Did you know there are seven national parks in Kentucky? You’ve probably heard of at least one, the longest cave in the world: Mammoth Cave. But there are actually six other sites deemed important enough for eternal protection. Keep scrolling to find the complete list of national parks in Kentucky, complete with maps and a downloadable checklist.
This post contains affiliate links. This post was updated on October 4, 2020.
Table of Contents
Map of National Parks in Kentucky
National Parks in Kentucky Road Trip Itinerary
Fly in/out: Louisville
Day 1: Drive to Mammoth Cave National Park via Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (2-hour drive)
Day 2: Take a ranger-led tour of Mammoth Cave, then drive to Fort Donelson National Battlefield (2.5-hour drive)
Day 3: Vist Fort Donelson, then drive to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (4-hour drive)
Day 4: Go hiking or paddling in Big South Fork, then drive to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (1.5-hour drive)
Day 5: Hike around Cumberland Gap, then drive up to Camp Nelson National Monument (2.5-hour drive)
Day 6: Visit Camp Nelson and head back to Louisville (1.5-hour drive)
Andrew Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Many people know Illinois as the eventual home of President Abraham Lincoln, but did you know he was actually born in Kentucky? The family’s property is now one of the national parks in Kentucky. A replica of the cabin he was born in is forever enshrined in the memorial on-site, the first built to honor the 16th President, in the very place the true cabin once stood.
Additional areas to explore include The Sinking Spring, which served as the family’s water source, and the Boundary Oak Trail. Furthermore, about ten miles from the birthplace is Knob Creek where the family also lived at one time. Visit to discover the humble beginnings that forever shaped one of America’s most famous presidents.
How to Get There: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park’s visitor center can be found at 2995 Lincoln Farm Road, Hodgenville, KY 42748.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Hiking, memorial, museum
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Comfort Suites, Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn, Red Lion Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (270) 358-3137
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is located in both Kentucky and Tennessee. The park protects the “Big South Fork” of the Cumberland River as it winds its way through the stunning mountains.
The park boasts a massive list of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Some of its trails are also open to dogs, ATVs, and mountain bikes.
Additionally, Big South Fork protects the cultural significance of the area. You can still visit an old mine located near the park, and learn more about the history at the many museums and visitors centers in both states.
How to Get There: The main visitor center is located in Tennessee. The address is 4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841. There are more visitor centers, including two in Kentucky, that you can read about here.
Map: download here
Things to Do: ATVs, Big South Fork Scenic Railway, biking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, paddling, rock climbing, swimming, wagon rides, whitewater rafting
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Big South Fork Trail Lodge, Royal Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (423) 569-9778
Camp Nelson National Monument
Many people have never heard of Camp Nelson. I was among them until 2018 when the newest of the national parks in Kentucky was established.
This place has an important history so rich that it will resonate with you upon your visit. Camp Nelson was originally established by the Union Army as a supply depot and hospital during the American Civil War. As time progressed, its purpose adapted and the site became a recruitment camp and training facility for African-American soldiers.
Finally, Camp Nelson also served as a refugee camp for the soldiers’ wives and children. Many who escaped slavery attempted to reach this place in hope of freedom, some even enlisting to serve.
Both photos of Camp Nelson are credited to the National Park Service.
How to Get There: Use the address 6614 Danville Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356 to visit the park.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Hiking, museum
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, The Corner House B&B, Comfort Inn, Home Place Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (859) 881-5716
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The famous Cumberland Gap lies on the border of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. The gap was the first gateway to the west as many began their long, arduous journeys for new land and discoveries.
Beyond history, the park is filled with astounding scenery and trails. No visit is complete without a walk to the gap itself. Furthermore, guided cave tours are fun for the whole family. Finally, the park also offers tours of the Hensley Settlement from May to October.
How to Get There: The main visitor center is located in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The address is 91 Bartlett Park Road, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965 and the GPS coordinates are N 36 36.570, W 83 38.298.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Backpacking, camping, hiking, scenic drives, sightseeing, wildlife watching
Park Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee. However, camping and guided tours do require admission.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Econo Lodge, Sleep Inn, Boone Trail Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (606) 248-2817
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Fort Donelson is another location that spreads the borders of Tennessee and Kentucky. Historically, a significant battle took place here during the Civil War. At the Dover Hotel, the Confederacy surrendered, marking a huge victory for the Union that shocked the Confederate troops. Soon after, Nashville and other large cities/towns would be claimed by the Union Army. Today, the Dover Hotel still stands and there is a National Cemetery also located here.
How to Get There: The physical address of the park’s Fort Heiman unit in Kentucky is 682 Fort Heiman Road, New Concord, KY. The current (temporary) visitor center in Dover, Tennessee (where the main park site is located) can be found at 117 Visitor Center Lane, Dover, TN, 37058. Click here for detailed directions.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Battlefield sites, Civil War batteries, hiking, museums, wildlife watching
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Murray Inn, Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (931) 232-5706 x0
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park protects the largest known cave system in the entire world and is the most well-known of the national parks in Kentucky. Currently, over 400 miles of underground passageways have been discovered and mapped.
The cave features some of the largest underground rooms that most humans have ever laid eyes on. There’s also a fantastic history preserved here. The first cave tours were given by slaves, and many of the walls along the historic route have been engraved. For a real adventure, try a wild caving tour during your trip.
How to Get There: You can use the following address to find the visitor center: 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Map: download here
Things to Do: Biking, cave tours, hiking, horseback riding
Park Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee, but cave tours do charge admission.
Where to Stay: OYO Hotel, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (270) 758-2180
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
Currently, Mill Springs Battlefield is the newest national park in the country. The Mill Springs Battle took place here in January 1862. The site aims to protect the battlefield as well as two Confederate fortifications. There are also two Confederate monuments in nearby Zollicoffer Park.
How to Get There: The current visitor center (not yet operated by the NPS) can be found at 9020 W Hwy 80, Nancy, KY 42544.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Courtyard, Hampton Inn
Official Website: click here
Phone Number: Call (606) 636-4045
Pin National Parks in Kentucky
