List of National Parks in Kentucky

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List of National Parks in Kentucky

Kentucky has seven National Parks:

  1. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
  2. Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
  3. Camp Nelson National Monument
  4. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
  5. Fort Donelson National Battlefield
  6. Mammoth Cave National Park
  7. Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

In this article I will write about these National Parks (infomation, things to do, weather). I also add Kentucky National Parks Map at the end of the article.

List of National Parks in Kentucky 2024

1. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is located in Hodgenville, Kentucky, United States. It commemorates the birthplace and early life of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

Information:

Things to do:

  1. Visit the Birthplace Memorial Building: This is a neoclassical-style building housing a symbolic cabin representing Lincoln’s birthplace.
  2. Explore the Visitor Center: It provides exhibits about Lincoln’s life and legacy, including artifacts and interactive displays.
  3. Hike the Trails: The park has several trails where visitors can explore the surrounding natural beauty and historical sites.
  4. Picnic: Enjoy a picnic in the park’s picnic area.
  5. Attend Ranger Programs: The park offers ranger-led programs, including talks, walks, and other educational activities.

Weather:

  • Summer temperatures can range from the 70s to the 90s Fahrenheit (around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius), with occasional humidity.
  • Winters are generally mild, with temperatures typically ranging from the 20s to the 40s Fahrenheit (around -7 to 4 degrees Celsius).

2. Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is a beautiful and expansive park located in Tennessee and Kentucky, USA.

Information:

  • Address: 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, United States
  • Established: March 7, 1974
  • Area: 507.1 km²
  • Official website: https://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm
  • Phone: +1 423-286-7275

Things to do:

  1. Hiking: The park offers numerous hiking trails catering to various skill levels, allowing visitors to explore the stunning natural landscapes, including gorges, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
  2. Horseback Riding: With over 180 miles of trails, the park is a popular destination for horseback riding enthusiasts. Horse rentals and guided tours are available in some areas.
  3. Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking: The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River provides opportunities for thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures.
  4. Camping: The park offers several campgrounds, both developed and primitive, where visitors can enjoy camping amidst the wilderness.
  5. Rock Climbing: The sandstone cliffs and rock formations in the park attract rock climbers seeking challenging routes and breathtaking views.
  6. Scenic Drives: Enjoy scenic drives along the park’s designated routes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and geological features.
  7. Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and even the occasional black bear, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Weather:

  • The weather in the Big South Fork area varies depending on the season.
  • Summers tend to be warm and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees
  • Winter temperatures frequently fall below freezing
  • Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.

3. Camp Nelson National Monument

Camp Nelson National Monument is located in Jessamine County, Kentucky, United States. It’s situated about 20 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky.

Information:

Things to do:

  1. Visitor Center: Explore the Visitor Center, which offers exhibits, artifacts, and displays providing insights into the history of Camp Nelson as a Civil War site and African American refugee camp.
  2. Guided Tours: Join guided tours led by park rangers to learn about the significant role Camp Nelson played during the Civil War and its impact on the African American community.
  3. Hiking Trails: Enjoy hiking on the trails within the park, offering opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and historical sites.
  4. Picnicking: Relax and enjoy a picnic in the designated picnic areas within the park.
  5. Birdwatching: Camp Nelson National Monument is home to diverse bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Weather:

  • Summer temperatures can range from the 70s to the 90s Fahrenheit (around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius), with occasional humidity.
  • Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, with lows typically in the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit (around -7 to -1 degrees Celsius).

4. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located at the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia in the southeastern United States.

Information:

Things to do:

  1. Hiking: The park offers numerous trails, including the famous Wilderness Road Trail, leading to scenic overlooks, historic sites, and natural attractions like Hensley Settlement.
  2. Scenic Drives: Enjoy breathtaking views while driving along designated scenic routes such as Pinnacle Overlook Road and Ridge Trail.
  3. Historic Sites: Explore the rich history of the area by visiting the Hensley Settlement, Gap Cave, and various interpretive exhibits and museums.
  4. Wildlife Viewing: Cumberland Gap is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
  5. Camping: The park offers camping facilities at the Wilderness Road Campground, providing a rustic and immersive outdoor experience.
  6. Picnicking: Take advantage of the park’s picnic areas to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature and stunning scenery.

