Kentucky Part 2: Forest Giants!! and a Waterfall

After all the cave visits, I was ready to leave Bowling Green and head north about 2-1/2 hours to Clermont, KY where I could spend a little time above ground visiting the forest giants and then move on to Corbin to see the Niagara Falls of the South.

I arrived at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest at 10:00 AM as the visitor center was opening. I was immediately welcomed by a friendly naturalist at the front desk who told me all about the park and some of the amazing projects going on. Of course, I was drawn in by the opportunity to see the forest giants, but there was so much more…

Bernheim invited Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, to the park in conjunction with their 90th anniversary in 2020, to construct three forest giants using recycled bourbon barrels and other natural products from the region. There is a beautiful 2-mile trail around the park/lakes where you can visit pregnant Mama Loumari and her two girls Little Nis and Little Elina. Aside from the giants, there are several other sculptures done by visiting and resident artists, and amazing collections of trees, including 200 species of holly, over 120 types of magnolia, and lots of gingko biloba, elm, oak, beech, cedar, buckeye, and conifer. I’d really love to visit again in the spring and try out some of the hiking trails up in the hills when the trees all have their leaves and the flowers are in bloom!

I didn’t want to leave Bernheim, as I was so in love with the giants, the beautiful nature, the art, and the great vibes. On the way back to the visitor center, I came across more beautiful sculptures!

But my time in the park had to end, as I still wanted to see the Niagara Falls of the South before I found a place to land for the night. After a quick drive through the Jim Beam campus, I carried on and made it to the falls just before the sun began to drop. The falls are located in the Cumberland State Resort Park. It is a bit run down, but I think it has been closed for the off season, so hopefully it will be cleaned up soon. I took a walk along the trail to the falls, disappointed to find quite a bit of trash in the water and the overlooks in disrepair. The falls were a bit of a bummer too, as I’ve visited Niagara and this did not have near the impact…oh well, it was nice to get some fresh air and stretch my legs before continuing the drive!

So, that wraps up Kentucky for now. I hope you enjoyed the mini tour!

Cheers, hugs, and love until next time!

Michelle