Exploring Kentucky by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a memorable journey departing from Bardstown, a charming town about 40 minutes south of Louisville. This vintage railcar experience glides along a scenic stretch of track following the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes of central Kentucky. As the train chugs gently through vineyards and horse farms, passengers savor a three-course meal prepared on board, combining the romance of rail travel with the state’s rich culinary traditions. This excursion stands out for its intimate scale and historic ambiance, allowing travelers to glimpse the Bluegrass region’s rural beauty in a way that highways can’t replicate. The ride is especially enchanting during the fall, when the surrounding woods burst into fiery shades of orange and red, making the views from the big windows all the more spectacular.
Further east, the Kentucky River winds through a stunning gorge near the town of Booneville, around 90 miles southeast of Lexington. The Kentucky River Palisades, a series of steep cliffs and rock formations lining the river, create a dramatic backdrop for boat tours and kayaking adventures. One can launch near the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park and paddle downstream to witness the ecological richness of this mostly undeveloped water corridor. The towering limestone cliffs rise sharply from the water’s edge, attracting eagles and hawks that soar overhead, while the quiet current reveals glimpses of deer drinking along the banks. This stretch of river is prized for its combination of accessible whitewater rapids and peaceful stretches, making it ideal for paddlers of varying skill levels. Spring and early summer bring the best water levels and lush greenery, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in this tranquil yet wild environment.
In the heart of Louisville, the urban skyline provides a striking contrast to the wide-open sense of adventure found at the Louisville Waterfront Park. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, this park offers a launch point for river excursions aboard paddlewheel boats that evoke the grand era of steamboat travel. The Belle of Louisville, one of the oldest operating steamboats in the country, invites visitors aboard for leisurely cruises that trace the river’s history and vistas. Passing under iconic bridges, the tour reveals panoramic views of Louisville’s downtown and the lush floodplain forests lining the opposite shore. The experience is a living link to Kentucky’s river heritage and offers a fresh perspective on the city’s development alongside the water. Evening cruises are particularly magical here, with the sun setting behind the city and the river sparkling under the glow of the skyline lights.
For those yearning to rise above the landscape, the Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky, about an hour’s drive northeast of Lexington, provides an unforgettable setting for hot air balloon flights. This geological wonder features soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and deep forested valleys that unfold in rich layers beneath the balloons. Companies operating near the Daniel Boone National Forest launch flights early in the morning when the air is calm and the light soft, highlighting the contrasting colors of rock and foliage. From the sky, travelers experience a bird’s-eye panorama of one of Kentucky’s most famous natural landmarks, a region beloved by hikers and climbers for its unique topography and biodiversity. The cool spring and fall mornings are ideal for ballooning, offering clear views and comfortable temperatures, while the quiet serenity of floating above such rugged terrain creates an almost otherworldly sense of peace.
Heading south towards the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, roughly an hour and a half southeast of Lexington, visitors can combine river and rail experiences in a strikingly scenic setting. Known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the Western Hemisphere where a moonbow—a lunar rainbow—can be seen on clear nights when the full moon is out. The park also has a quaint train depot that once served the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, now a picturesque reminder of Kentucky’s railroad heritage. While the train no longer runs here, the nearby Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, about 90 miles to the east, offers rides along historic coal country routes. The rolling hills, sandstone bluffs, and river valleys in this part of Kentucky feel like stepping back in time, with a rugged beauty that contrasts with the smoother Bluegrass landscapes elsewhere. Visiting during the late summer when the wildflowers bloom and the water flows strong enhances every experience in this scenic region.
In the northern part of the state near Cincinnati, the city of Covington lies just across the Ohio River and offers its own unique river exploration opportunities. The Devou Park boasts an overlook that provides sweeping views of the Ohio River Valley and downtown Cincinnati. From here, boat tours depart that navigate the often overlooked but historically rich lower stretches of the Ohio River, where steamboat traffic once fueled commerce and culture in the region. These excursions emphasize the river’s role as a vital artery for trade and migration, with guides recounting stories of the river’s past while guests enjoy the gentle movement along the water. Late spring and early fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds, making this a perfect time to experience the river’s calm majesty framed by the rolling hills of northern Kentucky.
Down in western Kentucky near Paducah, the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers creates a vital waterway hub that has shaped the region’s economy and culture. The Paducah Riverfront offers opportunities to embark on riverboat cruises that explore this aquatic junction. Known for its vibrant arts scene, the riverfront area also hosts festivals and markets that celebrate the heritage of river life. Boarding a boat here means drifting past historical docks, restored warehouses, and lively riverbanks that tell a story of commerce and community. Many visitors pair their river time with a stroll through the Lower Town Arts District, where colorful murals and galleries celebrate the city’s connection to the river and its maritime past. The combination of river tours and cultural exploration makes this a distinct spot to appreciate Kentucky’s relationship with its waterways, particularly in the warmer months when outdoor activities thrive.
For a final skyward adventure, the Bowling Green area in south-central Kentucky offers balloon rides that showcase the expansive karst landscapes and rolling farmland that define the region. The proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park, just 20 minutes away, adds geological intrigue to the flight. From the air, the vast corridors of underground caverns hinted at by surface sinkholes and caves become part of the visual story. Balloonists launch from fields near the city, ascending into the open sky to catch the sunrise spreading golden light over the patchwork of fields, pastures, and wooded hollows. The cool mornings of late spring and early fall not only provide ideal meteorological conditions but also a chance to see wildlife such as deer and wild turkeys moving through the fields below. This aerial perspective reveals a quiet, rural Kentucky that often goes unnoticed but is deeply rewarding to explore from above.