Guide to Monticello & Nearby Attractions

Hidden Ridge
Hidden Ridge
Guide to Monticello & Nearby Attractions

Closest Marinas

Conley Bottom is the closest marina to us - and we may be biased, but it's our favorite! If you're looking to launch your boat, rent a boat (from houseboats to ski boats to double decker pontoons with slides to jet skis), this is the place! But definitely book in advance. They have a great store with all the essentials for fun in the sun, as well as apparel and souvenirs. They offer a walk-up soft serve ice cream window, as well as pizza to go. There is also a full-service restaurant offering a wide menu of family-friendly options. Conley Bottom is a great place to catch the sunset and play some cornhole on the deck. Visit their website for more info about boat rentals.
34 locals recommend
Conley Bottom Resort
270 Conley Bottom Road
34 locals recommend
Conley Bottom is the closest marina to us - and we may be biased, but it's our favorite! If you're looking to launch your boat, rent a boat (from houseboats to ski boats to double decker pontoons with slides to jet skis), this is the place! But definitely book in advance. They have a great store with all the essentials for fun in the sun, as well as apparel and souvenirs. They offer a walk-up soft serve ice cream window, as well as pizza to go. There is also a full-service restaurant offering a wide menu of family-friendly options. Conley Bottom is a great place to catch the sunset and play some cornhole on the deck. Visit their website for more info about boat rentals.

Lake Access

This municipal boat ramp provides a rocky beach to hang out on and an easy spot to launch a kayak, canoe or paddle board. Just minutes from Hidden Ridge, it is the closest place to go to access the lake without having to hike! Parking is available on site.
Shinbone Drive
Shinbone Drive
This municipal boat ramp provides a rocky beach to hang out on and an easy spot to launch a kayak, canoe or paddle board. Just minutes from Hidden Ridge, it is the closest place to go to access the lake without having to hike! Parking is available on site.
This spot is popular with locals and a nice place to set up a home base and swim, paddle and float for the day. There is a small parking lot and rocky beach, as well as a ramp into the water that puts you in the back of Fall Creek. Note - You cannot get to this spot from the Fall Creek Campground address (that is on the main lake versus at the back of the cove). GPS will send you in circles - To get there, turn right out of Hidden Ridge back onto Highway 2393. Turn right onto Highway 1275. Turn right onto Pete Upchurch Rd. Turn right onto Old Fall Creek Rd. It will dead end into the water.
Old Fall Creek Road
Old Fall Creek Road
This spot is popular with locals and a nice place to set up a home base and swim, paddle and float for the day. There is a small parking lot and rocky beach, as well as a ramp into the water that puts you in the back of Fall Creek. Note - You cannot get to this spot from the Fall Creek Campground address (that is on the main lake versus at the back of the cove). GPS will send you in circles - To get there, turn right out of Hidden Ridge back onto Highway 2393. Turn right onto Highway 1275. Turn right onto Pete Upchurch Rd. Turn right onto Old Fall Creek Rd. It will dead end into the water.
This spot offers access to not one but two gorgeous waterfalls: Garner Falls and Hidden Falls. The two waterfalls are fairly close together on the lake and the entire trip to see both is about two miles of paddling. Learn more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/lake-cumberland-waterfalls-ky/
Twyford Point
This spot offers access to not one but two gorgeous waterfalls: Garner Falls and Hidden Falls. The two waterfalls are fairly close together on the lake and the entire trip to see both is about two miles of paddling. Learn more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/lake-cumberland-waterfalls-ky/
This spot offers a beachy area and various spots for fishing and paddling around, as well as 16 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for all levels. Though it is about a thirty minute drive, it is well worth it - especially with little ones. More info: https://pcparkky.com/activities/
27 locals recommend
Pulaski County Park
1200 State Hwy 3189
27 locals recommend
This spot offers a beachy area and various spots for fishing and paddling around, as well as 16 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for all levels. Though it is about a thirty minute drive, it is well worth it - especially with little ones. More info: https://pcparkky.com/activities/

