If you’re the adventurous type, perhaps you prefer to choose your activities spontaneously, or maybe you like to plan out a year at a time. If you plan to explore Kentucky, there’s no shortage of things to do and experiences to have; in fact, there are more than enough to try for one outing each month of the year. The outdoor adventures in Kentucky range from cave exploration to zip-lining to hiking past frozen waterfalls, deep in the woods. The options are endless, so we narrowed it down to 12 of the best outdoor Kentucky adventures, one for each month of the year. Grab your calendar and start planning, or at least keep these in mind when you want to try something new in the Bluegrass State.
January - Take an Underground Boat Tour
Facebook/The Gorge Underground You may not think of taking a boat tour in January, but this particular excursion is the same temperature all year long! The Gorge Underground is both outdoors and within a cave, so it’s bound to be a unique way to begin your year. And if it’s not in the cards for January, this is a great outing any month of the year. The great people of Red River Gorge Underground have everything you need for the epic adventure. From kayak rentals, training, and tours, they will provide it all so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Read more about this unique outdoor adventure in Kentucky by checking out You Can Explore Kentucky’s Caves By Boat On This Bucket-List Worthy Adventure. Gorge Underground, 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, USA
February - Chase Frozen Waterfalls
@muddyadventurer, Contributed Photo Kentucky is filled with waterfalls and some are easily accessible while others are tucked away deep in the woods. During the winter, many of these flowing cascades completely freeze over, making for a different kind of natural beauty. February is typically a frigid month in Kentucky, so watch the weather forecast and get ready to track down one or many of these frozen waterfalls in Kentucky! One must-see waterfall when it freezes is Overstreet Falls in Jessamine Creek Gorge, but they are all really pretty and worth seeking out. See more photos of frozen waterfalls across the Bluegrass State and pick out your favorites in our previous article. Which one is your favorite? let us know in the comment below.
March - Explore Red River Gorge
Flickr/Patrick Mueller Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a popular place for countless outdoor adventures, but March is a great time to visit to avoid the crowds! Stay in a cozy cabin or a unique treehouse, drive through Nada Tunnel (shown above), eat at Miguel’s, and of course get out on the scenic trails throughout the area. Plan your own visit with our recommendation of a Red River Gorge Road Trip. Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
April - Take a Wildflower Hike
Facebook/john James Audubon State Park There is nothing quite like spring in Kentucky and April is when everything really starts to come to life. Wildflowers pop up along hiking trails, so get out and enjoy the fresh air! John James Audubon State Park, shown above, is one beautiful destination in the spring or if you’re looking for something in Northern Kentucky, check out Middle Creek Park. John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USAMiddle Creek Park, 5655 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005, USA
May - Spend Time On Laurel River Lake
Facebook/Laurel River Lake When May rolls around, it’s time to head to the water, and Laurel River Lake is one of the most beautiful in the state. With clear water, a sandy beach, and an abundance of fish, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure here. And while the water may be a bit chilly in May, you’ll also avoid the crowds who have already discovered this picturesque lake. Plus being in a landlocked state we need a little time at the beach and what better way than to spend it at Laurel River Lake? See more of the blue waters of Laurel River Lake in our previous article. Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USA
June - Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking
Facebook/SUP Kentucky With all of the waterways in Kentucky, you shouldn’t spend a summer in the Bluegrass without paddle boarding or kayaking. SUP Kentucky is an excellent provider of this experience and they offer several excursions to places all over Kentucky. They will provide everything you need for an epic water adventure as well as tour some of the most beautiful locations in the state. Or if you happen to have your own kayak or paddle board, add an adventure to your June calendar! If you’re looking for one option, check out this adventure on Grayson Lake with SUP Kentucky.
July - Cool off with a swim in an adults-only quarry.
Facebook/FRP-LaGrange Quarry Editor’s Note: the FRP-Lagrange Quarry does close outside of the summer months but July is a perfect time to dip in the cool waters of this quarry. Located in LaGrange, the FRP-Lagrange Quarry is a sought after outdoor destination in the summer in Kentucky. You must be 18 or older and you can float to your heart’s content in this crystal clear, refreshing water. Blow up that massive swan floatie and plan a July weekend at this relaxing outdoor adventure in Kentucky. Take a closer look at the FRP-Lagrange Quarry in this previous article to best plan your trip. FRP LaGrange Quarry “The Quarry”, 2201 Fendley Mill Rd, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
August - Camp on the Lake
Facebook/Lakeside Campground In August things really heat up, so keep the outdoor adventures near the water by camping lakefront. Kentucky offers many campgrounds that are right on a lake and many of these have swimming beaches that are ideal for cooling off. If camping is one of your favorite outdoor adventures in Kentucky, check out these 7 campgrounds that are right on the water.
