Franklin: Find hotels for nature, art and paddling trips

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

About 240 acres of wetlands, along with streams, springs, waterfalls and wooded ravines: Cove Spring Park and Nature Preserve brings together many natural and historic features. Three miles of unpaved trails lead through the grounds; elevated boardwalks and interpretive signs complement the route through the landscape. Here, waterways, ravines and trails combine to create a multifaceted outdoor experience.

For a view of the Kentucky River, Capitol View Park is a destination in its own right: it offers a scenic view of the river. Franklin County has about 40 miles of hiking trails. In Frankfort, the Thorobred Trail serves a different purpose from the unpaved trails at Cove Spring Park: this 0.8-mile paved path connects downtown with Kentucky State University. It is for pedestrians only; motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited.

Trails for different activities

West Sixth Farm also features trails, but in hilly terrain: the property covers 120 acres in Franklin County. A network of about four miles of trails is designated for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. Several activities share this trail network, while the Thorobred Trail serves a different purpose as a paved pedestrian connection. The farm tour is offered on the first Saturday of each month; check the date before making plans.

Discover art and history

Josephine Sculpture Park brings together artworks and a landscape of native meadows, fields and woods. The park is home to more than 70 works of art; two miles of mowed trails wind through 40 acres of this landscape. Unlike the unpaved trails at Cove Spring Park, art is central to the experience here. The park is free and open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Liberty Hall Historic Site consists of two historic homes: Liberty Hall and the Orlando Brown House. Frankfort Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Frankfort is also considered the birthplace of the Kentucky Bourbon Ball. Another bourbon destination is Whiskey Thief Distilling Company, located on the 127-acre Three Boys Farm in a rural area of Franklin County.

Paddle the Elkhorn Creek and Kentucky River

On Elkhorn Creek, the route and conditions offer different points of reference. The Palisades section is eight miles long and has Class III and IV rapids. Water levels affect paddling difficulty and conditions. A 17-mile paddling route follows Elkhorn Creek from Forks at Elkhorn in Frankfort to the Kentucky River. For The Palisades, the length and rapid classes are key; for the 17-mile route, the start and end points are specified.

Bourbon Paddle Tours include a guided paddle trip on the Kentucky River through Lock 4, as well as a tour and tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Kentucky River Tours offers a bourbon-history tour on the water aboard the Bourbon Boat or Bourbon Belle; reservations are required. The experiences have different focuses: a guided paddle trip with a distillery experience or a bourbon-history tour aboard a boat.

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Discover more destinations:

Frankfort, Ohio County, Garrard County, Hancock County, Martin County, Woodford County, Pike County, Knox County

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.