9 Incredible Kentucky Treehouses For a Southern Getaway

While many seek out Kentucky in search of bourbon, derbies and bluegrass music, the state’s strong treehouse game may be its best-kept secret.

Mammoth Cave National Park lures with the longest cave system in the world, while the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park allows you to stand on the shared border between Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.

For those who love hiking, you’ll find no shortage of trails winding through the Appalachian Mountains and horse country. Or perhaps you’d prefer to take to the water and enjoy a full moon stand-up paddle boarding adventure, touring the twisting cave pathways alongside spelunkers and other paddle enthusiasts.

And what better than to end a day of adrenaline than to take to new heights? Kentucky treehouses are some of the most unique and creative rentals in the country, ranging from a daring spot dangling over the cliffs of Red River Gorge to a pair of mirrored treehouses that are art unto itself.

Ready to discover the nine most incredible Kentucky treehouses to rent for your next getaway? Well, read on.

Related Read: 7 Unique Places to Stay in Kentucky

1. Kentucky Climbers Cottage

Kentucky Climbers cottage back view — Photo: Shelly B., Hipcamp

Why you should stay: Animal Planet named it a “once in a lifetime experience.”

Nearest town: Germantown
Sleeps: 5
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $261/night

Designed and created by master builder Pete Nelson, this off the grid spacious treehouse was dreamed up for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. You can bring the outdoors in by opening the large barn doors but keep the inside nice and cozy thanks to the wood-burning fireplace.

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails that cross through 200 acres of woodland, shared with just a few different cabins. Trails weave through incredible old-growth forests and pass an abandoned settlers’ log cabin from the 1800s. Back at the hideaway, put your feet up in the Adirondack chairs or take a swing in the hammock for an afternoon nap. Finish off the day stargazing, with minimal light pollution around for miles and miles.

Check Availability

2. Cliff Dweller

kentucky cliff dweller exterior — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Sleep dangled over the Red River Gorge for a heart-stopping experience.

Nearest town: Campton
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $309/night

Bolted against the rock face above the roaring river, this epic Kentucky treehouse is a dream for adrenaline junkies. Start by climbing hundreds of suspended stairs to reach your home in the sky, with plenty of room to spare for four guests.

Spread across two freestanding structures, the treehouses may look small from the outside, but inside, you’ll find a fully stocked kitchen, a breakfast banquette, and two separate bedrooms. Enjoy incredible views overlooking the river valley from the private rooftop deck atop the treehouse, perfect for sunset spotting opportunities and happy hour. Oh, and don’t book it if you have a massive fear of heights – the treehouses are build directly on the side of the cliffs.

Check Availability

3. Tradewinds Treehouse

kentucky Tradewinds exterior slide — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Play in the treetops before whizzing down the massive slide.

Nearest town: Stanton
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $980/night

Ideal for a family getaway are these two secret treehouses tucked away in the forest connected by a bridge. The main house features a primary bedroom plus a sleeping loft for the little ones. In the second space, you’ll find a compact futon and another spacious sleeping loft looking out above the treetops.

With full electricity, plumbing and a flush toilet, you’ll hardly be roughing it. To top off the experience, this Kentucky treehouse comes with an incredible spring-fed hot tub plus a relaxing outdoor hammock. Just a stones throw away are off-the-beaten-path hiking trails for a full day of adventure.

If this property is fully-booked, you’ll can book the sister property next door below: the Sylvan Float Treehouse.

Check Availability

4. Sylvan Float Treehouse

kentucky sylvan float exterior — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Off-the-grid backcountry cabin for a romantic evening far from civilization.

Nearest town: Stanton
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $146/night

Experience a treehouse in its purest form at this rustic but incredibly charming stay set surrounded by trees. You’ll feel like a true off-grid homesteader as you use the water-jug sink, battery-powered appliances, and propane appliances for day-to-day activities.

For early (or late) mornings, use the french press to whip up some coffee to enjoy on the wrap-around porch. Kick up your feet with a good book and settle into the bohemian hammock built into the deck, or for the home chef, try your hand at the charcoal BBQ. Want to go true caveman style? Try roasting dinner on the private fire pit to claim the title of ultimate grill master.

