Kentucky Parks and Recreation Areas

Throughout the ages, poets, songwriters, novelists, journal writers, historians and artists have captured the grandeur of the Cumberland Gap. James Smith, in his journal of 1792, penned what is perhaps one of the most poignant descriptions of this national and historically significant landmark: "We started just as the sun began to gild the tops of the high mountains. We ascended Cumberland Mountain, from the top of which the bright luminary of day appeared to our view in all his rising glory; the mists dispersed and the floating clouds hasted away at his appearing. read more...

Phone: (606)248-2817   Price Range: $0 - $4   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Middlesboro   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Park   Activities: Backpacking, Biking / Bicycling, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Watching, Camping, Auto Touring, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs, Tours   Details Provided By: Cumberland Gap

In the fall of 1808, Thomas and Nancy Lincoln settled on the 348 acre Sinking Spring Farm. Two months later on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin near the Sinking Spring. Here the Lincolns lived and farmed before moving to land a few miles away at Knob Creek. The area was established by Congress on July 17, 1916. An early 19th century Kentucky cabin, symbolic of the one in which Lincoln was born, is preserved in a memorial building at the site of his birth. read more...

Phone: (270) 358-3137   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Hodgenville   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities: Birding, Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park

Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, including Mammoth Cave, the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a section of south central Kentucky. This is the longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 360 miles explored and mapped. read more...

Phone: 270-758-2180   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Mammoth Cave   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Backpacking, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Camping, Nature Walks   Details Provided By: Mammoth Cave National Park

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is found in Kinderhook, New York. The Eighth President of the United States, Martin Van Buren purchased the estate in 1839 during his Presidency. read more...

Phone: 518-758-9689   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: May 24 - Oct 31   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Kinderhook   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities:   Details Provided By: Martin Van Buren National Historic Site