Country Stores

Stop by for a delicious fried apple pie or a cider slushie! Haney's is a local institution, offering seasonal pick your own apples and a roadside market full of delights. Over 25 varieties of apples, 10 varieties of peaches, pears, and nectarines are grown on the farm. More info: https://haneysappledalefarm.com/
32 locals recommend
Haney's Appledale Farm
8350 KY-80
32 locals recommend
Stop by for a delicious fried apple pie or a cider slushie! Haney's is a local institution, offering seasonal pick your own apples and a roadside market full of delights. Over 25 varieties of apples, 10 varieties of peaches, pears, and nectarines are grown on the farm. More info: https://haneysappledalefarm.com/
Creelsboro Country Store - a sweet country gem offering farm to table food and a country store. Creelsboro was once a busy river town that was incorporated in 1836. It was a major stop for steamboats on their way down the river to Nashville. It became a ghost town in the 1900s as steamboat traffic slowed. Through meticulous care, the original framework of the store has been updated with some modern features while simultaneously keeping that original spirit alive. https://creelsborocountry.com/
4838 KY-379
4838 Kentucky 379
Creelsboro Country Store - a sweet country gem offering farm to table food and a country store. Creelsboro was once a busy river town that was incorporated in 1836. It was a major stop for steamboats on their way down the river to Nashville. It became a ghost town in the 1900s as steamboat traffic slowed. Through meticulous care, the original framework of the store has been updated with some modern features while simultaneously keeping that original spirit alive. https://creelsborocountry.com/
Built in 1890, this historic spot right near Mill Springs transports you back in time, offering award winning ice cream and antiques.
Dunagan's Grocery and Supply
1748 Old Mill Springs Road
Built in 1890, this historic spot right near Mill Springs transports you back in time, offering award winning ice cream and antiques.