Check Availability

5. The Looking Glass

kentucky looking glass exterior — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Part Kentucky treehouse, part art installation.

Nearest town: Campton
Sleeps: 5
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $243/night

Nestled between a Tulip Poplar and Pignut Hickory is The Looking Glass Treehouse, a dual structure covered in outdoor mirrors that reflect the natural surroundings. No matter where you stand in the treehouse, you’ll have a perfect view of the forest, accentuated by the endless reflections of leaves and trees.

Inside are multiple options for sleeping ranging from built-in beds to hanging hammocks. Set out to explore the surrounding property and you’ll be delighted to find a small but picturesque waterfall nearby for a cool dip on a hot day. At night, watch the light play off the treehouses during a marshmallow-roasting session from the expansive fire pit or enjoy a night hike along the trails surrounding the property (be sure to bring flashlights!)

Check Availability

Related Read: 14 Cozy Pet-Friendly Cabins in Kentucky

6. Aliyah Treehouse

Kentucky aliyah exterior bridge — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Clamber across a suspension bridge to arrive in a fairytale treehouse.

Nearest town: Germantown
Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $282/night

The whole family will delight in this enchanted treehouse set 30 feet above the ground and between towering red oaks. A bridge connects the two structures that hold quirky details like port hole windows and wooden ladders to access the bunk beds.

Little ones will feel like they’re living in a real-life wooded fairytale as the home has a century-old tree growing through the main room. To experience new heights, take to the swinging cabana tree pod, perfect for an afternoon reading nook. Looking for more adventure? Let the host take you on a guided tree climb. Once you reach the tip top, lookout over the forest for incredible views.

If this property is booked, consider the other Kentucky treehouse available nearby – the Kentucky Climbers Cottage (below.)

Check Availability

7. Treetop Flyer

kentucky treetop flyer exterior — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Sleep on a working 100-acre farm wildlife-spotting opportunities galore.

Nearest town: Berea
Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $102/night

For a rustic stay, try this Kentucky treehouse on a bustling working farm that’s part of a small treehouse community. Settle inside to enjoy the log-style cabin built in the treetops. In the mornings, you can watch the sun rise over the surrounding mountain face on the wrap-around porch, enjoying a warm cup of coffee and the sound of crickets. You don’t get electricity or running water, but the owners provide lanterns so you can still see at night.

On cold mornings, snuggle up beside the indoor fireplace before taking to one of the trails surrounding the property. Wander along the one-mile loop, spotting the small playground, yard games, and a creek full of geodes. For those who love to meet new people, pop into the shared community kitchen or hang out in the indoor dining space, both of which have air conditioning.

Check Availability

8. Arboreal Abode

kentucky arboreal abode exterior — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A traditional yurt lofted like a bird-nest in the trees.

Nearest town: Berea
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $80/night

Tucked away among a walnut grove is a yurt structure standing 10 feet off the ground, ready for a family-friendly adventure. Housing a bunk bed and a trundle bed, there’s plenty of space for activities like board games or laying in the sunshine on the surrounding deck.

For a luxury treehouse experience, the space has electricity, heat and air, making it an ideal all-weather getaway. Around the property, you’ll find a mini-disc golf course and croquet sets in case you prefer to spend the afternoon outdoors. And just a quick drive away from the property are places to rent kayaks and go for a paddle, art studios in Old Town Berea, and historical sites like the Daniel Boone Trail.

Check Availability

9. KY Breeze Treehouse

Kentucky Breeze exterior — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Budget-friendly accommodations in the stunning forest of the Red River Gorge.

Nearest town: Stanton
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $165/night

Marvel at this custom-made treehouse, featuring a 15-foot-tall glass garage door that opens out to stunning mountain vistas from every angle. You get all the perks of being one of just a few properties actually within the Red River Gorge National Forest, just steps from world-famous hiking trails.

With no neighbors nearby, you can truly immerse yourself in the solitude of nature. At night, cozy up to a roaring campfire, then drift off to sleep to the sounds of the babbling creek outside your window. For a moment of peace and quiet, sit out on the screened-in porch while you sip a piping hot cup of tea or sip some Kentucky Bourbon. This is a rare find in Kentucky treehouses as it has both heat and air conditioning, so you can book it any time of year and sleep in comfort.

Check Availability