Worth the drive: These 5 natural monuments in Kentucky you should visit
One of the best things to enjoy when the weather is nice is Kentucky’s beautiful outdoors.
The good thing is there are many places to explore across the Bluegrass State, from caves to forests and waterfalls. These make for a fun adventure to enjoy with your family, friends or by yourself.
Before hitting the road, see which Kentucky museums and monuments to add to your road trip.
Here are five Kentucky natural monuments you can’t miss:
Mammoth Cave
Did you know that the “world’s largest known cave system” is here in Kentucky? According to the National Park Foundation it’s Mammoth Cave and it sits in south central Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 10 miles inside the cave are open to the public. According to the National Parks Service website, people can also paddle and go fishing.
Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time to schedule where to stay and what tours to take.
Related: Explore Mammoth Cave: Your guide to a unique Kentucky attraction, world's longest cave
Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest and was designated as a "National Natural Landmark” in 1976, according to the National Park Service website. Activities include rock climbing, hiking and camping.
Entrance to the trails is free, but people must have a car permit between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. if parked on Kentucky Route 15, the Indian Creek area north of KY 15 or the Gorge.
Map: Download this map ahead of your road trip to Red River Gorge.
More: Red River Gorge: What to know about the Eastern Kentucky scenic area
Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls, also known as the “Niagara of the South,” measures 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide, according to the Kentucky Tourism website.
“The 3,600 cubic feet of water that spills over the sandstone edge every second creates a formidable roar and a breathtaking sight, day or night.,” the website states.
When planning your trip, be sure to check lodging at the Dupont Lodge and whitewater rafting below the falls.
More: Your guide to 17 must-see Kentucky waterfalls, plus 2 more that are close to Louisville
Big South Fork
“Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries,” according to the National Park Service.
Big South Fork has activities for everyone including whitewater paddling, rock climbing, horseback riding and hiking, the National Park Service states.
More: Looking to get outdoors? Here's a list of Louisville's major parks
Daniel Boone National Forest
Another great option to explore is the Daniel Boone National Forest in Winchester, Kentucky.
There are many places to stay including RV spots in the Cumberland District or cabins in the Zilpo Recreation Area, according to the Kentucky Tourism website.
These are some of the activities you can do at the Daniel Boone National Forest:
Boating
Canoeing
Swimming
Tubing
Hiking
Climbing
Biking
More: Worth the Drive: Learn Kentucky history through these 5 monuments
More: Worth the Drive: 8 museums across Kentucky to visit this spring
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Worth the drive: Add these 5 natural monuments to your road trip
