Few states offers wilderness retreats as Kentucky does, and when you throw in not only the state parks and an extensive trail system, But the added Historic towns and locations you have a nature lovers paradise.

For the hikers we have boulders the size of office buildings at a park called Courthouse Rock in Stanton, or you can hike to Yahoo Falls, which is Kentucky's highest water fall, along the Big South Fork River near Whitley City. Or you can do a short 2 mile walk along the Kentucky River palisades or a 31 mile hike along Kentucky Lake's Trails. Just to name a few.

Many of Kentucky's most scenic areas loop through National Forests and Geologic Areas, most of the most scenic areas are in urban areas such as Bernheim Forest in Louisville or Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. Kentucky has plenty to choose from. With its terrain which allows some of the best mountain biking, hiking, or hunting, from the rugged Appalachian Mountains and the Daniel Boone National Forest to trails at Mammoth Cave National Park and Land between the lakes.

Kentucky also has quite a few lakes. With great camping, boating, and Fishing opportunities. We have Cumberland Lake, Buckhorn States resort park, and Carr's Creek Lake, just to name a few. Each offers a wide variety of activities for any family outing.

For the hunter there are plenty wildlife management areas that accommodate your hunting needs. There's the Daniel Boone National Forest as well as the Peabody Wildlife management areas, along with 130 others. There is no shortage of hunting opportunities with seasons including deer, elk, and turkey along with small game.

Kentucky has also been featured on many hunting and other outdoor TV shows, including "Tournament Fishing".

For the music lovers the state has lots of music parks located in Eastern Kentucky with the states broad music heritage. Some of these attractions include the Kentucky music Hall of Fame and Museum at Renfro Valley, As well and historic homes that are open to the public, (Loretta Lynn Home) as well as the Kentucky Artisan Center, the Jenny Wiley State Park and many more features too numerous to mention. Kentucky is native to many well know country and blue Grass singers such as John Michel Montgomery, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Scaggs and Montgomery Gentry among many others.

There is lots of resorts that offer accommodations. Here is a list of a few attraction to check out:

• US 23-Kentucky's Country music Highway
• Berea
• Boone Tavern
• Kentucky Artisan Center
• Renfro Valley
• Kentucky Museum
• Jenny Wiley State Park and Theater
• Mountain Art Center
• Yates Ville Lake and Resort
• Historic Middlesboro
• Cumberland Gap National Park
• Pine Mountain State Resort Park
• Kentucky Coal Mining Museum
• Kingdom Come State Park
• Fort Boonesborough State Park

The list goes on and on...

Kentucky has lots of activities and plenty of historic places to visit. So the next time you plan a family outing think about Kentucky for your next vacation. Along with the view you'll leave with a memory that will last a life time.