Kentucky

Endowed with so much geographic diversity, Kentucky is a one of a kind destination for those looking for their next adventure. Kentucky seems to have it all. It has caverns, wilderness, waters, historic destinations, and five national parks. You surely will not run out of things to do here in Kentucky. 

Geography 

Located in the Upland Southern part of the United States, Kentucky is amazingly landlocked by seven states. Namely West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. It is also bordered by great natural features like the Appalachia, Ohio River, and Mississippi River. 

Kentucky is often divided primarily into five regions. There is the Cumberland Plateau, Bluegrass Region, Pennyroyal Plateau, Western Coal Fields, and Jackson Purchase.  The Cumberland Plateau is where the historic coal mines can be found whereas most of Kentucky’s major cities are in the Bluegrass region. 

Kentucky has an expansive and impressive park system. The state has five national parks, two national wildlife refuges, 45 state parks, 37,896 acres of state forest, and 82 wildlife management areas. Suffice to say, Kentucky is blessed with plenty of natural attractions. 

Kentucky’s overwhelming biodiversity and abundance of wildlife make it the ultimate destination for those looking for a whole lot of nature.

History

It is unknown precisely when the first group of people arrived in Kentucky, but archaeologists and historians estimate it to be around 10,000BCE.  By the 16th century though, Kentucky was already a thriving home for five different cultural groups. Namely, Iroquoian, Sioux, Algonquian, Muskogean, and Yuchi. Up until today, the government continues to recognize two tribes in Kentucky. The two are the Southern Cherokee Nation of Kentucky and Ridgetop Shawnee. 

The French would later arrive in 1669 led by Rene-Robert Cavelier. By 1774, Europeans founded the first permanent European settlement in Kentucky. War naturally broke out as the Native Americans try to protect and assert claims over their ancestral grounds. 

As one of the earliest states to be given statehood, Kentucky would be granted statehood by 1792. It was then the fifteenth state of the Union. 

Weather 

Kentucky’s climate best fits the humid subtropical category, with some of its higher parts having oceanic climate. Summers are typically warm, but not that hot. Winters can drop below freezing temperatures though. In general, Kentucky’s climate rarely gets extreme. It does not experience high heat nor extreme cold. 

Kentucky tends to have rainy summers though so if you are planning a summer getaway, keep an extra eye out on the weather. You definitely would not want your hike or your camping trip to be rainy. 

Tourism

With its incredible geographic diversity and wildlife scene, Kentucky is a one-of-a-kind destination. It is especially perfect for those looking for long nature trips. It is also ideal for those looking for unique destinations like the Mammoth Cave. 

With its 45 state parks alone, it is impossible to run out of things to do in this gorgeous state. In fact, we can pretty much guarantee that you will be back. One trip would not be enough to get to Kentucky’s best spots.

Key information about Kentucky

📍 Area: 104,656km2

👥 Population: 4,467,673

🏛️ Capital: Frankfort

🏢 Major cities: Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green

🔢 Number of counties: 120

📋 Postal Abbreviation: KY

📖 Primary language/s: English, Spanish

📌 Nearby states: West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio

Adventure Guides In Kentucky

Best Hikes in Kentucky for Amazing Views

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By Ben
Kentucky, often known for its rolling bluegrass hills and bourbon distilleries, is also home to a surprising diversity of landscapes just begging to be explored. From the rugged cliffs and arches of the Red River Gorge to the serene waterfalls…

Indulge in Southern Hospitality: The Best Hotels in Kentucky

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By Ben
Kentucky, located in the heart of the American South, is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you prefer the rolling bluegrass hills or the vibrant cities, the Bluegrass State has something for every traveler. Kentucky’s hotels…

Savor the Bluegrass: Discover the Best Restaurants in Kentucky

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By Ben
Welcome to the heart of the Bluegrass State, where the dining scene is as rich and varied as Kentucky’s own history.  From time-honored Southern comfort foods to cutting-edge culinary creations, Kentucky offers a dining experience to satisfy every palate. The…