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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Hosts First Saturday of the Month Hike

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cumberland Falls State Resort ParkHiking in Kentucky doesn’t get any better than this! Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is qualifies as a MUST for hikers and photographers.

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, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky, USA
Cumberland Falls,…
Diane Johnson
Buy This at Allposters.com


Cumberland Falls, Cumberland River, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky, USA
Cumberland Falls,… 
Panoramic Images…
Buy This at Allposters.com

Dogslaughter Falls, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, USA
Dogslaughter…
Adam Jones
Buy This at Allposters.com

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Featured, Hiking, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

Winter Events in January and February at Kentucky State Parks

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset, Kentucky, USA

Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset in Kentucky

People in Kentucky (and most places, for that matter) make the mistake of thinking that winter is JUST for sitting inside, eating, and watching college basketball.  I don’t have anything against sitting or eating and I love college basketball (how could you NOT when you live in the state of Kentucky – home to two of the most exciting programs in the country?!?!). However, humans don’t need to hibernate with the bears. Doing so just leads to extra pounds.. for us and them!

There’s still plenty of beauty to get out and see, and plenty of places to visit. In fact, you’ll find the crowds smaller and traffic much more agreeable. Plan a trip to a Kentucky State Park this weekend – and don’t forget your camera. If you visit one of the Kentucky State Resort Parks, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious hot meal in the dining room.  Most offer gorgeous views, buffet bars as well as menus, friendly staff, and some of the best coffee you’ve ever had.

Below are some of the winter events you can take advantage of at Kentucky’s State Parks.

If you’re looking for some winter adventure, the Kentucky State Parks have numerous outdoor events planned in January and February to get you outdoors and moving.

They include elk viewing tours, hikes, looking for eagles at the Land Between the Lakes and watching sandhill cranes as they migrate through Kentucky.

One of the most popular events is the Winter Adventure Weekend Jan. 27-29 at Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill. The weekend includes hiking, canoeing, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling and other adventures. Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides. The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2012 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com. All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $25, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.). For more information, call Carter Caves at 1-800-325-0059.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville is hosting the Hike the Highlands Winter Getaway Jan. 13-15. Join the expedition to hike 8 miles on three guided hikes in one weekend. Gaze out across the Cumberland Mountains from Knobby Rock in the midst of the celebrated Blanton Forest. Stand on the mountain peak where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia adjoin and feel the weight of history in the saddle of the Cumberland Gap Pass. Investigate a Native American camp in a sandstone rockhouse, relive the folk history of the legendary Chained Rock and examine a natural arch on the vaulted south slope of Pine Mountain. Registration is required. The park is offering a lodging package for $170 for two. Call 1-800-325-1712 for information.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is hosting its Arches and Waterfall Weekend Jan. 13-15. Enjoy a weekend of guided hikes to explore some of Kentucky’s natural treasures: natural arches and waterfalls. There will be a daily morning hike and a daily afternoon hike to different natural features. Relax in the lodge and enjoy evening programs. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at Prestonsburg and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park at Buckhorn resume elk viewing tours in January. This is one of several excellent wildlife viewing tours offered by the Kentucky State Parks. Call the parks for details and reservations or visit www.parks.ky.gov (Jenny Wiley is 1-800-325-0142; Buckhorn Lake is 1-800-325-0058.)

Three parks in western Kentucky will offer Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February. The parks and dates are: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at Gilbertsville, Jan. 20-22; Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz, Jan. 27-29; and Kenlake State Resort Park near Aurora, Feb. 3-5. Tours are conducted by van and by boat with wildlife guides. Call the parks or visit www.parks.ky.gov for more information and reservations.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will offer its Nature Watch Weekends for sandhill cranes, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18. Participants can register for morning or afternoon trips led by naturalists. Registration is $30 per person and includes an evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal and a T-shirt. Call the park at 1-800-325-0057 for information and reservations.

John James Audubon State Park at Henderson will host several Owl Prowls during January and February. These free trips begin at 3:30 or 4 p.m. Guests should bring cameras or binoculars to see avian predators like short-eared owls, great horned owls, prairie merlins, rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. The hikes are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19. Meet at the main boat ramp at Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area in Warrick County, Ind. Call 1-270-826-2247 for information.

For more information about these events and Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Photo Credit: The gorgeous Photographic Print at the top of the page is available from Allposters.com.  More Kentucky Posters and Prints

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, John James Audubon State Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Lake Barkley SRP, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Hiking at Kentucky State Parks: First Day Hikes Available

December 15, 2011 By

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

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.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, Featured, Hiking, Lake Barkley SRP, Natural Bridge State Resort Park Tagged With: , , , ,

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting its Nature Photography Weekend April 29-May 1.

