Bourbon and Belonging: Discover Kentucky’s Newest Trails
From bourbon to BBQ, the Kentucky Department of Tourism is excited to highlight more than a dozen new trails and initiatives launched through multijurisdictional tourism. And sign us up for the queer festival
Some recently launched trails and initiatives include:
Bourbon & Belonging, Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week
Celebrate inclusivity and the rich heritage of Kentucky’s bourbon culture at Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, the first LGBTQ+ inclusive bourbon festival in the United States, now in its second year. Taking place across eight vibrant Kentucky cities in October 2025, this groundbreaking event invites bourbon enthusiasts, queer communities, and allies to unite in celebration of both the spirit of Kentucky and the diversity that makes it special. For more information, visit www.bourbonandbelonging.com
Appalachian Triangle of Kentucky
The Appalachian Triangle of Kentucky is a collaboration of counties and cities across Southeastern Kentucky showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene and diverse outdoor and entertainment opportunities. Visitors can explore the storied trails of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park where pioneers once forged their path westward, indulge in mouthwatering flavors at the World Chicken Festival in London and discover Kentucky’s musical legacy at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. From breathtaking landscapes to authentic Appalachian flavors and artisan crafts, this historic region offers an unforgettable experience. For more information, visit www.visitatky.com
Bluegrass Train Experience
Visitors can step aboard a journey through the heart of Kentucky, where the rich history of American rail travel comes to life across 13 iconic train attractions. This experience features historic locomotives, scenic rail routes, and interactive museums that transport guests back to the golden age of train travel. Highlights include a visit to the historic Wallace Station in Versailles, an exploration of the La Grange Railroad Museum & Education Center and a ride on the Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, the Bluegrass Train Experience showcases Kentucky’s pivotal role in the evolution of railroads. For more information, visit www.bluegrasstrainexperience.com
Cave Country Trails
The vision of Cave Country Trails is to create a regional network of biking, hiking, equestrian, and water trails to better connect communities and highlight why the Mammoth Cave Area and South Central Kentucky are premier outdoor destinations and places to live. Visitors can explore the area through activities like horseback riding on the Collie Ridge Trail, mountain biking on the Bagpipe Burner Loop, and hiking the Amphitheater Trail. With newly revamped efforts supported by ARPA, the trail system offers an enhanced experience for adventure seekers, connecting them with stunning geological wonders and vibrant local communities. For more information, visit www.cavecountrytrails.com
Horses, Horsepower, and Hollers
Horses, Horsepower, and Hollers blends the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports and horse racing with the serene beauty of Kentucky’s rolling hills and tranquil hollers. Visitors can experience the thrill of high-speed races, explore equestrian events and immerse in the state’s stunning natural landscapes, offering an adventure that perfectly captures the essence of Kentucky. Highlights include exploring the Saddlebred Horse Capital in Shelby County to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. For more information, visit www.kytripleh.com
Joy Ride Campaign
The Joy Ride Campaign invites travelers to take a scenic journey through Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, featuring winding roads with breathtaking views, wineries, historic homes, nature preserves, horses and bourbon.Highlights along the way include the rolling hills and horse farms in Harrodsburg, the small-town charm of Nicholasville and Wilmore and the artisan offerings and outdoor adventures in Berea. Known for having some of the most picturesque byways in America, the campaign encourages visitors to explore the backroads and embrace the idea that life is about the journey. For more information, visit www.bluegrasskentucky.com
Kentucky After Dark
The Kentucky After Dark trail highlights spooky attractions across the state, with 21 stops featuring haunted locations and eerie legends. Now in its second season, the trail includes sites such as Somerset’s International Paranormal Museum, Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville and the Anderson Hotel Haunted House in Lawrenceburg and more. This passport program is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to explore Kentucky’s most haunted destinations. For more information, visit www.kentuckyafterdark.com
Kentucky Americana Triangle
The Kentucky Americana Triangle is where authenticity meets extraordinary experiences. Just in time for the 250th Anniversary of America, this trail invites visitors to discover the distinctive sights, sounds and smells that make the Americana Triangle unlike anywhere else. The five partner communities—Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, Edmonson County and Henderson—serve as the gateway to this unique region. Highlights include savoring Owensboro’s famous BBQ, discovering the natural wonders of Edmonson County and exploring nature at the John James Audubon Museum in Henderson, home to the oldest municipal park west of the Appalachians. Visitors can stop by any of the participating tourism offices to pick up a free guide to the Kentucky Americana Triangle or request one by mail. For more information, visit www.kentuckyamericanatriangle.com
Kentucky Black Trailblazers
Kentucky Black Trailblazers is a new collaborative project between six Kentucky counties using augmented reality to bring Kentucky’s Black history to life. Visitors can use their mobile devices to experience holograms of Kentucky historical figures at more than six sites across the region. Guests can explore the First Black Baptist Church in Elizabethtown or learn about Henry Bibb, a leading abolitionist for freedom, in Oldham County. This immersive journey allows history to be experienced in a dynamic and engaging way, ensuring that the legacy of these trailblazers is preserved and shared for generations to come. For more information, visit www.kentuckyblacktrailblazers.com
