Even if you’ve spent your entire lifetime here in Kentucky, chances are very likely that you haven’t seen it all. Our state may not be as big as say, Texas, but we still pack plenty of fun and interesting things to do here in the Bluegrass State. Some of these adventures are very well known, while others tend to fly under the radar. If you want to experience a few underrated places in Kentucky, then check out these 7 destinations that even many natives have never heard of (or experienced for themselves!).
- Covington
Facebook/Braxton Brewing Company Okay, so hopefully the natives of Kentucky have at least heard of the city of Covington, located along the Ohio River. But what they may not realize is that Covington is easily now one of the best restaurant cities in our state. This historic town has exploded with fantastic eateries, shops, hotels, and amazing views of the nearby Cincinnati skyline. When you visit, you’ll want to check out the lovely rooftop patio at Braxton Brewing Company, shown above. Learn more about this scrumptious city in our previous article.
- Carter Caves State Resort Park
Photo Courtesy of Amy Hamant / @cloudwall When you think of exploring a cave in Kentucky, most immediately think of visiting Mammoth Cave, and rightfully so. But there is another Kentucky State Park that not only offers cave tours, but practically every other type of outdoor adventure, as well. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a great place to hike, camp, kayak, go caving, and take in the diverse beauty of our state. Find out more about Carter Caves in our previous article.
- The Kentucky Bend
Wikipedia/Jim Efaw Although we’ve shared about the Kentucky Bend before, many still are unaware of this unusual place. There is a piece of Kentucky that is completely separated from the rest of the state. There is not much there besides crops and tractors, but it has a fascinating story and makes for great trivia about our wonderful state. Read all about the Kentucky Bend in our previous article.
- Morehead State University Star Theater
Facebook/Morehead State University Star Theater Did you know you could travel through space in Kentucky, thanks to the Star Theater planetarium at Morehead State University? This state-of-the-art planetarium offers shows on Saturdays from September - June that are open to the public and are very affordable. It would make for a great afternoon outing for all ages. Learn more about the Star Theater in our previous article.
- Copperas Falls
Alltrails/Joseph Johannesse There are many well known trails throughout Red River Gorge, most of which you’ll easily find on a map. But the trail to Copperas Falls, shown above, is unofficial and unmarked, so you’ll have to know where to go to find it. While unofficial, it is still fairly popular with those who frequent the area, and it’s easy to see why. The falls themselves can be breathtaking in the right conditions, but the entire trail is scenic. Learn more and how to find the trail in our previous article.
- Red River Rockhouse
Facebook/Red River Rockhouse And after you’ve tracked down Copperas Falls, head to Red River Rockhouse, a delicious restaurant in the heart of the Gorge. It sits up off the road a bit and may not be as well known as Miguel’s, but this local favorite is a must-try. The food is fresh and delicious and the menu will definitely surprise you. Keep in mind, it is open seasonally, spring - late fall. Learn more in our previous article.
- Black Mountain - The Highest Point In Kentucky
Flickr/Ilovemountain.org, Matt Wasson You’d think that the highest point in Kentucky would be well known, but it really isn’t. It may be because this point on Black Mountain in Eastern Kentucky is on private property, but you are still able to visit. You have to fill out a waiver, and the efforts are definitely worth it for the most amazing views. Find out more and how to visit in our previous article.
There will always be pleasant surprises hiding in Kentucky and we are up for the challenge to track them all down. While many may have at least heard of the places on this list, there are still so many locals who have yet to visit. Do you enjoy heading to the underrated places in Kentucky? What is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/Braxton Brewing Company
Okay, so hopefully the natives of Kentucky have at least heard of the city of Covington, located along the Ohio River. But what they may not realize is that Covington is easily now one of the best restaurant cities in our state. This historic town has exploded with fantastic eateries, shops, hotels, and amazing views of the nearby Cincinnati skyline. When you visit, you’ll want to check out the lovely rooftop patio at Braxton Brewing Company, shown above. Learn more about this scrumptious city in our previous article.
Photo Courtesy of Amy Hamant / @cloudwall
When you think of exploring a cave in Kentucky, most immediately think of visiting Mammoth Cave, and rightfully so. But there is another Kentucky State Park that not only offers cave tours, but practically every other type of outdoor adventure, as well. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a great place to hike, camp, kayak, go caving, and take in the diverse beauty of our state. Find out more about Carter Caves in our previous article.
Wikipedia/Jim Efaw
Although we’ve shared about the Kentucky Bend before, many still are unaware of this unusual place. There is a piece of Kentucky that is completely separated from the rest of the state. There is not much there besides crops and tractors, but it has a fascinating story and makes for great trivia about our wonderful state. Read all about the Kentucky Bend in our previous article.
Facebook/Morehead State University Star Theater
Did you know you could travel through space in Kentucky, thanks to the Star Theater planetarium at Morehead State University? This state-of-the-art planetarium offers shows on Saturdays from September - June that are open to the public and are very affordable. It would make for a great afternoon outing for all ages. Learn more about the Star Theater in our previous article.
Alltrails/Joseph Johannesse
There are many well known trails throughout Red River Gorge, most of which you’ll easily find on a map. But the trail to Copperas Falls, shown above, is unofficial and unmarked, so you’ll have to know where to go to find it. While unofficial, it is still fairly popular with those who frequent the area, and it’s easy to see why. The falls themselves can be breathtaking in the right conditions, but the entire trail is scenic. Learn more and how to find the trail in our previous article.
Facebook/Red River Rockhouse
And after you’ve tracked down Copperas Falls, head to Red River Rockhouse, a delicious restaurant in the heart of the Gorge. It sits up off the road a bit and may not be as well known as Miguel’s, but this local favorite is a must-try. The food is fresh and delicious and the menu will definitely surprise you. Keep in mind, it is open seasonally, spring - late fall. Learn more in our previous article.
Flickr/Ilovemountain.org, Matt Wasson
You’d think that the highest point in Kentucky would be well known, but it really isn’t. It may be because this point on Black Mountain in Eastern Kentucky is on private property, but you are still able to visit. You have to fill out a waiver, and the efforts are definitely worth it for the most amazing views. Find out more and how to visit in our previous article.
And for another underrated spot, check out this beautiful distillery that offers both scenery and history.
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Address: Covington, KY, USAAddress: Morehead State University, 150 University Blvd, Morehead, KY 40351, USAAddress: Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USAAddress: Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USAAddress: Red River Rockhouse, 4000 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301, USAAddress: Black Mountain, Kentucky 40843, USAAddress: New Madrid, MO 63869, USA
