The can-do spirit is alive and well in Kentucky–from Daniel Boone and other explorers who first trekked through the Cumberland Gap to today's visitors touring the depths of Mammoth Cave National Park. It's evident in the work of artists inspired by the state's natural beauty and at the distilleries where 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is crafted. The entire state reflects this adventuresome attitude, and you and your pet are sure to be affected as you explore the beautiful state of Kentucky.
Best Time To Visit
Spring and fall are both superb times of the year for a pet friendly trip to Kentucky. In March, the warming temperatures encourage the bluegrass to grow, turning the entire state velvety green. April and May are nearly perfect, with a few spring showers to keep the wildflowers blooming. By the end of September, the weather has cooled off and the first sparks of fall color start appearing at higher elevations. October is the prime month for a fall visit, especially in the Appalachian foothills where the reds, yellows, and oranges of the hardwood trees create a true spectacle. There isn’t much of an off-season in Kentucky, but you're more likely to find deals on lodging in winter.
Things Not To Miss
All aboard! From April through October, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns offers a 3-hour, 14-mile roundtrip ride into the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
No trip to Kentucky would be complete without visiting a distillery or two. Pets are welcome on the grounds at most establishments along the Bourbon Trail, but not inside the buildings.
Explore the farm where Abraham Lincoln was born at the Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park.
Hike over 70 miles of pet friendly trails (above ground) at Mammoth Cave National Park.
View 34 carefully restored Shaker buildings, rolling farmland, and more than 25 miles of striking stone fences, then explore 40 miles of pet friendly trails at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg.
Walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, Daniel Boone, and thousands of pioneers at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