Kentucky Garden Trail
The Kentucky Garden Trail features 12 of the state’s most beautiful gardens and arboreta. As part of this passport program, visitors can collect stamps and win prizes as they explore Kentucky’s lush botanical landscapes, offering a serene journey for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike. From the Doran Arboretum at Murray State to Western Kentucky Botanical and Liberty Hall Historic Site, the gardens on this trail are a must-visit this spring. For more information, visit www.kentuckygardentrail.com
Kentucky Horse Power
Kentucky Horse Power offers an adventurous journey through towns, trails, tracks and shores across the state. This series of destinations blends thrilling equestrian experiences with scenic landscapes and cultural attractions, making it the perfect adventure for every type of traveler. Visitors can ride horseback along the picturesque trails at Land Between the Lakes, explore the waters of Lake Cumberland or discover hidden gems like the Horse Cave Tour at Hidden River Cave, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family. For more information, visit www.kentuckyhp.com
Kentucky Music Trail
For music fans, the hills, hollers and theater halls of the Kentucky Music Trail are hallowed grounds. This journey takes visitors through the heart of the state’s deep-rooted musical traditions, from Bluegrass and country to folk and rock. Along the way, travelers can explore historic venues like Manchester Music Hall, visit landmarks such as the Keith Whitley Memorial Statue in Sandy Hook and enjoy live music at spots like The Amp at Log Still, all while discovering the sounds that have shaped Kentucky’s musical legacy. For more information, visit www.kymusictrail.com
Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail
With expanded marketing and website capability through ARPA funding, the Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall Trail invites adventurers to explore the region’s stunning natural wonders. Featuring 17 breathtaking waterfalls, this trail showcases some of the most spectacular falls in an area home to over 800. From Angel Falls in Mount Vernon to the captivating Eagle Falls in McCreary County, each waterfall offers a unique experience, whether along peaceful forest paths, rugged mountain hikes or just a short stroll from a parking lot. For more information, visit www.explorekywildlands.com/the-kentucky-wildlands-waterfall-trail/
Moonshine Trail
The Moonshine Trail celebrates Kentucky’s rich moonshining history, guiding visitors to stops such as the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Beattyville and the Barrel House Distilling Company in Lexington to experience the state’s age-old craft. Along the way, small distillers offer tantalizing unaged spirits, letting travelers savor Kentucky moonshine while learning about its prohibition-era origins. For more information, visit www.moonshinetrail.com
West Kentucky BBQ Belt
The West Kentucky BBQ Belt stretches through the backroads and rolling hills of Western Kentucky, home to hidden BBQ treasures. Travelers can savor local favorites like Amazin Blaze BBQ in Hardin, where the Western Kentucky style of meat is key, or visit the family-owned Carr’s Barn BBQ in Mayfield, one of the few places still using strictly hickory wood to cook their meat. These locally owned BBQ joints, passed down through generations, offer a smoky, flavorful experience that stands apart from the BBQ traditions of Carolina, Tennessee, KC and Texas. For more information, visit www.wkybbq.com
West Kentucky Brewery Hop
The West Kentucky Brewery Hop invites visitors to download the mobile passport and explore breweries across nine vibrant cities in western Kentucky. Known for its artsy river towns, lively music scene, mouthwatering barbecue, exciting races and scenic trails, this region also has a deep passion for craft beer. From local favorites like Dry Ground Brewing Company in Paducah to Murray’s first microbrewery, Hop Hound Brew Pub, there is no shortage of places to discover the region’s diverse brews. For more information, visit www.westkybrewery.com
Western Kentucky Disc Golf Trail
The Western Kentucky Disc Golf Trail offers an exciting adventure for disc golf enthusiasts, with courses set in picturesque locations across the region. From the rolling hills of Bowling Green to the charming town of Paducah, each stop on the trail promises unique challenges and scenic landscapes. Whether a seasoned pro or a beginner, these courses provide an excellent opportunity to explore Kentucky’s natural beauty while enjoying the sport. For more information, visit www.westernkentuckydiscgolftrail.com
Wild West of Kentucky Bourbon
The Wild West of Kentucky Bourbon adventure invites visitors to discover six distinct distilleries across Western Kentucky. Along the way, travelers will hear captivating stories of early distillers who helped shape the state’s bourbon legacy. Guests can visit unique distilleries and savor the rich flavors that continue to define Kentucky as the heart of bourbon production. Highlights include Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Green River Distilling in Owensboro and The Bard Distillery in Graham. For more information, visit www.kentuckywildwest.com
Western Kentucky Wine Trail
While Kentucky might be best known for its bourbon, the state also features a number a charming wineries. The Western Kentucky Wine Trail connects nine local wineries across the region, offering visitors a chance to explore Kentucky’s rich winemaking traditions. Along the trail, guests can sample exquisite local wines at spots like Bluegrass Vineyard in Smiths Grove, a proud woman-owned winery, and enjoy breathtaking vineyard views at locations like Naimoli Estate in Hopkinsville, which brings a touch of Italy to Western Kentucky. For more information, visit www.wkywinetrail.com