Sightseeing

This historic gristmill is a must see! Nestled on the edge of the lake, the site offers beautiful picnic spots overlooking the waterfall, a gift shop and the chance to see the world's largest overshot waterwheel grind corn. It is truly impressive. Call for hours of operation and mill operation.
Mill Springs Park
9074 KY-1275
This historic gristmill is a must see! Nestled on the edge of the lake, the site offers beautiful picnic spots overlooking the waterfall, a gift shop and the chance to see the world's largest overshot waterwheel grind corn. It is truly impressive. Call for hours of operation and mill operation.
History buffs, this is a must stop! Visitors can watch a free 20-minute video on the history of the Battle of Mill Springs and peruse authentic Mill Springs Battlefield artifacts, authentic Civil War artifacts, replicas of Civil War weapons and clothing and artifacts on loan from private collections.
25 locals recommend
Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center & Museum
9020 W Hwy 80
25 locals recommend
History buffs, this is a must stop! Visitors can watch a free 20-minute video on the history of the Battle of Mill Springs and peruse authentic Mill Springs Battlefield artifacts, authentic Civil War artifacts, replicas of Civil War weapons and clothing and artifacts on loan from private collections.
Enjoy wide open vistas, roaring rivers, and the history and charm of Appalachia from a train! Tours also include a stop to the historic and restored Barthell Coal Camp, the sight of the Stearns Company’s Mines 1 and 2. Seasonal train rides include Shades of Autumn Fall Express and the Polar Express. Click here for details & ticketing: https://bsfsry.com/
27 locals recommend
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
66 Henderson St
27 locals recommend
Enjoy wide open vistas, roaring rivers, and the history and charm of Appalachia from a train! Tours also include a stop to the historic and restored Barthell Coal Camp, the sight of the Stearns Company’s Mines 1 and 2. Seasonal train rides include Shades of Autumn Fall Express and the Polar Express. Click here for details & ticketing: https://bsfsry.com/
Cumberland Falls is perhaps the most popular natural feature of the Bluegrass State. Often called the "Niagara of the South," it's truly a sight to behold! And, on full moons, a magical "moonbow" appears over the falls. The paved walk to view the falls is easy and quick from the parking lot and there is a 17 mile system of trails on site (see "Hiking" section of this guide). Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/niagara-falls-waterfall-ky/
Cumberland Falls Visitor's Center
Cumberland Falls Road
Cumberland Falls is perhaps the most popular natural feature of the Bluegrass State. Often called the "Niagara of the South," it's truly a sight to behold! And, on full moons, a magical "moonbow" appears over the falls. The paved walk to view the falls is easy and quick from the parking lot and there is a 17 mile system of trails on site (see "Hiking" section of this guide). Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/niagara-falls-waterfall-ky/
A great spot for families! Come face to face with the region’s underwater friends, explore the region's unique terrain, see the inner workings of an active honey bee hive, and meet Dale, the lifelike animatronic fish biologist all in one place! Visitors can tour the hatchery and fish the well-stocked creek below it, as well as enjoy hiking trails. One follows Hatchery Creek all the way to the Cumberland River. Another, called the Nature Explorer Trail, passes through a number of ecosystems, winding around Hatchery Creek and then back to the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
26 locals recommend
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Visitor And Environmental Education Center
50 Kendall Rd
26 locals recommend
A great spot for families! Come face to face with the region’s underwater friends, explore the region's unique terrain, see the inner workings of an active honey bee hive, and meet Dale, the lifelike animatronic fish biologist all in one place! Visitors can tour the hatchery and fish the well-stocked creek below it, as well as enjoy hiking trails. One follows Hatchery Creek all the way to the Cumberland River. Another, called the Nature Explorer Trail, passes through a number of ecosystems, winding around Hatchery Creek and then back to the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
A peak into life in Wayne County during the 1800's. The house dates back to 1830, when a two-room, single story cabin was constructed on the site as a home for the owner of the grist mill. The fireplaces used then, are still in the house, along with the original stonework and mantles. After the Battle of Mill Springs, the house served as a temporary hospital for the Confederate wounded. There is a theory that the dark brown spots on the stairway are actually blood stains.
Historic Brown-Lanier House
9183 Kentucky 1275
A peak into life in Wayne County during the 1800's. The house dates back to 1830, when a two-room, single story cabin was constructed on the site as a home for the owner of the grist mill. The fireplaces used then, are still in the house, along with the original stonework and mantles. After the Battle of Mill Springs, the house served as a temporary hospital for the Confederate wounded. There is a theory that the dark brown spots on the stairway are actually blood stains.
Ritner Swinging Bridge: One of Wayne County's 3 swinging bridges, extending 258 ft across a river to McCreary Country. Beautiful spot for splashing around and picnicing. Directions: From Monticello take East KY 92 to Highway 776. Turn left onto HWY 776. Turn right onto Ritner Rd and follow it until it ends at the river. (Approx 40 mins)
Ritner Road
Ritner Road
Ritner Swinging Bridge: One of Wayne County's 3 swinging bridges, extending 258 ft across a river to McCreary Country. Beautiful spot for splashing around and picnicing. Directions: From Monticello take East KY 92 to Highway 776. Turn left onto HWY 776. Turn right onto Ritner Rd and follow it until it ends at the river. (Approx 40 mins)
Helicopter Tours! See the lake from the sky on the ultimate thrill ride! Check out the website for details, packages & pricing https://lakecumberlandhelicoptertours.com/
34 locals recommend
Conley Bottom Resort
270 Conley Bottom Road
34 locals recommend
Helicopter Tours! See the lake from the sky on the ultimate thrill ride! Check out the website for details, packages & pricing https://lakecumberlandhelicoptertours.com/

