 36 rooms offering full amenities as well as two 2-bedroom cottages and three 3-bedroom cottages.
Kenlake State Resort Park: This family-friendly destination boasts a hotel with 48 rooms overlooking the lake.