Weather:

  • Cumberland Gap experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
  • Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (around 21 to 30 degrees Celsius).
  • Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty of the park.
  • Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall, particularly at higher elevations.
  • Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, making it another popular time to visit the park.

5. Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Fort Donelson National Battlefield is located near Dover, Tennessee, in Stewart County. The battlefield is situated on the Cumberland River, about 50 miles northwest of Nashville, Tennessee.

Information:

Things to do:

  1. Visitor Center: Begin your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the Civil War battle that took place at Fort Donelson through exhibits, displays, and audiovisual presentations.
  2. Auto Tour: Take a self-guided auto tour of the battlefield, following designated routes that lead to historic sites, monuments, and interpretive markers.
  3. Ranger Programs: Join ranger-led programs, including guided walks, talks, and living history demonstrations, to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of Fort Donelson.
  4. Hiking Trails: Explore hiking trails within the battlefield, offering opportunities to see historic earthworks, artillery positions, and scenic views of the Cumberland River.
  5. Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at designated picnic areas within the park, surrounded by beautiful scenery and historical landmarks.

Weather:

  • Summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit (around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius).
  • Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it an ideal time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Winters are generally cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
  • Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the battlefield and its surroundings.

6. Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in south-central Kentucky, USA.

Information:

Things to do:

  1. Cave Tours: Explore the vast underground network of caves through guided tours of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Highlights include the Frozen Niagara Tour, Domes and Dripstones Tour, and Historic Tour.
  2. Hiking: Discover the park’s diverse surface features and natural landscapes by hiking on over 80 miles of trails. Popular trails include the Cedar Sink Trail, Sand Cave Trail, and Green River Bluffs Trail.
  3. Wildlife Viewing: Observe a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, bats, and various bird species, throughout the park’s forests and meadows.
  4. Camping: Stay overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds, offering tent and RV sites, as well as backcountry camping options for a more immersive outdoor experience.
  5. Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle along the Green River or Nolin River, both of which flow through the park, and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape and limestone cliffs.
  6. Horseback Riding: Saddle up and explore the park’s 60 miles of backcountry trails suitable for riders of various skill levels and ages.
  7. Stargazing: Half the park comes alive after dark! Take advantage of the clear skies and indulge in some stargazing.

Weather:

  • Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit (around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius).
  • Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it an ideal time to visit for hiking and cave tours.
  • Winters are generally cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
  • Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities and exploring the park.

7. Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument is located in Nancy, Kentucky, United States.

Information:

Things to do:

  1. Visitor Center and Museum: Operated by the National Park Service, the Visitor Center and Museum in Nancy, KY, offers a free 20-minute film about the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the Combat on the Cumberland exhibit, featuring Civil War artifacts and replicas. The center is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Eastern Time) Wednesday through Sunday
  2. Driving Tour: Much of the battlefield can be seen from public roadways. The Mill Springs Battlefield Association developed a 10-stop Driving Tour, starting at the visitor center. Informative signs help visitors understand the significance of each site. Note that the Cumberland River flows through the area, so drivers may need to retrace their steps
  3. Zollicoffer Park: This park, donated by Pulaski County to the National Park Service, forms part of the new national monument. Explore rolling fields and forest land that make up the core battlefield area. The Ravine Trail (approximately 0.5 miles) takes hikers down into a ravine, crossing historic battlelines. Good shoes are recommended
  4. Brown-Lanier House: Built before the Civil War, this historic farmhouse served as headquarters for generals on both sides of the fighting before and after the Battle of Mill Springs. While the house is currently closed for visitation, the grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily
  5. Mill Springs Mill: Situated on the shores of Lake Cumberland, this restored grist mill features a working water wheel. Operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, it is open for tours seasonally on weekends and holidays. You can also check out their Mill Video Tour anytime

Weather

  • Summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit (around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius).
  • Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making it an ideal time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Winters are generally cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
  • Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the battlefield and its surroundings.

Kentucky National Parks Map on Google map

Tag: List of National Parks in Kentucky, Kentucky National Parks

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