What are some of the BEST Kentucky State parks?

In this story map, I will rank the 9 Kentucky State Parks I have been to while providing insightful information on each park.

What are Kentucky State Parks?

Here is a video showing an overview of a few of Kentucky's beautiful state parks.

History

A state park is a protected area managed by the sub-national level and is established by a state to preserve a location. While National parks are administered by the federal level, state parks are administered under state level.

The oldest state park in the United States is Niagara Falls, which was established in New York in 1885. In Kentucky, the first established state park was Pine Mountain State Resort Park in 1924. Kentucky has 6 national parks and a total of 45 state parks.


This is a photo of Natural Bridge State Park, which ranks highly on my list. It is located in Red River Gorge, a canyon system on the Red River.

Kentucky can be separated into five regions that contain state parks.

  1. Great Lakes Region: This region is in western Kentucky and contains a total of eight state parks. I have not yet been to one, but I plan on going to one in the near future.
  2. Cave Country Region: This region is in south central Kentucky, which includes four state parks and one national park. It includes Mammoth Cave and Lake Cumberland which are two parks I have been to and will be including in my story map.
  3. Highlands Region: This region contains ten state parks which features Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves, Buckhorn Lake and Natural Bridge, which I have been to.
  4. Heartland Region: This region contains six state parks and includes Rough River Dam and Fort Boonesborough.
  5. River Region: This region contains four state parks including Blue Licks Battlefield.

Here is a map showing the five regions.


This is a photo of a part of Lake Cumberland State Park. It is an ideal place to go in summer where you can fish, swim, and relax with friends and family.

In this story map I will go through nine of the state parks I have been to in the State of Kentucky and provide information on each one. I will include photos, history, and opportunities for each park, along with my own thoughts on each park. I have ranked them based on my own opinions and experiences, but I recommend everyone to visit each one and create their own experiences! I will start from lowest ot highest on my list!


This is a photo of a portion of Mammoth Cave National Park, the largest known cave system in the World!

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Here is a map I created including State Parks I have been to! You can click on each park (a colored dot) to learn more about each one!

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Here is an interactive map displaying all of the counties in Kentucky. Click on one and see which one it is! Can you figure out which of the five regions your county belongs to?

    Blue Licks Battlefield comes in at number nine on my list of favorite visited state parks. Don't get me wrong, Blue Licks is a great park, but it was not my cup of tea. I prefer breath taking scenery and landscape, but this park was more focused on its historical significance.

This is a photo of an old cabin in open grasslands at the park.

History

The Salt Springs at this state park attracted prehistorical animals, Indians, and pioneers including those from the 19th century who used the bubbling water as a refuge for relaxation and where the animals licked salt from salt deposits. It is the site of the last Revolutionary War battle in Kentucky where Native Americans and British soldiers faced off with Kentuckians in 1782, including one of Daniel Boone's sons.


This is a photo of a sign in Blue Licks Battlefield stating its historical significance.

Recreational opportunities

There are a ton of things to do at Blue Licks Battlefield for every kind of person. A few of these activities include: bird watching, boating, hiking on one of the five featured trails, playing mini golf with friends/family, swimming, or exploring the history of Blue Licks through the museum. You can also stay the night at the lodge which offers 32 rooms and is open year round or stay at a camp site which is open from mid-March to mid-November.


This is a photo of someone canoeing down a river in the state park.

My thoughts

I have not visited Blue Licks Battlefield within the last 3 years, but it would definitely still be last in my list compared to the other state parks if I visited it recently. Even though there is a lot to do at this park, I felt myself uninterested and spending more time looking for things to do that interest me rather than actually doing something. This may be because I was younger and we visited in the winter time when more activities were closed.


Attached is a video showing the beauty of Blue Licks Battlefield.

https://youtu.be/ocPM8znOelk

Fort Boonesborough State Park is ranked number eight on my list of favorite visited state parks. Just like Blue Licks Battlefield, it gave me more of a historically significant park vibe, which is interesting but not my cup of tea.


Attached is a photo showing one of the main areas of the settlement in state park founded by Daniel Boone and his men.

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/13/ef/94/6d/the-cabins-block-house.jpg

History

Fort Boonesborough is located southeast of my hometown, Lexington, Kentucky, and was founded in 1775 by Daniel Boone and his men. Prior to Boone, the area was settled by Native Americans and residents from 1400 A.D. Fort Boonesborough was a frontier fort and is the second oldest European-American settlement in Kentucky. It survived into the Revolutionary War and was eventually abandoned in the 19th century. Today, it is a historical landmark which hosts relics of the past and is one of the best preserved archaeological sites of westward expansion.


This is a drawing recreating the beginning of Fort Boonesborough.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Boonesborough.gif

Recreational Opportunities

There are a number of things to do at this state park! One of the most popular activities is just walking around the park and exploring the original site of Daniel Boone and his settlers! There is even a live recreation of the fort with history programs showing off live activities such as potters, blacksmith, and more who do demonstrations.

If a live look into the past is not your taste, then there are plenty of other things to do at the park. You can boat on the river, camp along the banks of the Kentucky River, fish, or hike on one of the few trails the park provides. There is also a museum and mini golf to suit your relaxation and educational needs.


