Kentucky and Tennessee are famous for their sprawling cave systems and rugged natural beauty, and Bunkum Cave stands out as one of the most fascinating—and unusual—destinations you can explore. Nestled in the quiet woods of Cordell Hull State Park, this hike isn’t just a nature lover’s dream—it’s also it’s a step into the past where bootlegging and politics once intersected deep in the Appalachian hills.
The Trail: A 2.5-Mile Loop with a View
The hike to Bunkum Cave is a manageable 2.5-mile loop that winds through wooded hillsides, offering peaceful surroundings and just enough elevation to get your heart pumping. Along the way, you’ll arrive at a beautiful overlook that gives you your first glimpse of the cave from above—a wide, shadowy opening framed by lush forest.
From there, the trail descends toward the cave entrance, where the real payoff awaits. On warm summer days, hikers often find relief here—the temperature drops noticeably as you enter the cave, offering a natural cooling break that makes this trail especially inviting during the hotter months.
Nature Meets History: The Cave Itself
Bunkum Cave’s entrance is an impressive 100 feet wide and 30 feet high, creating a dramatic threshold into the hillside. Standing at its entrance is enough to feel the weight of the stories it holds.
And there are plenty of stories. This wasn’t just a natural formation—it once served as the perfect cover for a moonshine operation.
Bootleggers in the Bluff: The Moonshine Connection
In the early 20th century, the cool, dark interior of Bunkum Cave made it an ideal hideaway for illegal distilling. Billy Hull, father of Cordell Hull—who would later become the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of State and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient—ran a moonshine still inside the cave.
As you hike in, take a moment to imagine carrying jugs of moonshine down this very trail. The secrecy of the forest, the shelter of the cave, and the remote location made it the perfect spot for backwoods bootlegging. It’s a fascinating slice of local history that adds an unexpected twist to your day on the trail.
Across the Road: Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum
Just steps from the Bunkum Cave trailhead is the Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum, a well-maintained site honoring one of America’s most influential statesmen. Born in a modest log cabin in this very area, Hull played a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and founding the United Nations.
The museum offers an informative and thought-provoking look at his life—and provides a great opportunity to cool off and deepen your understanding of the region’s history after your hike.
A Perfect Day Trip from Dale Hollow
If you’re staying at The Lake House on Dale Hollow, Bunkum Cave makes for an ideal half-day adventure. Just a 35-minute drive from the lake, the park is close enough for a spontaneous outing but far enough to feel like a change of pace. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone just looking for something different to do, this trail is worth the short trip.
Why Bunkum Cave Belongs on Your Itinerary
With its striking natural features, cool cave air, and one-of-a-kind backstory, Bunkum Cave offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cultural heritage. It’s the kind of place where the landscape tells a story—and where every step on the trail brings you closer to the characters who once walked it.
So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and take a walk through history beneath the forest canopy of Cordell Hull State Park.