Kentucky is rolling out twelve new tourism trails in 2025, and they are anything but ordinary. If you crave outdoor thrills, a journey through history or a touch of the supernatural, these trails definitely promise something exciting.

Let’s explore ten of the best.

Appalachian Triangle of Kentucky

This trail in Southeastern Kentucky focuses on vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning landscapes. You can hike the Cumberland Gap, dine at the World Chicken Festival or delve into Kentucky’s musical heritage at the Music Hall of Fame. History buffs? This trail is for you!

Cave Country Trails

Mammoth Cave is just the beginning. This trail system connects outdoor lovers to horseback riding on Collie Ridge, mountain biking on the Bagpipe Burner Loop, and hiking through the Amphitheater Trail.

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Bluegrass Train Experience

Bluegrass Train experience has thirteen stops that let you explore historic locomotives. Visit the La Grange Railroad Museum and enjoy a meal on the Old Kentucky Dinner Train. If you have ever wanted to feel like an old-school traveler with a first-class ticket to nostalgia, here is your chance.

Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week

Experience the perfect blend of inclusivity and Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage at Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week—the first LGBTQ+ inclusive bourbon festival in the U.S., now returning for its second year. Spanning eight dynamic Kentucky cities in October 2025, this groundbreaking event brings together bourbon lovers, queer communities, and allies for a spirited celebration of Kentucky’s legacy and the diversity that makes it truly special.

Joy Ride Campaign

The Joy Ride Campaign invites travelers to embark on a scenic adventure through Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, where winding roads reveal breathtaking landscapes, historic homes, wineries, nature preserves, and the heart of horse and bourbon country. Along the way, experience the rolling hills and renowned horse farms of Harrodsburg, the small-town charm of Nicholasville and Wilmore, and the artisan craftsmanship and outdoor escapes of Berea. Showcasing some of America’s most picturesque byways, this campaign encourages visitors to embrace the beauty of the backroads and rediscover the joy of the journey.

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Great Big Kentucky Adventure

Kentucky turns into a real-life video game with this family-friendly experience. You can visit twelve massive attractions, including Bernheim’s Forest Giants and the towering Louisville Slugger bat, all while feeling like you just stepped into a Super Nintendo game. 

Horses, Horsepower and Hollers

Speed takes the spotlight on this trail with racehorses and classic cars. You get to visit Shelby County, the Saddlebred Horse Capital, then shift gears at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. 

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Kentucky After Dark

Ghost stories are not just told in Kentucky; they linger. With twenty-one haunted spots, from the eerie halls of Waverly Hills Sanatorium to the chilling Anderson Hotel, this trail proves that some visitors never really check out.

Kentucky Americana Triangle

This trail focuses on music, food, and heritage in five Kentucky communities. Savor Owensboro’s famous barbecue, explore Edmonson County’s natural beauty, and visit the John James Audubon Museum. 

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Kentucky Black Trailblazers

This interactive trail uses augmented reality to bring Kentucky’s Black pioneers to life. Visit sites like the First Black Baptist Church in Elizabethtown and learn about abolitionist Henry Bibb in a powerful, modern way.

From haunted hotels and bourbon celebrations to retro-gaming road trips and outdoor thrills, now you can tour the best of the Bluegrass State. The only question is, which adventure will you take first?

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