Gorgeous Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a PARADISE for hikers and a dream come true for photographers. They’re hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4 and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

The 10 a.m. trek will be a guided, interpretive hike on the Blue Bend Trail, a 4.5-mile loop. The first 3 miles of trail follow the Cumberland River along a hemlock grove and then ascend the hill leading to a “surprise” at the top.

Participants should bring a lunch and drinking water and should dress appropriately for the weather. This event is free. Participants should meet in the Great Room of Dupont Lodge at 10 a.m.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has a lodge, Riverview Restaurant, cottages, campground, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, other recreational activities and a great view of Cumberland Falls.

Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information.

Learn more about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park on Kentucky’s State Parks’ beautiful website!

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Art Prints:

Cumberland Falls,…
Diane Johnson
Buy This at Allposters.com

Cumberland Falls,… 
Panoramic Images…
Buy This at Allposters.com

Dogslaughter…
Adam Jones
Buy This at Allposters.com

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A couple admiring the beauty at Natural Bridge State Park while getting fresh air and activity. Well played, couple, well played.

Kentuckians, it’s time to hit the Kentucky State Parks running… or at the very least walking and hiking!  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common risk factor for heart disease isn’t smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, or even high blood pressure. It’s inactivity!  Certainly, all of the others add to a person’s risk, but I was really blown away by the fact that inactivity leads the way.

There’s a national effort gearing up for January 1, 2012 aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles throughout the year at America’s State Parks.  Four Kentucky State Parks will be participating in this highly commendable effort.

The movement is called First Day Hikes and it’s sponsored by America’s State Parks.  It will involve all 50 state park systems, and will allow participants to enjoy the scenery and wildlife at each park as they start the new year.

Kentucky State Parks have more than 250 miles of hiking trails that are open year-round. The parks also offer many other outdoor recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, camping, golf, fishing, boating, playgrounds, sports and more. Resort parks also have lodges, cottages and restaurants. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

 January 1 First Day Hikes at Kentucky State Parks:

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Pam Gibson, trails maintenance supervisor at Cumberland Falls, will lead a hike on Trail 2 from the picnic area to the Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, then back to the lodge by way of Trail 11. The hike will start at 10 a.m. (meet in the lodge) and will be completed by early afternoon. Pam will be providing interpretation along the way. Bring camera, water and a snack. For information, call 1-800-325-0063.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville

The First Day hike at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park will take place on the Goose Creek Trail, which is 1.25 miles long and is moderate enough for most to hike. The hike will be from 2-4 p.m. and is free. Hot chocolate will be provided at the beginning of the hike. All participants should meet at the picnic grove area across from the archery range. Call 502-429-7270 for information.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Lake Barkley State Resort Park would like to encourage everyone to kick off the New Year with a healthy start. On Jan. 1, Lake Barkley’s Fitness Center will be offering free admission, and guests can enjoy its indoor pool, nautilus equipment and free weights. Guests can also tour the fitness center and sign up for discounted individual, family or business memberships.  At 10 a.m., the park naturalist will lead a First Day Hike. The naturalist will guide participants on a 2-mile hike past scenic views and in search of bald eagles, wild turkey, deer and other winter wildlife. Those who plan to hike should meet at the fitness center and dress warmly, wear layers of clothing and sturdy, warm hiking boots or shoes, as well as hats and gloves, and bring water. For more information, contact the fitness center at 270-924-1131, ext. 593.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade

Douglas Wilder, trails maintenance supervisor at Natural Bridge, will lead a hike on the Original Trail to Natural Bridge and back. The hike will start at approximately 9 a.m. from the lodge and finish at approximately 11-11:30 a.m. Hot chocolate and cider will be served at the end of the hike. Wilder will provide interpretation of history, geology and trees along the way.  Call 1-800-325-1710.

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Oh, yeah, that works for me every time.

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See for a closer look. Kentucky Wildcats 8” x 10” Peel & Stick Laptop Art.

