Life can get overwhelming at times, the constant go-go-go feeling like an unfairly stacked race against time. There can just be so much noise. During these times, it’s best to take a step back, take a deep breath, and spend a little time in nature. Happily, The Bluegrass State is full of quiet places perfect for a relaxing retreat in Mother Nature. Here are nine of the most peaceful places to go in Kentucky when you simply need a break from it all:
- Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Visit Bardstown/Facebook Bernheim Arboretum is a favorite destination all year long, with each season offering new shades of splendor. At this delightful arboretum, you can explore over 16,000 acres of natural beauty, for a magical escape in nature.
- Carter Caves State Resort Park
Lori Clem/AllTrails Carter Caves State Resort Park is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it’s everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special – all in one place. Here you’ll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground. What you’ll be struck with while hiking any of the 33 miles of trails at Carter Caves, is how wholly alive it all is. It’s a dream of a place, perfect for an escape into Kentucky nature.
- Dewey Lake
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park/Facebook If sitting by a pristine pool of cerulean waters sounds like a dream, visit Dewey Lake, a 1,100-acre oasis at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. While you can definitely fish, boat, canoe, or swim here, we like to just sit back, relax, and take it all in. This resplendent blue lake truly is one of the most breathtaking treasures in The Bluegrass State.
- Grayson Lake State Park
SUP Kentucky/Facebook One of the most underrated state parks in Kentucky, Grayson Lake State Park is located in Olive Hill, east of Lexington. Its 1,512 acres are chock-full of natural wonders, and each time you visit, you’re likely to notice something new. The main feature of the park is, of course, the eponymous Grayson Lake. This winding body of water passes through the park and provides a natural playground, ready for exploring – and relaxing.
- HomeGrown HideAways
HomeGrown HideAways/Facebook Tucked into the hills surrounding Berea is a campground that is perfect for true relaxation and rejuvenation. HomeGrown HideAways is owned by a couple who welcome guests and campers to their property to enjoy serenity and beautiful natural surroundings. All year long, you can stroll along trails and paths, surrounded by climbing hills and towering trees. It’s a place where you can go, take a deep breath of fresh air, and forget about your cares for a while. In other words, the ultimate quiet little Kentucky getaway!
- Land Between the Lakes
Land Between The Lakes KY/TN/Flickr If you’re looking for an entire relaxing region to visit in Kentucky, then just head to Land Between the Lakes. This land is incredibly unique and stunningly beautiful. Camp, stay on the lake, hike, swim, fish - you can do it all in this wondrous part of our state.
- McCammon Falls
Jacob Jones/AllTrails One of Kentucky’s most glorious hidden waterfalls, McCammon Falls plummets 62 feet in a powerful, thunderous performance. The hike to McCammon Falls is less than a quarter-mile long, too, making it one of the most easily-accessed falls in the state. Just be aware: a privately owned house is situated next to the trail in front of the falls, so be respectful.
- Nolin Lake
Nolin Lake State Park/Facebook Nolin Lake is easily one of Kentucky’s prettiest lakes. Nolin Lake, in the eponymous Nolin Lake State Park, is a small body of water that has a ton to offer. The camping here is spectacular, with each of the park’s 32 campsites offering scenic lakeside views. This beautiful place is an under-the-radar gem that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat in nature.
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Pine Mountain State Resort Park/Facebook Nestled in southeastern Kentucky, Pine Mountain offers some of the most spectacular views and hiking trails in the state. The legendary Chained Rock is a must-see as you venture through the hiking trails in this mountainous region of Kentucky. This is peak Bluegrass beauty.
We don’t know about you, but we feel more relaxed already! The next time life starts to be a bit too noisy, turn the volume down and retreat to one of these peaceful places in Kentucky.
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
Bernheim Arboretum is a favorite destination all year long, with each season offering new shades of splendor. At this delightful arboretum, you can explore over 16,000 acres of natural beauty, for a magical escape in nature.
Lori Clem/AllTrails
Carter Caves State Resort Park is a place of immense beauty and natural splendor; it’s everything that makes Kentucky so unique and special – all in one place. Here you’ll find 33 miles of trails, winding through lush forests, pristine pools, and fascinating geological formations both above and below ground. What you’ll be struck with while hiking any of the 33 miles of trails at Carter Caves, is how wholly alive it all is. It’s a dream of a place, perfect for an escape into Kentucky nature.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park/Facebook
If sitting by a pristine pool of cerulean waters sounds like a dream, visit Dewey Lake, a 1,100-acre oasis at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. While you can definitely fish, boat, canoe, or swim here, we like to just sit back, relax, and take it all in. This resplendent blue lake truly is one of the most breathtaking treasures in The Bluegrass State.
SUP Kentucky/Facebook
One of the most underrated state parks in Kentucky, Grayson Lake State Park is located in Olive Hill, east of Lexington. Its 1,512 acres are chock-full of natural wonders, and each time you visit, you’re likely to notice something new. The main feature of the park is, of course, the eponymous Grayson Lake. This winding body of water passes through the park and provides a natural playground, ready for exploring – and relaxing.
HomeGrown HideAways/Facebook
Tucked into the hills surrounding Berea is a campground that is perfect for true relaxation and rejuvenation. HomeGrown HideAways is owned by a couple who welcome guests and campers to their property to enjoy serenity and beautiful natural surroundings. All year long, you can stroll along trails and paths, surrounded by climbing hills and towering trees. It’s a place where you can go, take a deep breath of fresh air, and forget about your cares for a while. In other words, the ultimate quiet little Kentucky getaway!
Land Between The Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
If you’re looking for an entire relaxing region to visit in Kentucky, then just head to Land Between the Lakes. This land is incredibly unique and stunningly beautiful. Camp, stay on the lake, hike, swim, fish - you can do it all in this wondrous part of our state.
Jacob Jones/AllTrails
One of Kentucky’s most glorious hidden waterfalls, McCammon Falls plummets 62 feet in a powerful, thunderous performance. The hike to McCammon Falls is less than a quarter-mile long, too, making it one of the most easily-accessed falls in the state. Just be aware: a privately owned house is situated next to the trail in front of the falls, so be respectful.
Nolin Lake State Park/Facebook
Nolin Lake is easily one of Kentucky’s prettiest lakes. Nolin Lake, in the eponymous Nolin Lake State Park, is a small body of water that has a ton to offer. The camping here is spectacular, with each of the park’s 32 campsites offering scenic lakeside views. This beautiful place is an under-the-radar gem that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat in nature.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park/Facebook
Nestled in southeastern Kentucky, Pine Mountain offers some of the most spectacular views and hiking trails in the state. The legendary Chained Rock is a must-see as you venture through the hiking trails in this mountainous region of Kentucky. This is peak Bluegrass beauty.
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Address: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Bernheim Forest Rd, Shepherdsville, KY 40165, USAAddress: Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USAAddress: Dewey Lake, Kentucky 41653, USAAddress: Grayson Lake State Park Road, Grayson Lake State Park Rd, Kentucky 41164, USAAddress: HomeGrown HideAways, 500 Floyd Branch Rd, Berea, KY 40403, USAAddress: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USAAddress: McCammon Branch, Kentucky 40447, USAAddress: Nolin Lake, Kentucky, USAAddress: Pine Mountain State Resort Park, 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA
