Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park
Walk the Wilderness Road — Pioneer History, a Working Mill & 8.5 Miles of Trails
Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park in London, Kentucky, preserves the actual routes of the Wilderness Road and Boone’s Trace — the two trails over 200,000 pioneers followed between 1774 and 1796 to settle Kentucky and the western frontier. This 800+ acre park is where American history comes alive underfoot.
Pioneer History
- Wilderness Road & Boone’s Trace: Hike the actual paths blazed by Daniel Boone and tens of thousands of settlers
- Mountain Life Museum: A recreated pioneer settlement with authentic cabins, tools, and household items
- Defeated Camp Burial Ground: Site of McNitt’s Defeat (1786), Kentucky’s worst frontier massacre
- McHargue’s Mill: A working reproduction watermill surrounded by one of the country’s largest millstone collections. Freshly ground cornmeal available seasonally.
Trails
- 8.5 miles of hiking trails through forest and along historic routes
- Wilderness Road Trail (1.3 mi): Easy — passes pioneer cemeteries
- Boone Trace Trail (2.3 mi): Easy — follows the original frontier path
- Frazier Knob Trail (2.2 mi): Moderate — reaches the park’s highest point with seasonal valley views
Camping & Activities
- 146 campsites with hookups, showers, laundry, and dump station. Open year-round.
- Swimming pool (seasonal), miniature golf, and a treetop adventure course with zip-lines
Quick Facts
- Location: Kentucky
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Kentucky “resort parks” feature Bluegrass hills and Appalachian foothills. Activities include boating and bass fishing on massive lakes, hiking forested trails, golfing championship courses, horseback riding, and exploring cave networks and Civil War sites.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot and humid but great for lakes. Winter is quiet, with resort park lodges offering peaceful off-season getaways at discount rates.
Visitor Tips
Kentucky parks have no entrance fee. Famous for 17 “Resort Parks” with full-service lodges, restaurants, and 18-hole golf courses. Book well in advance for summer and fall weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kentucky state parks charge an entrance fee?
No, Kentucky state parks do not charge a general entrance fee for day use. The parks are free to enter. Camping, lodge rooms, golf, marina use, and special activities have separate fees.
What makes Kentucky state parks unique?
Kentucky is famous for its 17 “Resort Parks” featuring full-service lodges with restaurants, 18-hole golf courses, swimming pools, and conference facilities — more resort-style amenities than most state park systems.
Can I stay at a lodge in a Kentucky state park?
Yes, Kentucky’s resort parks feature full-service lodges with hotel-style rooms, dining rooms serving traditional Kentucky cuisine, and extensive amenities. Popular lodges include Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, and Jenny Wiley.
What are the best state parks in Kentucky?
Top parks include Natural Bridge (sandstone arch and Red River Gorge), Cumberland Falls (the “Niagara of the South”), Carter Caves (cave tours), and Breaks Interstate Park (the “Grand Canyon of the South”).
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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