Hike your home state — Bucketlist Field Guide
Trails by State · All 50

Hike your home state

The standout trail in every US state — with mileage, elevation gain, difficulty, season notes, and a live trail map. Pick a state and start planning the next weekend out.

Top trails in Kentucky (10)

Natural Bridge SRP
Moderate
Original Trail

Quick climb to a 78-foot sandstone arch. 4 mi with about 550 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
1.4 mi
Gain:
550 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Red River Gorge
Moderate
Auxier Ridge Loop

Cliff-edge views over the gorge. 2 mi with about 700 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
5.2 mi
Gain:
700 ft
Type:
Loop
Cumberland Falls SRP
Moderate
Eagle Falls Trail

6 mi with about 350 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended. Because it's out-and-back, you can turn around at any overlook if weather or energy turns.

Distance:
1.6 mi
Gain:
350 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Great Smokies (KY-TN)
Hard
Alum Cave to LeConte

Iconic Smokies climb. 0 mi with about 2,800 ft of elevation gain. This is a challenging hike with real elevation and exposure in places; start early, pack layers, and check current trail conditions before you go.

Distance:
11.0 mi
Gain:
2,800 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Daniel Boone NF
Hard
Rough Trail

Best long day in the Red River Gorge. 5 mi with about 1,100 ft of elevation gain. This is a challenging hike with real elevation and exposure in places; start early, pack layers, and check current trail conditions before you go.

Distance:
7.5 mi
Gain:
1,100 ft
Type:
Point to Point
Cumberland Gap NHP
Moderate
Pinnacle Overlook Trail

Three-state ridge panorama from the historic pass. 4 mi with about 650 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
2.4 mi
Gain:
650 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Red River Gorge
Moderate
Auxier Ridge to Double Arch

Ridge-and-arch tour through Kentucky's premier hiking area. 0 mi with about 750 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
5.0 mi
Gain:
750 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Bad Branch SNP
Moderate
Bad Branch Falls

60-ft waterfall in an old-growth hemlock gorge. 6 mi with about 500 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
2.6 mi
Gain:
500 ft
Type:
Out & Back