Treat yourself to a COVID-19-safe day of nature
Editor’s Note: Addresses are listed for the nearest visitor center or ranger station. For specific locations, check with the park’s website or a map.
We’re a year into the pandemic and it’s almost spring, which means many of us are going stir-crazy staying inside all the time. Take a break from the Zoom calls and binge-watching to explore what Kentucky has to offer.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Did you know that the Bluegrass State is home to the world’s longest cave system? Tucked away in Western Kentucky is Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
With 412 miles of discovered cave routes, there’s plenty to explore. The park, however, is only offering reduced tours with modifications to the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure to reserve tickets in advance for a tour by visiting the National Park Service’s website.
Outside of cave tours, the park offers ranger-led programs, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, and more. Just make sure to check the park’s website when you’re planning to go to see what the current schedule of events is.
Bonus: If you have time, stop by Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, a National Historic Park located an hour North of Mammoth Cave. Explore the land where the Lincoln family lived and see the inspiration for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Face masks are required on NPS-administered lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained and in all NPS buildings and facilities.
Mammoth Cave National Park
1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy
Cub Run, KY 42259
Phone: (270) 758-2180
Website: https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
2995 Lincoln Farm Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748
Phone: (270) 358-3137
Website: https://www.nps.gov/abli/index.htm
Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail
Thru-hikers, this is for you. The Sheltowee Trace is a National Recreation Trail that spans over 300 miles through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Northern Terminus of the trail starts in Northeastern Kentucky, and the Southern Terminus starts in Northern Tennessee. You can join the trail at multiple trailheads throughout Kentucky, so don’t worry if a 300-plus+ mile hike sounds unappealing to you. Check out the Sheltowee Trace’s website for trail details and maps.
The trail passes through remnants of Kentucky’s past: old homesteads, oil and gas wells, and logging tracts. While you’re hiking through spectacular ridges, gorges, and cliffs just remember to be bear aware. Kentucky is home to black bears, so it’s important to store food properly.
Parts of the trail crosses through private land, so be respectful and aware of your surroundings.
Northern Terminus Trailhead
Cumberland Ranger District
2375 KY 801 South
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone: 606-784-6428
Website: https://www.sheltoweetrace.com or https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=70839
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Are you really a Kentuckian if you haven’t been to Red River Gorge at least once?
This 29,000-acre beauty, located in Eastern Kentucky, is packed with wonders that will make you feel like you just stepped inside a National Geographic magazine. If you want to get outdoors and feel truly immersed in nature, you’re in luck. Red River Gorge features high sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and natural bridges. This geological area, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is a hot spot for rock climbers worldwide.
If rock climbing isn’t your speed, have no fear. There’s plenty of hiking trails—ranging from easy to strenuous—for visitors to tackle. Just make sure to wear proper shoes and stay hydrated!
One of the most popular hikes is the 0.8-mile Sky Bridge hike, which takes you to a gorgeous natural bridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest. Kentucky has never looked better.
Be sure to check with the National Forest’s website to find accurate directions, maps, and closure information.
Gladie Visitor Center
3451 Sky Bridge Road
Stanton, KY 40380
Phone: 606-663-8100
Phone: 859-488-1413
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39458
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park spans Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This park merges history and nature. Visitors can see remains of the Civil War while also enjoying the wildlife—such as bears, deer, foxes, and birds. The park has over 80 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to hard.
If you’re into photography, Cumberland Gap is a paradise for photographers of all kinds. Many people flock to the park to get the best photos of animals. Just be warned: you may have to wait around all day for the perfect shot.
For updated hours, directions, and closures, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Face masks are required on NPS-administered lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained and in all NPS buildings and facilities.
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Visitor Center
91 Bartlett Park Road
Middlesboro, KY 40965
Phone: (606) 248-2817
Website: https://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Even though this park is in West Virginia, it’s worth the drive to visit America’s newest National Park. Back in December, Congress made New River Gorge the 63rd National Park. While New River Gorge may not compete with Yosemite’s El Capitan or Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, this West Virginian beauty offers its southern charm. The New River Bridge is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia, according to the National Park Service. The bridge is a whopping 3,030 feet and 6 inches in length and 73 feet and 5 inches and width. The steel arch measures 1,7000 feet. The entire bridge weighs 88 million pounds. If you visit the park, make sure to stop by this massive West Virginian delight.
Of course, no National Park would be complete without hiking, and New River Gorge has got you covered. Visitors can hike through old coal towns, next to lush waterfalls, and over cliffs and ridges.
Face masks are required on NPS-administered lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained and in all NPS buildings and facilities.
New River Gorge Bridge
US Highway 19
Lansing, WV 25862
United States
Phone: (304) 465-0508
Website: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm