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See Louisville Cardinals 8” x 10” Peel & Stick Laptop Art for a closer look PLUS more U of L merchandise.

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Bill Hamrick Memorial Golf Course, Kenlake State Resort Park

Don’t put those golf clubs up just yet!  The weather’s cooled off, but don’t let your golf game do the same. Keep your skills sharp by playing as far into autumn and winter as possible.  Thanks to Kentucky State Parks, it’ll cost you less money, in addition to less sweat.

Beginning Nov. 1, Kentucky State Park golf courses put their winter rates into effect, for daily play as well as overnight golf packages.

The “Chip Shot” golf package, which includes overnight lodging and 18 holes of golf with a golf cart, starts at $59 plus tax per person based on double occupancy. The rate is effective through March 31, 2012.

The park system’s popular, all- inclusive “Tee’s and Zzz’s” package includes lodging, breakfast and dinner, 18 holes with a golf cart, gift card, and preferred tee times. The winter rates for this package start at $89 plus tax per person based on double occupancy through March 31, 2012.

Daily winter rate greens fees range from $11 to $17 weekdays and $11 to $22 weekends (golf cart not included) through March 31, 2012. For more information on daily rates and golf packages, visit www.parks.ky.gov/golf

There are 18 state park courses. The courses at Grayson Lake, General Burnside, Dale Hollow, Mineral Mounds, My Old Kentucky Home, Pine Mountain and Yatesville Lake – all have received national and statewide recognition in recent years.

Kentucky State Resort Parks feature full-service lodges and restaurants, along with other recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, tennis courts and picnic areas.

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Hiking in Kentucky is always as fun as it is healthy.  Fortunately, Kentuckians now have another opportunity to get outside and enjoy our state’s beauty.

Gov. Beshear and the First Lady of Kentucky have announced the latest tourism attraction in Eastern Kentucky and it’s an exciting and adventurous one. If you enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and/or cycling, this news will be right up your alley.. or should I say right up your trail!?

A former railroad line will become a new trail for hikers, horseback riders and cyclists and will be the latest adventure tourism attraction for Eastern Kentucky, Governor Steve Beshear announced today.

Known as the Dawkins Line, the 36-mile stretch runs through Johnson, Magoffin and Breathitt counties and will be managed by the Kentucky State Parks. The trail will be developed in phases. Once complete, the Dawkins Line will be the longest rail-to-trail project in the state.

“This trail will help attract tourists to Eastern Kentucky and will be a boost to the local tourism economy,” Gov. Beshear said. “This trail will not only promote adventure tourism, but it will also be a community asset that promotes fitness and health.”

First Lady Jane Beshear said the former railroad line will make an excellent multi-use trail.

“This new trail gives us a great opportunity to show guests the beauty of Eastern Kentucky,” Mrs. Beshear said. “Other places have successfully converted rail lines to trails, and I am confident this will become a popular attraction for this area.”

Another successful rails-to-trails project is in southwest Virginia — the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail in Virginia has led to new businesses and shops with a positive economic impact.

The Kentucky State Parks have received a multi-county coal severance grant of $500,000 to help support the trail development. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is providing the Department of Parks with up to $2 million in transportation program funding for the transformation of the Dawkins Line into a multi-use trail.

State funding for the property was initially provided by the 2006 General Assembly. The purchase of the property from the R.J. Corman Railroad Group was finalized in the spring of 2011.

The project has support from trail organizations and is expected to help develop the local tourism economy. The trail name comes from the Dawkins Lumber Company, which developed the rail line in the early 1900s for timber.

For more information about trails in Kentucky and other adventure tourism opportunities, visit www.getoutKY.com

Image Credit: www.kentuckytourism.com

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NASCAR fans, particularly those in Kentucky, are geared up and excited as the big day approaches.  Kentucky Speedway is set to host its first Sprint Cup series race, the inaugural Quaker State 400 on July 9th and this is, essentially, the big day everyone’s been waiting and planning for.