This is a photo of a woman recreating an activity from the frontier days.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/30/8dccb9abc61fcbf8065a24263ad4b87c_sliderFtBspinner.jpg?itok=zJQPf9Mg

My thoughts

I have not been to this state park in a very long time. I first visited it on a school field trip in middle school so I do not remember everything on the trip. It was interesting, but it was not my favorite thing to do. I would still revisit this park in the future to learn more about Kentucky's interesting past.

Rough River Dam is ranked number seven on my list of favorite state parks I have visited. It is not ranked higher because it has been a while since I have been to this state park and I do not have the opportunity to visit it often because it is far from my home.


This is a photo displaying recreational activities on the lake such as kayaking and swimming.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/17/cd267147e781314ddc87b58f4e73ec10_sliderroughriverrentals.jpg?itok=bhWUrVSL

History

Rough River Dam became a state park in 1962 and is located in Grayson county, Kentucky and includes the 5,000 acre lake, Rough River. The Rough River Dam of 1959 sits on the lake and stretches 1,590 feet across and 135 feet high.


This is a photo of a portion of the Rough River Lake.

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/77/ee/70/rough-river-dam-state.jpg

Recreational Opportunities

The first thing you have to do at this park is go hiking on the Lake Ridge Nature trail. You may spot a bald eagle and you will definitely enjoy views of the lake! There is also an 18-hole disc golf course, so be sure to stretch out your arms! You can also play basketball, go bird watching, go boating, fish, swim, or play mini golf!


Attached is a video of a tour displaying a state resort park cottage at Rough River Dam.

https://youtu.be/I5Ej4trUMaw

My thoughts

I loved visiting this state park because there was so much to do that kept me active. There is not much historical significance, but it is still a fun place to spend the weekend at. There are even lodges and camp sites you can stay at!

Buckhorn Lake State Park reminds me a lot of Rough River Dam state park, and therefore it is ranked similarly to it at number six on my list.


This is a photo of the beach part of the lake.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/3/eac52a416ccf251e2d40c945012ed741_sliderBuckhornbeach.jpg?itok=Bj5V7HdB

History

Buckhorn Lake State Park became a state park in 1961 and is located in the northwestern part of Perry county, Kentucky and is about 856 acres large. Buckhorn lake is a mountain reservoir lake and was created by damming the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River.


Here is a photo of Buckhorn Lake.

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/00/17/d1/74/view-of-buckhorn-lake.jpg

Recreational Opportunities

One of the fascinating things you can do first at this park is explore the museum and learn about the buildings that used to stand where the lake is before it was created. You can also enjoy the lake by swimming, fishing, and boating. You can also hike along with river, play basketball, and mini golf.


This is a photo of the lodge area at the state park.

https://cf.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max1024x768/116/116122656.jpg

My thoughts

This was one of the coolest state parks I have been to especially because I went with my grandparents and best friend when I entered my teen years at the age of 13. It is similar to Rough River Dam, but it ranks higher personally because of the memories associated with this park.

Lake Cumberland State park is a more frequently visited park for me and my family, so it comes in at number five on my list. You can never go wrong visiting a lake, right?

https://www.kentuckytourism.com/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/3160/1-lake-cumberland-02.jpg?itok=BWs7PRVt

History

Lake Cumberland State Park is located outside of Jamestown, Kentucky and is one of the most popular parks in the state. It was created for the purpose of flood control and production of hydroelectric power. The Lake was created after it was impounded from the Cumberland River in 1952 to create the 25th largest dam in the United States, Wolf Creek Dam.


This is a photo of Wolf Creek Dam.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wolf_Creek_Dam.jpg

Recreational Opportunities

You can do any water activity you wish to do at this state park which includes boating, fishing, tubing, swimming, and much more. There have been a number of record breaking fish caught at Lake Cumberland including Brown trout, Wakkeye, and Sauger. Other than water sports, you can hike, geocache, play mini golf, and play disc golf.

https://lakecumberlandvacation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Secondary-Photo-for-AD-500x333.jpg

My thoughts

I visit Lake Cumberland every summer with my family and we rent a double decker pontoon boat to spend the day at the lake. It is always fun and we always create many new memories. I highly recommend renting a boat or taking your own boat to this lake with friends or family if you visit this state park.

Cumberland Falls State Park comes in at number four on my favorite state parks. I have visited this park countless amount of times and it never ceases to amaze me every time. It is a great family trip and friend getaway where you can hike and explore near the falls.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/5/adf2e06892ca65fc8a71f07ccd68e27e_sliderCfallsfalls.jpg?itok=jBP1V0sq

History

Cumberland Falls State Park became a state park in 1931 and features a waterfall on the Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky. It is the central feature of the state park and is sometimes called the "little Niagara." It is believed to have formed from the result of erosion and was occupied by indigenous people from pre-modern times.

https://somersetpulaskichamber.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/images/remote/i2-wp-com/Cumberland-Falls-3167047034.jpg

Recreational Opportunities

One of the things you must do at this state park is take in the breath taking view of the falls. You must also take the hiking path along Eagle Falls which leads to a little waterfall with a small swimming hole. You can also hike on other trails, take a horseback ride, raft, swim, and fish after viewing the waterfall.


