Kentucky State Parks

Barren River Lake State Resort Park – Located in the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky, this park offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities along the scenic Barren River, with a beautiful lodge overlooking the lake.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site – Situated in Boone County, this park is known for its fossil-rich history, once a prehistoric hotbed for large Ice Age mammals, with interpretive trails, a museum, and a bison herd.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park – Found in Robertson County, this park commemorates the Battle of Blue Licks, fought in 1782. Visitors can explore history at the battlefield, visit the museum, and enjoy nature trails.

Breaks Interstate Park – Known as the “Grand Canyon of the South,” this park straddles the border of Kentucky and Virginia, offering stunning gorge views, hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park – Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this park provides a peaceful retreat on a 1,230-acre lake, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and cozy cabins.

Carr Creek State Park – Situated in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this park features a serene lake surrounded by forested hills, ideal for fishing, picnicking, and outdoor relaxation.

Carter Caves State Resort Park – In northeastern Kentucky, Carter Caves is known for its dramatic limestone caves, offering guided cave tours, hiking trails, and scenic picnicking areas.

Columbus-Belmont State Park – Located along the Mississippi River in western Kentucky, this park preserves Civil War history with its battlefield site, museum, and stunning views of the river.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – Famous for its stunning “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls in southeastern Kentucky, this park offers hiking trails, camping, and opportunities for viewing the moonbow phenomenon.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park – Nestled on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, this park features a picturesque lake ideal for fishing, boating, and water sports, along with hiking and a golf course.

Dawkins Line Rail Trail – This 18.5-mile rail trail spans across eastern Kentucky, offering an outdoor experience through mountainous terrain, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.

Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site – In southeastern Kentucky, this historic site commemorates the journey of Dr. Thomas Walker, a pioneer who explored the area in 1750, with preserved cabins and interpretive programs.

E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park – Located near Louisville, this park offers a large urban green space with a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields, a pond, and wooded hiking trails.

Fort Boonesborough State Park – Situated on the banks of the Kentucky River, this historic park features a replica of the fort built by Daniel Boone, offering historical demonstrations, hiking, and camping.

General Burnside Island State Park – Located on Lake Cumberland, this park offers beautiful views, fishing, hiking, and picnicking, along with a golf course and an island that’s perfect for a quiet retreat.

General Butler State Resort Park – In Carrollton, Kentucky, this park features scenic views of the Kentucky River, a lodge, hiking trails, and the historic Butler-Turpin State Historic House.

Grayson Lake State Park – Situated in northeastern Kentucky, this park surrounds a 1,500-acre lake, offering hiking, fishing, and boating, as well as an ideal location for a relaxing day on the water.

Green River Lake State Park – In central Kentucky, this park offers a sprawling lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, along with hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park – Located in eastern Kentucky, this park provides a scenic 180-acre lake, hiking trails, and cabins surrounded by lush forests, ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site – In Shelby County, this historic site preserves the burial place of Isaac Shelby, Kentucky’s first governor, offering a glimpse into the early state’s leadership and history.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site – Situated in Fairview, Kentucky, this site honors the birthplace of Confederate President Jefferson Davis with a towering monument, museum, and interpretive displays.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park – Located in eastern Kentucky, this park features a picturesque lake and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, set in a peaceful Appalachian landscape.

John James Audubon State Park – Located in Henderson, Kentucky, this park honors the famous naturalist with hiking trails, a nature center, and birdwatching opportunities amidst serene woodlands and wetlands.

Kenlake State Resort Park – Nestled near Kentucky Lake in western Kentucky, this park offers a beautiful location for boating, fishing, hiking, and a relaxing stay at the lakeside lodge.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park – Located near Kentucky Lake, this park features a popular marina, golf course, fishing opportunities, and scenic trails for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kingdom Come State Park – Situated in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky, this park offers hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, and a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park – In western Kentucky, this park offers a scenic location on Lake Barkley with fishing, boating, a golf course, and a lodge, making it a popular destination for water recreation.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park – Known for its stunning lake, this park in south-central Kentucky offers world-class boating, fishing, and houseboating opportunities, along with hiking trails and camping options.

Lake Malone State Park – Located in western Kentucky, this small park is known for its 200-acre lake, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking in a peaceful wooded setting.

Lincoln Homestead State Park – Situated in Washington County, this park preserves the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln’s father, with historic buildings, reenactments, and walking trails celebrating the nation’s 16th president.

Mineral Mound State Park – Located on the shores of Kentucky Lake, this park features scenic views, golfing, hiking trails, and ample opportunities for boating and fishing.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park – This historic park in Bardstown preserves the birthplace of Stephen Foster, the composer of the famous song “My Old Kentucky Home,” offering guided tours of the mansion and lovely gardens.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park – Found in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this park is home to the iconic Natural Bridge, a stunning sandstone arch, and offers hiking trails, scenic views, and a lodge.

Old Fort Harrod State Park – Located in Harrodsburg, this historic park showcases a recreated 18th-century frontier fort, with interactive exhibits, a museum, and special events that bring history to life.

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site – Situated in Tompkinsville, this park preserves the site of one of Kentucky’s first Baptist churches, offering a glimpse into early religious life in the state.

Paintsville Lake State Park – Located in eastern Kentucky, this park offers beautiful views of Paintsville Lake, with opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking in a quiet, scenic setting.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park – In western Kentucky, this park features a 1,100-acre forested area with a peaceful lake, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site – Located in central Kentucky, this park preserves the site of the Battle of Perryville, one of the Civil War’s largest battles in the state, offering tours, exhibits, and historical reenactments.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park – In the Cumberland Mountains, this park provides stunning vistas, hiking trails, and the opportunity to experience Appalachian culture, along with a lodge and nature center.

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail – Spanning 120 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, this trail provides breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and a connection to several state parks, making it a favorite for long-distance hiking.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park – Located in Breckinridge County, this park offers a large lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as camping and hiking opportunities along scenic trails.

Taylorsville Lake State Park – In central Kentucky, this park offers boating, fishing, and camping on a 1,200-acre lake, along with scenic hiking trails and picnic areas perfect for family outings.

Waveland State Historic Site – Situated in Lexington, this historic site preserves a 19th-century plantation home and offers guided tours, gardens, and interpretive programs highlighting Kentucky’s past.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site – Located in western Kentucky, this archaeological site preserves ancient Native American mounds, with a museum and walking trails to explore the region’s rich pre-Columbian history.

Yatesville Lake State Park – In northeastern Kentucky, this park offers a peaceful escape with hiking trails, a beautiful lake for boating and fishing, and campgrounds for those wishing to stay overnight.