Between Lexington And Pigeon Forge Is A Scenic State Forest With Fishing, Wildlife, And Nature Walks

Near the border of Tennessee, about halfway between Lexington and Pigeon Forge, is one of Kentucky's best-kept secrets — Kentucky Ridge State Forest offers over 15,200 acres of woods, lakes, and creeks. It's a place to surround yourself with the tranquility of nature, where you can hike, fish, camp, or hunt in a scenic landscape marked by mountain ridges and valleys.

Chenoa Lake offers a prime location to fish, while the northern tip of Kentucky Ridge State Forest includes sweeping views of Pine Mountain State Resort Park that you can access by hiking. Whatever recreational activity you choose to do, you'll be accompanied by diverse wildlife. Deer, grouse, rabbits, and black bears populate Kentucky Ridge State Forest. This area isn't just for animal lovers either. Tree-huggers will have their hands full with a sweet birch tree that's over 120 feet tall and a champion in the state (one of the biggest examples of that tree species).

Bird-watchers can hike the Davis Bird Trail (also known as the Davidburg Trail), where you can spot dozens of avian species like mourning doves, woodpeckers, and American goldfinches. Kentucky Ridge State Forest is rife with birds of prey too, as vultures, owls, and eagles can all be seen flying through its sky. That sky, by the way, is considered one of Kentucky's dark skies, so those who choose to partake in primitive or dispersed camping can enjoy some great stargazing. If you'd rather find accommodations instead, the picturesque mountain town of Pineville is just 10 minutes from the northern edge of the forest and offers lodges and B&Bs.

Those looking for a hike or nature walk will find options all around Kentucky Ridge State Forest. Cell signal can be spotty or nonexistent in the area, so just be sure to download your map beforehand. The Clear Creek Hollow Trail is an easy 4.6-mile out-and-back path that combines history with nature, as it partially follows the old Louisville & Nashville railway route. Abandoned bridges and overgrown tunnels harken back to the area's past, when the railroad supported the region's coal-mining industry. 

Also known as Clear Creek Fitness Trail, the path also takes you into Pine Mountain State Resort Park and winds along Clear Creek, where you can fish for trout. Clear Creek is typically stocked with trout in April and October. Chenoa Lake is also a great place to fish. A ramp offers a year-round boat launch, which you can use to try to catch largemouth bass and bluegill.

Kentucky Ridge State Forest is about 2.5 hours from Pigeon Forge and the same distance from the endless outdoor adventures of Lexington. Lexington's regional Blue Grass Airport (LEX) has direct flights to places like New York LaGuardia (LGA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The closest major international airport hubs are Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), both about 3.5 hours away by car.