McKee KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McKee, Kentucky.
1. Flat Lick Falls
MAJESTIC WATERFALL EXPERIENCE
Flat Lick Falls is a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and rocky wooded forest in McKee, offering visitors a breathtaking natural spectacle. The area features about 5 miles of easy to medium hiking trails with some creek crossings, including a wheelchair-accessible paved trail that leads to a lookout platform perfect for viewing and photographing the falls. Visitors can also take a short half-mile family-friendly hike with a bridge crossing to reach the base of the falls for a more immersive experience.
2. The Great Saltpetre Cave
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
The Great Saltpetre Cave offers visitors a fascinating journey into one of Kentucky's significant natural and historical underground formations. This cave system features impressive chambers and formations that have been formed over thousands of years through natural geological processes. Explorers can learn about the cave's rich history, including its use for saltpeter mining during the War of 1812 and its role in local heritage.
3. Just Kik-N-It Ranch Outfitters
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE HUB
Just Kik-N-It Ranch Outfitters provides outdoor enthusiasts with guided adventures and equipment for exploring the scenic wilderness around McKee. The outfitter specializes in horseback riding experiences that allow visitors to traverse the beautiful landscapes of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Their experienced guides ensure visitors can safely enjoy the natural beauty of the area while learning about local flora, fauna, and history.
4. Sheltowee Trace Trail
KENTUCKY'S LONGEST WILDERNESS TRAIL
The Sheltowee Trace Trail, Kentucky's longest and most rugged trail at 300 miles, passes directly through McKee and offers hikers access to the lush, green Kentucky wilderness. Adventurers can enjoy multi-day backpacking trips, connecting various trail sections and sleeping under the stars in the shelter of the trees. The section from Turkey Foot Campground to the S-Tree Campground is particularly scenic, leading through serene woodlands to visit bubbling Raccoon Creek and Horse Lick Creek on a 30-mile route that typically takes three days to complete.
5. Bond Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Bond Memorial Park serves as a central recreational area for residents and visitors in McKee, providing a space for outdoor activities and community gatherings. The park offers various amenities for families to enjoy, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for sports and leisure activities. As a memorial park, it also holds cultural significance for the local community, honoring the Bond legacy while providing a peaceful setting for relaxation.
6. Triple R Ranch
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Triple R Ranch in McKee offers visitors exceptional horseback riding experiences through the scenic landscapes of Jackson County. Guests can explore miles of trails that wind through forests, meadows, and alongside streams, experiencing Kentucky's natural beauty from horseback. The ranch provides options for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians, ensuring everyone can enjoy this traditional way of exploring the Appalachian countryside.
7. War Fork Gorge
GEOLOGICAL WONDER TRAIL
War Fork Gorge offers hikers a geologically fascinating trek through a unique valley where the War Fork stream disappears and reappears underground. The Sheltowee Trace hike through this area leads to the remarkable Resurgence Cave, where War Fork emerges flowing cool and clear year-round. This outstanding natural area features not only the cave with its emerging stream but also the impressive gorge landscape and remnants of an old homesite, providing a glimpse into both geological and human history.
8. Turkey Foot Campground
SCENIC FOREST CAMPING
Turkey Foot Campground serves as a popular starting point for hikers tackling sections of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and offers peaceful camping in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. Campers can enjoy the serene surroundings where War Fork holds water before disappearing underground, creating a unique natural environment. The campground provides access to multiple hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
9. S-Tree Campground
BACKCOUNTRY FOREST RETREAT
S-Tree Campground offers a tranquil camping experience in the wooded wilderness near McKee, serving as an endpoint for the scenic section of the Sheltowee Trace Trail from Turkey Foot. Campers can enjoy primitive camping facilities surrounded by the lush forests of Daniel Boone National Forest, with access to hiking trails and natural attractions. The campground's location provides a perfect base for exploring Horse Lick Creek and connecting with nature in a peaceful, undeveloped setting.
10. Raccoon Creek
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN STREAM
Raccoon Creek is a bubbling mountain stream that cuts through the forested landscape near McKee, offering hikers and nature enthusiasts a picturesque natural feature to enjoy. The creek can be accessed via the Sheltowee Trace Trail, where it provides scenic views, peaceful sounds, and opportunities for wildlife watching. Visitors hiking between Turkey Foot and S-Tree campgrounds will cross this refreshing waterway, which adds to the sensory experience of exploring Kentucky's wilderness.
11. Horse Lick Creek
WILD APPALACHIAN WATERWAY
Horse Lick Creek flows through the wilderness near McKee, creating a scenic waterway that enhances the natural beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Hikers on the Sheltowee Trace Trail can enjoy views of this creek as it winds through the landscape, offering peaceful spots for rest and reflection. The creek supports local wildlife and plant communities, making it an important ecological feature of the region and a highlight for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Foxtown Boulders
ROCK CLIMBING PARADISE
Foxtown Boulders provides rock climbing enthusiasts with exceptional bouldering opportunities in the scenic landscape of Jackson County near McKee. The area features numerous sandstone boulders with various climbing problems suitable for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers. Visitors can test their strength and technique while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding forest, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventure seekers.
13. Jackson County Off-Roaders
RUGGED TRAIL ADVENTURES
Jackson County Off-Roaders offers thrill-seekers access to exciting off-road trails through the challenging terrain of Jackson County near McKee. Visitors can bring their own ATVs, UTVs, or 4x4 vehicles to navigate the hills, forests, and creek crossings that showcase the area's natural beauty. The trails provide varying levels of difficulty, ensuring both beginners and experienced off-roaders can find appropriate routes to enjoy the adrenaline rush of outdoor motorized recreation.
14. Beulah Lake
PEACEFUL FISHING RETREAT
Beulah Lake in Tyner offers anglers and nature lovers a tranquil water destination just a short drive from McKee in Jackson County. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities with various species of freshwater fish, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Kentucky's countryside. Visitors can enjoy quiet shoreline fishing, boating where permitted, and picnicking along the peaceful waters that reflect the changing seasons of the Appalachian foothills.
15. Kentucky Scenic Byway 89
WINDING FOREST DRIVE
Kentucky Scenic Byway 89 offers motorists and cyclists a spectacular journey through the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, with McKee serving as a central point along this picturesque route. The narrow, winding road is surrounded by dense forests that showcase the natural beauty of the region, particularly stunning during fall foliage season. Road cycling enthusiasts particularly enjoy the challenging hills and curves that make this byway an excellent option for experiencing the rugged wilderness of Jackson County from the comfort of a vehicle or the freedom of a bicycle.