Kentucky’s Centennial Parks Road Trip Guide: 3 State Parks Turning 100 in 2026
Kentucky State Parks have a special place in our hearts – we’ve been to every single one of them. In 1926, Kentucky established its first four, preserving some of the Commonwealth’s most treasured landscapes and historic places for future generations. One hundred years later, three of those original parks continue to inspire travelers with natural wonders, mountain vistas, living history, and Appalachian traditions.
From a sandstone arch towering above the Red River Gorge to a frontier fort that predates American independence and a mountain lodge hidden among the Cumberland Mountains, these parks have spent a century welcoming visitors from near and far.
If you’re looking for a meaningful Kentucky road trip this year, consider celebrating the centennial of these three remarkable parks.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Few places are more iconic to Kentucky than Natural Bridge. The land that would become the park was once owned by the Lexington & Eastern Railroad and later the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Recognizing the area’s significance, the railroad donated the property to the state in 1926, making it one of Kentucky’s original state parks.
Most visitors come to see the namesake sandstone arch, but there are multiple ways to experience it. Adventurous travelers can ride the Skylift to the top, enjoying sweeping views before descending through Fat Man’s Squeeze to view the bridge from below. For a more historic experience, hike the original trail from Hemlock Lodge, a route visitors have used since the railroad excursion days of the 1800s.
The park’s treasures extend far beyond the arch. Explore lesser-known arches, discover a cave that stretches nearly a mile underground with a park guide, or spend a summer evening at Hoedown Island where Appalachian dancing traditions have been celebrated for decades.
Natural Bridge also serves as a gateway to nearby adventures, sitting beside Red River Gorge, Slade, and the Sheltowee Trace Trail.
Don’t Miss
- Walking across Natural Bridge
- Riding the Skylift
- Exploring the park’s additional arches
- Guided cave tours
- Saturday night hoedowns
- Moonlight canoe programs (when offered)
Check out our podcast at Natural Bridge for more info:
Old Fort Harrod State Park
Travel back to the beginnings of Kentucky at Old Fort Harrod State Park, a full-scale reconstruction of the fort built by James Harrod in 1774. Established two years before the Declaration of Independence, Harrod’s settlement became Kentucky’s first permanent settlement.
The reconstructed fort allows visitors to step into frontier life through cabins, blockhouses, handmade furnishings, tools, and demonstrations provided by the park’s interpretation staff. Depending on the day, guests may witness blacksmithing, weaving, baking, or even long-rifle construction.
Unlike many history museums, Old Fort Harrod invites visitors to walk through the spaces where early settlers would have lived and worked, providing a tangible connection to Kentucky’s earliest days.
Don’t Miss
- Watching living-history demonstrations
- Visiting the museum
- Seeing the Lincoln Marriage Temple, which houses the cabin where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married
- Taking a photo beside the famous “Big Ole Tree,” one of the largest Osage Orange trees in the country
- The Pioneer Monument at the park’s entrance
Find our podcast at Old Fort Harrod here:
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Hidden high in the Cumberland Mountains, Pine Mountain State Resort Park offers a completely different centennial experience. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, mountain scenery, and historic lodge, the park has been helping visitors slow down and reconnect with nature for generations.
Built with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Pine Mountain combines natural beauty with fascinating local history. One of the park’s most beloved attractions is Chained Rock, a massive boulder overlooking Pineville. Local legend tells of community fears that the rock might tumble into town below, leading residents in the 1930s to secure it with an enormous chain hauled up the mountain by mules.
The park also doubles as a cultural destination. Wildlife artist Ray Harm’s work fills the lodge, creating one of Kentucky’s most unique public art collections. Outside, more than 12 miles of trails explore the ridges and forests of the Cumberland Mountains.
Don’t Miss
- Hiking to Chained Rock
- Viewing the Ray Harm wildlife collection
- Visiting the Nature Center
- Relaxing at the mountain lodge
- Exploring the park’s hiking trails
Dive into more of Pine Mountain in this podcast episode:
A Century Worth Celebrating
While these three parks couldn’t be more different, they share a common story. For 100 years they have protected Kentucky’s landscapes, history, traditions, and communities while creating memories for generations of visitors.
Whether you’re hiking to a sandstone arch, stepping inside a frontier fort, or watching the sunset from a mountain ridge, visiting these centennial parks provide a chance to experience a century of Kentucky history firsthand.
The next time you’re planning a road trip, consider making all three stops. After all, a 100th birthday only comes around once.