Hardin was our last westward stop in Kentucky on our way to spring in the Rocky Mountains. From the Red River Gorge to Corbin, it was a couple hour drive in the rain. It was also our last chance to see elk again until the Rockies.
Red River Gorge is in eastern Kentucky in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The gorge is a canyon that has numerous natural bridges and arches. Hikers, rock climbers, kayakers and mountain bikers are attracted to the area throughout the year.
Lexington, Kentucky is known as the “Horse Capital of the World”. It’s also the second largest city in the bluegrass state and known for Keeneland, one of the most picturesque horse race parks in the country. Unfortunately, the track wasn’t open yet. We finished our bourbon trail in Lexington.
Louisville is located next to the Ohio River and is the largest city in Kentucky. The city was founded in 1778 and named after King Louis XVI of France. It came to be because of the Falls of the Ohio, which are the only major obstruction between the Ohio River and the Gulf of Mexico requiring portage. The portage settlement grew to eventually become Louisville.
Kentucky offers something for everyone; outdoor recreation including caves, lakes, state parks and the Appalachian Mountains. For some its about higher education, medicine, fine arts and their food scene. Kentucky has a unique heritage highlighting horses, bourbon and moonshine. Whatever your interest, Kentucky seems to have something for most.
Land Between the Lakes is a National Recreation Area in western Kentucky and Tennessee. The area is formed by Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake. Both run parallel to each other for more than 50 miles. Lake Barkley, 58,000 acres, was formed by the Barkley Dam impounding the Cumberland River in 1966. Kentucky Lake, 160,000 acres, was formed by the Kentucky Dam impounding the Tennessee River in 1944. The area is very popular for water sports, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. From Cave City, Kentucky, it was about a 2.5 hour drive to Land between the Lakes.
Mammoth Cave National Park has the longest cave system in the world and more is getting mapped every year. It has more than 420 miles of surveyed passage ways, nearly twice as long as the second longest cave system which is located in Mexico. Mammoth Caves was made a National Park in 1941.
