The 5 Best Places to Hike in Kentucky

Alright, Kentucky fellas—time to put down the remote, hide the bourbon (temporarily), and dust off those hiking boots you bought with good intentions three summers ago.

Spring is almost here, which means it's officially time to reintroduce your body to the concept of "vertical movement."

Kentucky might be known for bourbon, basketball, and betting on horses moving faster than you, but our state's also hiding some world-class trails that'll make your Instagram followers think you've suddenly developed an outdoorsy personality.

Here are our favorite five spots where you can trick yourself into exercise while pretending, you're just "appreciating nature."

1. Red River Gorge (Slade, KY)

If there's a hiking capital of Kentucky, Red River Gorge is it—think of it as the UK basketball of natural landscapes.

With over 60 miles of trails, you'll find more natural arches here than at a foot doctor's convention.

The Auxier Ridge Trail offers panoramic views that'll make you forget about your burning calves and questionable cardio fitness. For the "I'll have another beer" athletes among us, don't worry—you can build up to the harder stuff.

Start with a shorter trail and work your way up to conquering Chimney Top Rock, where the views are so good they'll make you temporarily forget about March Madness.

2. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (Corbin, KY)

One of my favorite sports, largely because I grew up in the area.

Cumberland Falls is nicknamed the "Niagara of the South" (because Kentucky never misses a chance to compare itself to somewhere fancier).

The Cumberland Falls features the only moonbow in the Western Hemisphere. That's right—a rainbow at night, which is perfect for guys who think daytime hiking is "a bit much."

The Eagle Falls Trail is moderate in difficulty—about as challenging as resisting a second helping of biscuits and gravy.

The payoff? Stunning views of waterfalls that make excellent backdrop for proving to your ex that you've "really found yourself."

3. The Pinnacles in Berea (Berea, KY)

For hikers who love a challenge (or those whose New Year's resolutions are still hanging by a thread come March), The Pinnacles in Berea College Forest offer some legitimately rewarding climbs.

The East and West Pinnacle trails lead to overlooks so impressive you'll briefly forget about checking your fantasy sports scores.

Best of all? It's free and less crowded than Red River Gorge, meaning fewer witnesses to your heavy breathing as you pretend this isn't the most exercise you've had since chasing down the ice cream truck last July.

4. Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Slade, KY)

This one's for the classic Kentucky hikers—guys who want the bragging rights without excessive sweating.

The Natural Bridge Trail is a 1.5-mile climb leading to a massive natural sandstone bridge that's been standing longer than your granddaddy's been complaining about the weather.

If even that sounds too ambitious, there's a sky lift to take you up—we won't judge (much). Consider it Kentucky's version of an escalator to nature. The views from the top are so impressive they'll make you want to crack open a celebratory beverage, which conveniently you can do after you get back to your cooler.

5. Land Between the Lakes (Golden Pond, KY)

Spanning over 170,000 acres, Land Between the Lakes is a dream for guys looking to escape civilization (or who need a break from their fantasy league group chat).

The North-South Trail is a 58-mile challenge, but don't panic—there are plenty of shorter trails too.

The Hematite Lake Trail offers easy walking and lake views spectacular enough to justify several manly "nature appreciation" photos.

Wildlife is abundant, so don't be surprised if you see deer, bald eagles, or even bison—all creatures that, like your doctor, silently judge how out of breath you are on slight inclines.

Final Thoughts

Look, we get it. Your couch has perfectly adapted to the shape of your body after a long winter of basketball watching and bourbon sampling.

But Kentucky spring is too damn beautiful to experience exclusively through your living room window.

These five spots showcase the best of our state's natural beauty, with trails ranging from "I do CrossFit" challenging to "I occasionally walk to the fridge" accessible.

So text your buddies, pack some snacks (and yes, emergency bourbon), and hit the trail—your dad bod summer transformation starts now.

Remember: Hiking is just walking where it's okay to pee outside. You've got this, Kentucky.