Here is a photo of Eagle Falls found at the end of the hiking trail.

https://www.scenicusa.net/images/OC08EagleFallsPD.jpg

My thoughts

I have visited this park many times and I will visit it many more. If you end up going to this state park, I recommend stopping at the original KFC in Corbin, Kentucky which is not far from the park. Overall, this park is great for all ages becuase it is not strenuous on your body.

Carter caves State Park has so much to do, and therefore it comes in at number three on my favorite state parks I have been to. You will not be dissapointed if you visit this park!

History

Carter Caves State Park was established in 1946, but did not receive funding until 1948. It is located in Carter county, Kentucky and is consists of Cascade caves and Carter Caves. This park was in private hands for about 200 years until it was donated to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/4/797ae416796bfb19c84ae6035f5e8634_sliderCarterCavescaveentry.jpg?itok=7PsJ3JGP

Recreational Opportunities

Carter Caves features a resort park with a lodge, cottages, 18-hole mini golf course, campground, 26 miles of hiking trails, and cave tours along with horse-back riding available. You will not find yourself bored at this park because with the caves, lake, and multiple hiking trails, there is always something to do. You can also fish, repel, play tennis and basketball.


Here is a photo of Smoke Valley Lake in Carter Caves State Park.

https://parks.ky.gov/sites/default/files/styles/listing_slideshow/public/listing_images/profile/4/1c3501e4d5f5e62646652335b32de7a4_sliderCarterCavescanoe.jpg?itok=HVkxbGth

My thoughts

Carter caves is in my top three for a reason. There is so much to do at this state park and it never gets old, especially if you are with a group of close friends or family. I highly recommend you to visit this state park!

Natural Bridge comes in at number two on my list, although it is the number one state park. I live relatively close to Natural Bridge State Park, so it is one i am very familiar with.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Natural_Bridge_KY-27527-3.jpg/284px-Natural_Bridge_KY-27527-3.jpg

History

Natural Bridge was founded in 1895 as a private tourist attraction by the Lexington and eastern railroad. The land was required in 1910 by Louisville and Nashville railroad and eventually the 137 acres of land was turned over to the Kentucky State Park Commission and became one of Kentucky's four original state parks.

https://static.rootsrated.com/image/upload/s--LAsaI9dF--/t_rr_large_natural/ckqinssy3p4bs78zsufq.jpg

Recreational Opportunities

Natural Bridge State Park is located in the Red River Gorge area, meaning there is always a lot to do. You must visit Miguel's pizza near natural bridge! The first thing you must do is hike or ride the sky line up to natural bridge to experience life in the sky. You can also fish, swim, bird watch, kayak, and pedal boat.

https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/700x/cdn.onlyinyourstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1383379_569776163077783_1610402962_n-700x528.jpg

My thoughts

You will never forget your first trip up to natural bridge because it is such a unique experience. I will never get tired of going to this park, and my friend and I even went in High School during a skip day which I will never forget.

Although Mammoth cave is technically a national park, it comes in at number one on my favorite state parks. It is close to Bowling Green, which is convenient for western Kentucky University students to visit. This is a must-visit park!

History

Mammoth Cave National Park became a park in 1941 after a group of private citizens formed the Mammoth Cave National Park Association to protect the park. It became a world heritage site in 1981 and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990. Mammoth Cave is part of the Green River Valley and is home to more than 400 miles of cave systems.

Recreational Opportunities

There are a plethora of things to do at this state park such as attend cave tours, hiking, horseback riding, boating, bicycling, and much more. The cave is still being explored today and there are a countless amount of things to do in the cave such as boat tours.

My thoughts

I will never get tired of visiting Mammoth Cave and i suggest everyone to visit this national park! You will see things you may never experience again in your life!

Summary

I have visited many state parks in my life, but I am just getting started on my journey to visit all state parks and many national parks. I recommend everyone to visit the parks I have listed today and to do your own research on all information regarding them! I am happy to list my favorite parks and I hope you enjoyed this story map!

Contacts for all state parks

Mammoth Cave:  (270) 758-2180 

Blue Licks Battlefield: (859) 289-5507 

Buckhorn Lake:  (606) 398-7510 

Carter caves:  (606) 286-4411 

Cumberland falls:  (606) 528-4121 

Cumberland Lake:  (270) 343-3111 

Natural Bridge:  (540) 291-1326 

Rough River Dam:  (270) 257-2311 

Fort Boonesborough:  (859) 527-3131 

Here is a heat map showing the oil and natural gas wells in Kentucky, which is relevant to Kentucky State Parks and management with conservation.

Citations

https://knowyourcampground.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/KY-state-park-pic-800x400.jpg

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/07/6d/6a/82/natural-bridge-state.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_park

https://gregdisch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Mammoth-Cave-National-Park-20200901-IMG_2599-HDR.jpg

https://cdn-assets.alltrails.com/uploads/photo/image/22378695/large_12e66c1e4ef927ae8e14f331ff080972.jpg

Here is a map showing the five regions.