A park for every passion

Whether you’re looking to rev up or wind down, we’ve got a place just for you. Nestled in some of the state’s most beautiful settings, Kentucky State Parks offer a wide range of activities – from outdoor adventures to nature escapes – and accommodations from rustic campsites and cozy cabins to resort park lodges. Plus, 13 nationally recognized state park golf courses get you out on the links to soak up incredible views.

Book your summer getaway at parks.ky.gov!

Blue Hole Falls

Cherokee National Forest, Tenn

Disclaimer: Blue Hole Falls is the least secluded spot mentioned thus far. On sweltering Saturdays, you can expect this natural pool to be packed with people trying to escape the Tennessee humidity. But we’ve listed the cascade for a couple of reasons, the number one being its accessibility. Whereas some mountain pools require countless miles of hiking, Blue Hole Falls is a 10-minute walk from your car. Even better, the short stroll features not one but four waterfalls. So, if the main waterfall is crowded, you can always dip your toes in another. For more privacy, you can also try visiting the falls during the week.

Honey Creek Falls

Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Tenn.

There’s no sugarcoating the challenge of accessing Honey Creek Falls. Tucked in the Tennessee section of the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, this waterfall requires hiking Honey Creek Loop Trail: a 5.5-mile footpath that navigates imposing boulders, ascends rooty scrambles, and crosses treacherously deep streams. There is a silver lining, though: Since these gnarly obstacles keep most folks at bay, you can strip down to your skivvies and a take a dip without the fear of prying eyes. (Pro tip: After a big rain, take the brief but technical side path to Secluded Falls, a tiny but mighty cascade that’s great for a private soak.)

Summer is here and our charming farms feature yummy goodness with u-pick fruit and veggies. June is peach season – savor farm-fresh baked peach pies, peach ice cream and candies. Then head out to one of our scenic and historic trails or paddle our waterways and make a weekend of it. This summer discover the good life in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Enloe Creek Falls

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C.

If you want to earn your swim with a workout, you’ll adore this 30-foot waterfall in the southwestern reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To get there, you’ll climb 1,500 feet to the spine of Hyatt Ridge on the namesake Hyatt Ridge Trail. After about two heart-pounding miles, the footpath nosedives into a valley carved by the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River. You can either stop here and find a swim-worthy hole along the river or keep hiking until you hear the roar of Enloe Creek Falls. After bushwhacking through stinging nettle to reach the pool, dive in and cool off.

Long Creek Falls

Sumter National Forest, S.C.

Located at the confluence of Long Creek and the Chattooga River, this South Carolina cascade dishes up a steady stream of unadulterated privacy. To spend a lazy afternoon basking in the cool waters, begin by driving down Turkey Ridge Road in Oconee County for 2.9 miles. (Note: A high-clearance vehicle is necessary.) Once you reach a cul-de-sac, park and pick up the trail on the right. Follow the pink and orange blazes as the footpath aggressively descends toward the water. When you reach the valley floor, you’ll need to wade through the river to get closer to the falls.