Morehead, KY

Travel Guide

Beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation and a relaxing atmosphere draw visitors to this delightful town in Northern Kentucky.

Nestled inside the Daniel Boone National Forest is Morehead, a town surrounded by nature and outdoor recreation. Hike along narrow ravines and through steep forested ridges. Sail, swim and Jet Ski in freshwater lakes and climb up sandstone cliffs. If you prefer indoor activities, enjoy Morehead’s cultural charms including a planetarium, art center and vineyard. 

Begin your adventure at one of Morehead’s most popular attractions, Cave Run Lake. The 8,270-acre (3,346-hectare) reservoir hosts plenty of activities for the entire family, including sailing, swimming, Jet Skiing and fishing. Use the network of scenic trails for hiking for all abilities. Separate trails are designated for mountain biking and horseback riding. Try to spot some of the local wildlife including deer, chipmunks, hawks, eagles and bobcats. Long-distance hikers can plan several multiday expeditions in the rugged wilderness of Beaver Creek. 

Climb the sandstone cliffs and rock formations at the Red River Gorge Geological Area for thrilling views. Even if you are not a climber, photograph some of the spectacular configurations. Sky Bridge is a colossal sandstone arch while Double Arch has one large arch on top of another.

As well as making the most of Morehead’s natural setting, venture into the town for many other things to do. Visit the Kentucky Folk Art Center to see works by self-taught artists. Watch a concert at the Rowan County Arts Center and learn about deep space at the Space Science Center’s planetarium.

Just outside of town is the CCC Trail Vineyard. Tour the facility and stop at the cellar to taste a section of reds, whites and non-grape wines.

Morehead is easily accessible by car, plane and train. The nearest international airport is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, at 108 miles (174 kilometers) away.

Visit Morehead in September for two popular annual events. The Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival is five days of open-air concerts while the Cave Run Storytelling Festival features famous storytellers sharing imaginative tales by the lake.

Best Western Eagles Inn

Best Western Eagles Inn

2.5 out of 5
110 Toms Dr, Morehead, KY
The price is ¥15,374 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥15,374
¥17,111 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (723 reviews)
"Late check in . Beds were very comfortable with extra pillows . Friendly staff . Great breakfast . Pancake conveyer belt . With a fancy coffee machine that made great reg coffee and even flat white . I would stay there again ."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Best Western Eagles Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites

Comfort Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2650 KY 801 North, Morehead, KY
The price is ¥14,094 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥14,094
¥15,089 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Morehead. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (806 reviews)
"Wonderful and very helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites
Days Inn by Wyndham Morehead

Days Inn by Wyndham Morehead

2 out of 5
170 Toms Drive, I-64 and Rte 32 at Exit 137, Morehead, KY
The price is ¥9,353 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥9,353
¥10,410 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Morehead. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
5.4/10 (476 reviews)
"nice staff but the hotel is a bit old"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Morehead
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Gracious Haven near Cave Run Lake-close to Licking River & 3 boat ramps.

A Gracious Haven near Cave Run Lake-close to Licking River & 3 boat ramps.

Morehead
Stay at this cabin in Morehead. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Cave Run Lake is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Relaxing stay, nice covered fire area outside"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

A Gracious Haven near Cave Run Lake-close to Licking River & 3 boat ramps.
Charming 2-bedroom house with Hot Tub 1.5 miles from Cave Run lake

Charming 2-bedroom house with Hot Tub 1.5 miles from Cave Run lake

Morehead
Stay at this vacation home in Morehead. Enjoy laundry facilities, air conditioning, and a hot tub. Popular attraction Cave Run Lake is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Anniversary
"Great location close to the lake, extremely clean and neat property. We enjoyed the fire pit, the hot tub and the grill for cooking supper on. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Charming 2-bedroom house with Hot Tub 1.5 miles from Cave Run lake
Cozy Cabin 1 at Cave Run Cabins near Cave Run Lake & MSU

Cozy Cabin 1 at Cave Run Cabins near Cave Run Lake & MSU

Morehead
Stay at this cabin in Morehead. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Cave Run Lake and Rowan County Public Library are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Great place and Location!!
"Great place and location is awesome for getting to the lake. There was also ample room for a boat :-)"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Cozy Cabin 1 at Cave Run Cabins near Cave Run Lake & MSU
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Morehead

Other places like Morehead