Kentucky is a wildly beautiful state, with immense splendor seemingly around every turn. We have our very own Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, as well as some truly magnificent monoliths and rock formations — both above and below ground! Today, though, we’re focusing on the above-ground views; specially, the most jaw-dropping overlooks in Kentucky. These are scenic places sure to stoke and satisfy your wanderlust, causing you to fall head-over-heels in love with the beautiful Bluegrass State.

Pinnacle Overlook - Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park/Facebook Cumberland Gap National Historical Park spans a staggering 24,000 acres and is known as one of the largest national parks on the eastern edge of the United States. Kentucky shares this treasure with Virginia and Tennessee, but only in Kentucky will you find the Pinnacle Overlook. It’s an out-and-back trail that stretches for 7.8 miles and climbs about 1,500 feet before reaching the overlook peering out over Cumberland Gap, one of the most jaw-dropping views in Kentucky. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA

Chained Rock - Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Kentucky State Parks/Facebook You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when you hike to Chained Rock, one of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky. Pine Mountain was Kentucky’s first state park, established back in 1924, and in the century since, visitors have found themselves charmed by its beauty and awe-inspiring features. The mile-long Chained Rock Trail is the perfect excursion any time of year, providing near-perfect panoramas of the beguiling Bluegrass State. Chained Rock, Q832+CX, Pineville, KY 40977, USA

Point Isabel Overlook - General Burnside Island State Park

Kentucky State Parks/Facebook The only “island park” in Kentucky, General Burnside is one of the most underrated gems in the Bluegrass. Filled with history and lovely scenery, the park’s Point Isabel Overlook Trail boasts phenomenal views of Lake Cumberland. The short-and-sweet trail leads hikers down a shaded path to an overlook with an interpretive sign explaining how the area became known as Point Isabel. It’s a fun and accessible adventure for those looking to revel in the lake views for which Kentucky is well known! General Burnside Island State Park, 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA

Sugar Camp Mountain Overlook - Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

Kentucky State Parks/Facebook If you’re looking for an overlook that you can enjoy all to yourself, head to Sugarcamp Mountain at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. These scenic trails were hand-cut and easy to follow, giving visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of this region of Kentucky. The landscape of these trails is the main feature, and you’ll get to experience a little bit of everything: mountains, valleys, foliage, lakes, and more! Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA

Cumberland Falls via the Eagle Falls Trail

Kentucky State Parks/Facebook Cumberland Falls doesn’t have a “bad” angle, but the views from the pullout along the Cumberland Falls via the Eagle Falls Trail really highlight its best features. Even better? This trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail that’s rated as moderate, and leads to two of the state’s most stunning waterfalls: Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA

Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks Interstate Park/Facebook Breaks Interstate Park encompasses parts of both Kentucky and Virginia. The park is glorious; marked with an abundance of nature, bountiful hills, and sweeping canyons. The centerpiece of “The Breaks” is a five-mile, 1,650-foot-deep gorge that’s commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” It’s a beautiful place to explore, and we’re partial to the Breaks Interstate Park Loop Trail, a six miler that traverses some of the best scenery in the Bluegrass State! Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA

Boone’s Overlook - Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve

Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves/Facebook What do you think Daniel Boone thought when he first gazed upon the Bluegrass? At Pilot Knob Overlook, you can relive this monumental, magical moment. This overlook features one of the most stunning views in Kentucky, and it’s reached via an accessible, two-mile hike. The views from this overlook are nothing short of extraordinary, and sure to fill your heart with an abundance of love and pride for our great state. Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve Trailhead, 1488 Brush Creek Rd, Clay City, KY 40312, USA

Now that you’ve explored some of the best above-ground views in the state, head below ground and revel in our state’s otherworldly beauty!

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park/Facebook

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park spans a staggering 24,000 acres and is known as one of the largest national parks on the eastern edge of the United States. Kentucky shares this treasure with Virginia and Tennessee, but only in Kentucky will you find the Pinnacle Overlook. It’s an out-and-back trail that stretches for 7.8 miles and climbs about 1,500 feet before reaching the overlook peering out over Cumberland Gap, one of the most jaw-dropping views in Kentucky.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA

Kentucky State Parks/Facebook

You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when you hike to Chained Rock, one of the most scenic hikes in Kentucky. Pine Mountain was Kentucky’s first state park, established back in 1924, and in the century since, visitors have found themselves charmed by its beauty and awe-inspiring features. The mile-long Chained Rock Trail is the perfect excursion any time of year, providing near-perfect panoramas of the beguiling Bluegrass State.

Chained Rock, Q832+CX, Pineville, KY 40977, USA

The only “island park” in Kentucky, General Burnside is one of the most underrated gems in the Bluegrass. Filled with history and lovely scenery, the park’s Point Isabel Overlook Trail boasts phenomenal views of Lake Cumberland. The short-and-sweet trail leads hikers down a shaded path to an overlook with an interpretive sign explaining how the area became known as Point Isabel. It’s a fun and accessible adventure for those looking to revel in the lake views for which Kentucky is well known!

General Burnside Island State Park, 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA

If you’re looking for an overlook that you can enjoy all to yourself, head to Sugarcamp Mountain at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. These scenic trails were hand-cut and easy to follow, giving visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of this region of Kentucky. The landscape of these trails is the main feature, and you’ll get to experience a little bit of everything: mountains, valleys, foliage, lakes, and more!

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA

Cumberland Falls doesn’t have a “bad” angle, but the views from the pullout along the Cumberland Falls via the Eagle Falls Trail really highlight its best features. Even better? This trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail that’s rated as moderate, and leads to two of the state’s most stunning waterfalls: Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA

Breaks Interstate Park/Facebook

Breaks Interstate Park encompasses parts of both Kentucky and Virginia. The park is glorious; marked with an abundance of nature, bountiful hills, and sweeping canyons. The centerpiece of “The Breaks” is a five-mile, 1,650-foot-deep gorge that’s commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” It’s a beautiful place to explore, and we’re partial to the Breaks Interstate Park Loop Trail, a six miler that traverses some of the best scenery in the Bluegrass State!

Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA

Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves/Facebook

What do you think Daniel Boone thought when he first gazed upon the Bluegrass? At Pilot Knob Overlook, you can relive this monumental, magical moment. This overlook features one of the most stunning views in Kentucky, and it’s reached via an accessible, two-mile hike. The views from this overlook are nothing short of extraordinary, and sure to fill your heart with an abundance of love and pride for our great state.

Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve Trailhead, 1488 Brush Creek Rd, Clay City, KY 40312, USA

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