Hiking

This 2 mile trail is an easy, kid-friendly hike with plenty of beautiful scenery leading to a waterfall. The flow of the falls depends on the weather, but it's always a lovely area. Read more here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/easy-waterfall-hike-ky/ https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/princess-falls-via-sheltowee-trace-trail
Princess Falls
Trace Rd
This 2 mile trail is an easy, kid-friendly hike with plenty of beautiful scenery leading to a waterfall. The flow of the falls depends on the weather, but it's always a lovely area. Read more here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/easy-waterfall-hike-ky/ https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/princess-falls-via-sheltowee-trace-trail
Cumberland Falls is a hiker’s paradise with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park to scenic areas. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the Eagle FallsTrail Loop offers unique views of Cumberland Falls as well as Eagle Falls. Check out the official site for details on the trails. https://parks.ky.gov/corbin/parks/resort/cumberland-falls-state-resort-park
Cumberland Falls Visitor's Center
Cumberland Falls Road
Cumberland Falls is a hiker’s paradise with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park to scenic areas. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the Eagle FallsTrail Loop offers unique views of Cumberland Falls as well as Eagle Falls. Check out the official site for details on the trails. https://parks.ky.gov/corbin/parks/resort/cumberland-falls-state-resort-park
Known as the highest waterfall in Kentucky, Yahoo drops 113 feet into the pool below. It’s possible to walk right up to the base of the falls and behind the falls themselves for a unique perspective. And to top it off, it cascades down in front of one of the park’s largest rock houses. A network of trails surround the waterfall, offering many options for hiking. Learn more: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/waterfalls-arches-and-wildlife-hiking-yahoo-falls
13 locals recommend
Yahoo Falls Overlook
Yahoo Falls Road
13 locals recommend
Known as the highest waterfall in Kentucky, Yahoo drops 113 feet into the pool below. It’s possible to walk right up to the base of the falls and behind the falls themselves for a unique perspective. And to top it off, it cascades down in front of one of the park’s largest rock houses. A network of trails surround the waterfall, offering many options for hiking. Learn more: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/waterfalls-arches-and-wildlife-hiking-yahoo-falls
The Twin Arches are some of the most impressive rock arches in the eastern United States - and the largest in both KY and TN. Detailed trail info is here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/twinarchlt.htm Other day hikes in the Big South Fork can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
8 locals recommend
Twin Arches
8 locals recommend
The Twin Arches are some of the most impressive rock arches in the eastern United States - and the largest in both KY and TN. Detailed trail info is here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/twinarchlt.htm Other day hikes in the Big South Fork can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

Mountain Biking

This park has something for everyone in your group - swim, fish, lounge or hit the trails. The park has 16.5 miles of hiking and biking trails for all levels. Detailed trail map: https://pcparkky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2018-Trail-map-Signage-Display-1.jpg
27 locals recommend
Pulaski County Park
1200 State Hwy 3189
27 locals recommend
This park has something for everyone in your group - swim, fish, lounge or hit the trails. The park has 16.5 miles of hiking and biking trails for all levels. Detailed trail map: https://pcparkky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2018-Trail-map-Signage-Display-1.jpg
This is a great starting point in the Big South Fork Recreation Area for five mountain biking trails, which can all be ridden together as one EPIC 33 mile ride. Details & directions here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/mountainbiketrails.htm
Bandy Creek Visitor's Center
151 Stable Road
This is a great starting point in the Big South Fork Recreation Area for five mountain biking trails, which can all be ridden together as one EPIC 33 mile ride. Details & directions here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/mountainbiketrails.htm

Adventure Outfitters

If you're looking for adventure around Cumberland Falls, these guys have you covered! Excursions include whitewater rafting , leisurely canoeing, experiencing Cumberland Falls from the water on a guided canoe or paddleboard, river tubing and ziplining and more! Visit their site: https://www.ky-rafting.com/
18 locals recommend
Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort
2001 KY-90
18 locals recommend
If you're looking for adventure around Cumberland Falls, these guys have you covered! Excursions include whitewater rafting , leisurely canoeing, experiencing Cumberland Falls from the water on a guided canoe or paddleboard, river tubing and ziplining and more! Visit their site: https://www.ky-rafting.com/