Kentucky Speedway has held other NASCAR races (Nationwide and Camping World Truck series races), but this will be the first Sprint Cup series race. is expected to pack the stands. I have a feeling that the place will go absolutely WILD when the motors start.  You don’t want to miss this!

To buy tickets for the Inaugural Quaker State 400 on July 9, 2011, visit Kentucky Speedway.

Image Credit: NASCAR

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One of the most beautiful golf courses in the country, Valhalla, will host the 2011 Senior PGA Championship later this month.  The field includes Paul Azinger, Fred Couples, Chip Beck, Bobby Clampett, Kentuckian Russ Cochran, Mark Calcavecchia, Angel Franco, David Frost, Jay Haas, Hale Irwin, Fred Funk, Mark O’Meara, Peter Fowler, Scott Hoch, Larry Mize, Tom Kite, Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Corey Pavin, Steve Lowery,  Andy North, Kentuckian Kenny Perry, Hal Sutton, Craig Stadler, Loren Roberts, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoehller, and many more.

Legends of the game, that’s all.

The star-studded 72nd Senior PGA Championship will run from May 26 (Thursday) to May 29 (Sunday). Click HERE for more information and to order your tickets.  Show these legends of the game how hospitable we are in the Bluegrass.  I have a feeling this championship will be a magical win for one of our Kentucky boys – either Russ Cochran or Kenny Perry. Fingers crossed!

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The Kentucky State Parks Golf Trail is offering something new for golfers in 2011.

A Golf Discount Card is being sold at all 18 courses at Kentucky State Parks. The cards provide substantially discounted fees that include cart. The cards are course specific and can be purchased for $20-$25.

A cardholder receives four discounted rounds including cart and the fifth round is free!

There are savings of more than $50 for 18-hole courses and over $30 for 9-hole courses (including purchase price of card). The Golf Discount Card has both weekday and weekend pricing and tee times are available five days in advance.

Cardholders will receive a 20 percent merchandise discount at state park pro shops. Golfers who live near state park courses can use this discount card for reduced rates on great golf. The card also makes for an excellent gift idea for your favorite golfer.

For more information, please contact your local state park golf course and inquire about details or visit our website at www.parks.ky.gov/golftrail

Listed below are the Kentucky State Park golf courses and pro shop phone numbers:

Barren River Lake Golf Course (800) 295-1876

Carter Caves Golf Course (606) 286-8881

Dale Hollow Lake Golf Course (866) 903-7888

General Burnside Island Golf Course (606) 561-4104

General Butler Golf Course (502) 732-4384

Grayson Lake “Hidden Cove Golf Course” (866) 905-7888

John James Audubon Golf Course (270) 826-5546

Kenlake Golf Course (270) 474-2211

Kentucky Dam Village Golf Course (800) 295-1877

Kincaid Lake Golf Course (859) 654-8555

Lake Barkley “Boots Randolph Golf Course” (800) 295-1878

Lincoln Homestead Golf Course (859) 336-7461

Mineral Mound Golf Course (866) 904-7888

My Old KY Home Golf Course (502) 349-6542

Pennyrile Forest Golf Course (866) 427-7888

Pine Mountain “Wasioto Winds Golf Course” (800) 814-8002

Rough River Dam Golf Course (270) 257-2311

Yatesville Lake “Eagle Ridge Golf Course” (866) 906-7888

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This is pretty exciting!

The Kentucky High School Hockey State Tournament will be held at the beautiful Edge Ice Arena in Owensboro, Kentucky on March 4-6. This will be the first time Owensboro has hosted this tournament and it’s being officially hosted by Owensboro’s own team, the Owensboro Rampage.

If at all possible, get out there and cheer them on.  Seriously, could hockey ever NOT be entertaining?

Ice Hockey Tournament at The Edge. 1400 Hickman Avenue in Owensboro, Kentucky.

For more information, call 800-489-1131  or 270-926-1100

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