Get Lost in Wander

Ride your favorite off-road vehicle through this 7,000-acre park, or fly through the trees on the 2-mile zipline canopy tour. Off-road vehicles are not available for rent, so be sure to bring your own! With over 150 miles of trails to explore, you’ll spend an entire day soaking in the greenery of the forest—and maybe get a little bit muddy too. Whether you’re camping on-site or moving on to your next adventure, we recommend stopping at Portal Pizzeria to experience some of the best Italian food in Harlan!

Looking for a trail filled with the beauties of nature? With 450 native plants, you’ll find your trek through the forest just as captivating as the nearly 75-foot falls themselves. A moderately difficult hike, you’ll discover scenic rock outcrops, large moss-covered boulders, and native plant and wildflower preserves as you traverse across the rocky ridgelines of the trail. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, this is one can’t-miss stop for nature enthusiasts. Once you’ve marveled at the falls, head on into Mount Vernon for a bite to eat at a local staple, the Snack Shack.

Based in the heart of the Appalachian coalfields of Eastern Kentucky, Harlan County Beer Company serves up plenty of high-quality brews and delicious locally inspired food—all in a beautifully restored 100-year-old historic building on the courthouse square in downtown Harlan, Kentucky. The perfect stop to refuel and catch some live music after a day of adventure, don’t forget to wander through Downtown Harlan after finishing up your meal to experience the murals, local shops, and historic walking tours. We highly recommend a stop by Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets for a post-meal pick-me-up and charming atmosphere.

Take a trip back in time to the first great gateway of the West, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Experience the rugged terrain where more than 300,000 people crossed the Appalachian Mountains to settle in America. Make sure to visit Tri-State Point, where you can stand in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia at once. While you’re there, head just a little bit west into Middlesboro, KY, and explore 1.5 miles of Gap Cave. Finish up your day of exploration with a visit to Conley’s Drive-In Restaurant for some authentic diner-style food, and an out-of-this-world treat at Cosmic Cafe—we can’t suggest the cotton candy burrito enough!

Located near the center of Daniel Boone National Forest, you’ll have a chance to hike over 17 miles of trails throughout this famed terrain, including the 11-mile Moonbow Trail hike. If you time your visit right, you may even get a chance to catch the moonbow for yourself. Stay at one of the 50 campsites in the park to see the falls light up at night, then spend the day on horseback with a guided trail ride. When it’s time to fuel up, head over to the Riverview Restaurant for some local offerings and gorgeous scenery.

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike, Clay County boasts some of the best ATV trails in the US. With miles and miles of river, hiking, cycling, horseback, and ATV trails, a day or weekend would not even begin to cover a portion of our beautiful mountains. If you’re ready to set off on a truly rugged adventure, we suggest beginning your journey at the Y-Hollow trailhead, located inside the city limits of Manchester. With an area of over 400+ acres, Y-Hollow is your starting point for any and all trails in Clay County. After a day in the mountains, stop in Manchester to grab a bite to eat at Pat’s Snack Bar or the Manchester Bakery. Y-Hollow is primitive camping only, so be sure to plan ahead before heading out on your adventure.

Ready to spend a whole day on the water? Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort has it all! From whitewater rafting and stand-up paddleboarding to canoeing and kayaking, you’ll find thrilling adventures awaiting at every turn. If you’re looking to stay on land, try out a zip-lining course or rent some electric bikes to race through the forest. Once you’re ready to wind down for the day, take a trip into Corbin and grab dinner at The Wrigley Taproom.

Experience the thrill of biking through the Appalachian Mountains at the Turner Outdoor Center! Owned by neighboring Union College as part of their wilderness preservation and ecological research initiatives, you’ll find 7 miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails across rugged terrain. Open to the public year-round, back-country camping is also available at no cost to visitors. Once you’ve explored the trails, head on into Barbourville for a hearty meal at the family-style eatery, The Oven Mitt.

Though just a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike to the falls, the trail to Vanhook Falls is nothing short of breathtaking. On your journey into the scenic and beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest, you’ll encounter rock formations, waterfalls, and sandstone bluffs—a truly beautiful parcel of the Bluegrass state—before making your way to the breathtaking Vanhook Falls. While on your hike, we recommend packing a lunch to enjoy on the large rock slabs at Cane Creek, the perfect spot for picnicking as you enjoy the sounds of flowing water. Once you’re ready to head back toward town, we recommend stopping in London at Local Honey for some fresh farm-to-table comfort food.

See the famed Cumberland Falls from a whole new perspective! The hour-long scenic flight tours at Dicey Aviation will transport you to a bird’s eye view of the falls and Lake Cumberland. Interested in learning the basics of aviation? Book a discovery flight to experience what it’s like to navigate the skies in one of our training aircrafts. Scenic tours can carry up to 3 passengers total on the aircraft. If you want to keep the adventure going, spend a day on the river with L3 Adventures or experience the thrill of the London Dragway. If you’re ready to wind down for the day, stop at a local hidden gem, Wood Creek Lake, to find a peaceful fishing spot. When it’s time to head into town, we recommend Sauced for some seriously amazing pizza.