FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State Parks will be taking part in National Trails Day on June 7 with events across the state to recognize the excellent hiking opportunities at state parks.
National Trails Day was launched by the American Hiking Society in 1993 to help promote exercise, trail development and the outdoors. It has grown to more than 2,000 events around the country.
The Kentucky State Parks have more than 300 miles of hiking trails. For more information, including staff recommendations on some of their favorite trails, visitwww.parks.ky.gov For more information about the national event, including special events at other Kentucky locations, visit www.americanhiking.org.
Here is a listing of some of the events planned at Kentucky State Parks. All events are scheduled June 7 (all times local):
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, Mount Olivet
Battlefield Walk
Learn more about the fascinating history of Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. This one-hour walk is at an easy, leisurely pace and is incredibly informative. The narrator of this tour will share information about the Battle of Blue Licks and the Revolutionary War. The Battlefield Walk begins promptly at 1 p.m. and is free. The walk begins and ends at the Pioneer Museum. There is a nominal fee to tour the museum, which houses Revolutionary War memorabilia as well as fossils, mastodon bones, Native American and pioneer artifacts, and more. Call 859-289-5507.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Hook and Hike Day
Celebrate National Trails Day and Free Fishing Weekend at Buckhorn Lake. Borrow a free fishing pole from the marina to hook a fish, or hike part of our two miles of trail. Events will include programs on learning to fish, guided walks on history, wildlife, and ecology of the park. Ideal for all ages. Call 606-398-7510.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Hike at Gobbler’s Arch
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will offer a hike to Gobbler’s Arch in McCreary County. Leave the parking lot at 8:30 a.m. by van and car. The hike is 5.5 miles and is considered moderate to difficult. Bring water, camera, lunch, snack and appropriate clothing, including an extra pair of socks. The hike leads through an impressive arch along rock bluffs, to an overlook of Rock Creek. Then hike down the path to Rock Creek to follow the Sheltowee Trace back to the trail head. The hike will last most of the day. Shuttle van provided, but some cars may be needed. Call 606-528-4121.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
National Trails Day Paddlefest
Join General Butler State Resort Park for fun and sun on the river! Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Recreation Center and then go to Kentucky River Lock No. 1 for our river excursion. Feel free to bring your own kayak or canoe; those under 18 years of age will need an adult guardian.
The 4.1-mile blueway trail begins at Lock No. 1, and will flow into the Ohio River, taking out at Carrollton’s Point Park. Estimated time for completing the excursion is 2 to 2.5 hours. If you don't have your own kayak or canoe, Two Rivers Adventure is available for rental needs. A canoe for two people is $50 and a one-person kayak is $35 (fees include your box lunch). Fee for those not renting boats is $15 per person; includes a box lunch and drink that will be awaiting us at Carrollton’s Point Park. Suggested items to bring include bottled water, sunscreen, proper wet footwear, and dry bag for your other supplies. This trip can be canceled due to high river levels or extreme weather conditions. Limited space is available, and registration is recommended. Call or visit the Recreation Center by 4 p.m. Friday, June 6, to reserve. Call 502-732-4384.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Around the Park in 8 Hours
National Trails Day will be spent highlighting most of Jenny Wiley’s trails. The day will start at 9 a.m. at the lodge patio where everyone will meet the park naturalist to carpool to the first two trails – the Steve Brackett Trail and the Moss Ridge Trail. Return for lunch at 11 a.m. At noon, meet at the lodge for a short commute to the Mountain Bike Trail, followed by the last hike, the Sassafras Trail. These trips will be recommended for ages 12 and up. Close toed shoes and water will be needed. The trails are all rated as moderate, with some steep up- and downhill hiking. All trails will cover about 7 miles. The park van will be available to shuttle folks to the trails, but seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This will be a great opportunity to learn about the plants, wildlife, history and culture of the park. Don't have time to hike all of the trails with us? Drop in on certain portions of our day and enjoy just one or two of our trails! Call 606-889-1790.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Lantern Hike
Venture out with the park interpretation staff on National Trails Day and hike by lantern light. This hike begins at 7 p.m. Some battery lanterns will be provided. Feel free to bring your own; please no glass lanterns. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and meet us at the Audubon Museum. Call 270-826-4424.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Two Trail Hikes
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will be celebrating the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day with two trail hikes. The first hike begins at 9 a.m. at the park's lodge lobby. This two-hour hike will be on the Lake Trail. The second hike will start at 6 p.m., also at the park's lodge lobby. It will be a shorter hike that will last approximately one hour on the Clifty Creek and Indian Bluff trails. Call 270-797-3421.