September - Pay a visit to Cave Run Lake.
Facebook/Cave Run Lake For one last adventure near the water, head to scenic Cave Run Lake in September. We usually get a little bit of everything weather-wise in September, but there should be plenty of days to still enjoy the water, the beaches, campground, hiking, and more. This is arguably the most beautiful lake in Kentucky as it’s surrounded by rolling mountain views and September is a delightful time to visit. See more of the idyllic Cave Run Lake in our previous article to plan all the amazing adventures you can have on this lake. Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, USA
October - Take A Zip Line Tour
Facebook/Red River Gorge Zipline Tours What better way to see the vibrant fall foliage in October than with a zip line tour?! Red River Gorge Zipline Tours is a popular destination and it’s easy to see why. You can zip high above the gorge and in the fall, over some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. This is one outdoor adventure that belongs on every thrill-seeker’s bucket list. Make sure to visit the Red River Gorge Zipline Tours website to see everything they have to offer and plan your next trip. Learn more and plan your own tour with this Red River Gorge Zipline Tours article. Red River Gorge Ziplines, 455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY 41301, USA
November - Head to Pine Mountain
AnnaBeth Dye / @ab.dye, Contributed Photo In November, plan a visit to Pine Mountain and spend time in Kentucky’s oldest state park. This mountainous area offers several scenic trails, views, and winding roads and fall is simply spectacular! And if you happen to visit during an early snowfall, that’s just as magical. Make sure to check out the Pine Mountain website to plan your next trip to enjoy the fantastic fall colors. See more of Pine Mountain in the fall in our previous article. Pine Mountain, KY 40808, USA
December - Visit the longest cave system in the world.
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park Mammoth Cave is a true Kentucky treasure and the ultimate in outdoor adventure destinations. Tour this massive cave and walk through history while witnessing a geological wonder that people visit from all over the world. Mammoth Cave is an incredible geological wonder and well worth exploring. December is a great time to go and avoid the crowds. You will need to book a tour in order to get inside this massive cave so make sure you check out the tours available at the Mammoth Cave National Park Page. See more of Mammoth Cave and learn about its tours in our previous article. Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
While 12 outdoor adventures in Kentucky sound like a lot, these experiences are just the beginning of a long list of things to do outside in the Bluegrass. Whether underground, on water, or flying through the sky, make this the year that you try some new Kentucky adventures. What do you think of this list? How many have you already tried? We’d love to hear about your travel plans in Kentucky, so be sure to share in the comments!
Facebook/The Gorge Underground
You may not think of taking a boat tour in January, but this particular excursion is the same temperature all year long! The Gorge Underground is both outdoors and within a cave, so it’s bound to be a unique way to begin your year. And if it’s not in the cards for January, this is a great outing any month of the year. The great people of Red River Gorge Underground have everything you need for the epic adventure. From kayak rentals, training, and tours, they will provide it all so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Read more about this unique outdoor adventure in Kentucky by checking out You Can Explore Kentucky’s Caves By Boat On This Bucket-List Worthy Adventure.
Gorge Underground, 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, USA
@muddyadventurer, Contributed Photo
Kentucky is filled with waterfalls and some are easily accessible while others are tucked away deep in the woods. During the winter, many of these flowing cascades completely freeze over, making for a different kind of natural beauty. February is typically a frigid month in Kentucky, so watch the weather forecast and get ready to track down one or many of these frozen waterfalls in Kentucky! One must-see waterfall when it freezes is Overstreet Falls in Jessamine Creek Gorge, but they are all really pretty and worth seeking out. See more photos of frozen waterfalls across the Bluegrass State and pick out your favorites in our previous article. Which one is your favorite? let us know in the comment below.
Flickr/Patrick Mueller
Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a popular place for countless outdoor adventures, but March is a great time to visit to avoid the crowds! Stay in a cozy cabin or a unique treehouse, drive through Nada Tunnel (shown above), eat at Miguel’s, and of course get out on the scenic trails throughout the area. Plan your own visit with our recommendation of a Red River Gorge Road Trip.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
Facebook/john James Audubon State Park
There is nothing quite like spring in Kentucky and April is when everything really starts to come to life. Wildflowers pop up along hiking trails, so get out and enjoy the fresh air! John James Audubon State Park, shown above, is one beautiful destination in the spring or if you’re looking for something in Northern Kentucky, check out Middle Creek Park.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USAMiddle Creek Park, 5655 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005, USA
Facebook/Laurel River Lake
When May rolls around, it’s time to head to the water, and Laurel River Lake is one of the most beautiful in the state. With clear water, a sandy beach, and an abundance of fish, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure here. And while the water may be a bit chilly in May, you’ll also avoid the crowds who have already discovered this picturesque lake. Plus being in a landlocked state we need a little time at the beach and what better way than to spend it at Laurel River Lake? See more of the blue waters of Laurel River Lake in our previous article.
Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Facebook/SUP Kentucky
With all of the waterways in Kentucky, you shouldn’t spend a summer in the Bluegrass without paddle boarding or kayaking. SUP Kentucky is an excellent provider of this experience and they offer several excursions to places all over Kentucky. They will provide everything you need for an epic water adventure as well as tour some of the most beautiful locations in the state. Or if you happen to have your own kayak or paddle board, add an adventure to your June calendar! If you’re looking for one option, check out this adventure on Grayson Lake with SUP Kentucky.
Facebook/FRP-LaGrange Quarry
Editor’s Note: the FRP-Lagrange Quarry does close outside of the summer months but July is a perfect time to dip in the cool waters of this quarry. Located in LaGrange, the FRP-Lagrange Quarry is a sought after outdoor destination in the summer in Kentucky. You must be 18 or older and you can float to your heart’s content in this crystal clear, refreshing water. Blow up that massive swan floatie and plan a July weekend at this relaxing outdoor adventure in Kentucky. Take a closer look at the FRP-Lagrange Quarry in this previous article to best plan your trip.
FRP LaGrange Quarry “The Quarry”, 2201 Fendley Mill Rd, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
Facebook/Lakeside Campground
In August things really heat up, so keep the outdoor adventures near the water by camping lakefront. Kentucky offers many campgrounds that are right on a lake and many of these have swimming beaches that are ideal for cooling off. If camping is one of your favorite outdoor adventures in Kentucky, check out these 7 campgrounds that are right on the water.
Facebook/Cave Run Lake
For one last adventure near the water, head to scenic Cave Run Lake in September. We usually get a little bit of everything weather-wise in September, but there should be plenty of days to still enjoy the water, the beaches, campground, hiking, and more. This is arguably the most beautiful lake in Kentucky as it’s surrounded by rolling mountain views and September is a delightful time to visit. See more of the idyllic Cave Run Lake in our previous article to plan all the amazing adventures you can have on this lake.
Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, USA
Facebook/Red River Gorge Zipline Tours
What better way to see the vibrant fall foliage in October than with a zip line tour?! Red River Gorge Zipline Tours is a popular destination and it’s easy to see why. You can zip high above the gorge and in the fall, over some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. This is one outdoor adventure that belongs on every thrill-seeker’s bucket list. Make sure to visit the Red River Gorge Zipline Tours website to see everything they have to offer and plan your next trip. Learn more and plan your own tour with this Red River Gorge Zipline Tours article.
Red River Gorge Ziplines, 455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY 41301, USA
AnnaBeth Dye / @ab.dye, Contributed Photo
In November, plan a visit to Pine Mountain and spend time in Kentucky’s oldest state park. This mountainous area offers several scenic trails, views, and winding roads and fall is simply spectacular! And if you happen to visit during an early snowfall, that’s just as magical. Make sure to check out the Pine Mountain website to plan your next trip to enjoy the fantastic fall colors. See more of Pine Mountain in the fall in our previous article.
Pine Mountain, KY 40808, USA
Facebook/Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave is a true Kentucky treasure and the ultimate in outdoor adventure destinations. Tour this massive cave and walk through history while witnessing a geological wonder that people visit from all over the world. Mammoth Cave is an incredible geological wonder and well worth exploring. December is a great time to go and avoid the crowds. You will need to book a tour in order to get inside this massive cave so make sure you check out the tours available at the Mammoth Cave National Park Page. See more of Mammoth Cave and learn about its tours in our previous article.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
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Address: Gorge Underground, 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, USAAddress: Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USAAddress: John James Audubon State Park, 3100 US Hwy 41, Henderson, KY 42420, USAAddress: Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USAAddress: Grayson Lake, Kentucky, USAAddress: Lagrange Quarry, La Grange, KY 40031, USAAddress: Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, USAAddress: Red River Gorge Ziplines, 455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY 41301, USAAddress: Pine Mountain, KY 40808, USAAddress: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kentucky Adventures December 16, 2022 Chris Doge What are some other Kentucky adventures I can go on this year? Here are a few more Kentucky adventures we suggest:
Go on an easy hike to Princess Arch. Take a tour of the Lost River Cave. Explore an arboretum and find the forest giants.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kentucky Adventures
December 16, 2022
Chris Doge
What are some other Kentucky adventures I can go on this year? Here are a few more Kentucky adventures we suggest:
Go on an easy hike to Princess Arch. Take a tour of the Lost River Cave. Explore an arboretum and find the forest giants.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Here are a few more Kentucky adventures we suggest:
- Go on an easy hike to Princess Arch.
- Take a tour of the Lost River Cave.
- Explore an arboretum and find the forest giants.