March 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Photography: Butterfly on a Bright Flower

Nature photography buffs will enjoy this weekend that features a 24-hour digital competition. Photographers with all skill levels can pick up helpful tips from guest speakers. There will be amateur and accomplished classes. Plaques will be given in several categories. The cost is $ 35 per person.

This year’s speakers are Kendal Chiles and Don McGowan, two very accomplished nature photographers who have taught numerous workshops focusing on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. Don and Kendal are eager to share their expertise with you.

Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information, registration and overnight accommodations. Email Bret A. Smitley@ky.gov for a brochure.

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.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky in Pictures, Kentucky Wildlife, News, Springtime in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

State Parks Offer Weekday Lodging Discounts in July, August and September

July 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There’s still plenty of summer left and the Kentucky State Parks would like to invite you to visit before it ends.

Several parks are offering special rates during July, August and September 2010.  With the kids out of school, this would be a perfect time for a few days to get away to a park for some swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or just some relaxing.

Kentucky State Resort Parks offer recreational programming in the summer months and many have marinas. All have restaurants open daily.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Here are the parks and the discount offers: (Note-Please call the specific parks for these discount offers unless otherwise noted)

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill: Carter Caves is offering special rates to allow its neighbors a chance to visit and spend a few days exploring caves, walking trails and enjoy some planned recreation activities.  Call the park at 1-800-325-0059 and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. This features a lodge room in Lewis Caveland Lodge for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability.  Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability.  Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. 800-325-1713

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability.  Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. Call 800-325-0146.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin: Is offering lodge rooms at $64.95 Sunday through Thursday during July and August as well as offering Woodland rooms at $79.95 during August.  Moonbow nights are excluded from this “Neighbor Special.” Call (800) 325-0063 for reservations.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton: The park is offering special rates in August on Sunday through Thursday nights. You can reserve a lodge room for $59.95; a one-bedroom cottage for $79.95; a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95; and a three-bedroom cottage for $119.95 a night. This “Neighbor Special” is available if you call 1-866-462-8853.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown: During August, the park is offering rooms in the Lure Lodge for $64.95 a night Sunday through Thursday. This “Neighbor Special” also includes two-bedroom cottages for $139.95 on those same days.  To get this special, call 800-325-1709

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville: On Sunday through Thursday during August, you can reserve a lodge room in the picturesque Oaken Lodge for $64.95 a night. Call for your “Neighbor Special” at (800) 325-2282

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet: The park is offering $10 off accommodations when a guest presents a ticket stub from the Maysville Balloon Race July 30th and 31st. The offer is good on those dates only. Blue Licks Battlefield is also offering a “Neighbor Special” from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 Sunday through Thursday with a $59 a night lodge room. Call 800-443-7008.

Discount starting in August. The Kentucky State Parks have an online coupon good for a $59.95 lodge room Sunday through Thursdays from Aug. 15-Sept. 30 at selected parks. Get the coupon by visiting www.parks.ky.gov The parks where this coupon is good include: Blue Licks Battlefield, Greenbo Lake, Pennyrile Forest, Buckhorn Lake, Jenny Wiley, Rough River, Carter Caves and Kenlake. Call the park or make the reservation online and use the code “BACKYARD.” Holidays are excluded. There are a limited number of rooms for this offer at each park.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Vacations, News Tagged With: , ,

Summer Family Vacations and Kentucky Go Hand in Hand

May 11, 2010 By 1 Comment

Lake Barkley – A Personal Favorite

Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Summer Family Vacation!

Summer is just around the corner, and families don’t have to look far afield for a fun-filled vacation in friendly surroundings.

“From houseboating on Lake Cumberland to exploring the many fascinating exhibits along Louisville’s Museum Row, Kentucky is a fabulous place for families to bond while enjoying new and exciting experiences this summer,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Travel & Tourism.

A great way for a family to spend quality time together is a houseboat vacation on one of Kentucky’s jewel-like lakes. From Lake Cumberland in the east to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in the west, renting a houseboat provides a relaxing getaway for thousands of families every summer. Cruise the tranquil waters and enjoy jet-skiing, tubing and swimming. Anchor near shore and go exploring or fish from the bank. Houseboats come in all sizes with a range of amenities – just pick one and set sail for family adventure.

Venture to one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks and “rough it” while camping, backpacking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Most of the parks with campgrounds are equipped with RV hookups; at the resort parks, lodge rooms and cabin rentals are available if you’d rather get back to nature with more of the comforts of home.

If reliving key moments in Kentucky history is more your family’s style, take them to Kentucky’s state historic parks for memorable encounters with the Bluegrass state’s storied past. Experience one of the largest Civil War battlegrounds in the country at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site about 15 miles west of Danville. While in central Kentucky, you can see what Kentucky’s frontier was like at Old Fort Harrod State Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park, where costumed interpreters portray life in pre-Revolutionary War days.

The place to get close to horses is the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With nearly one million visitors yearly, the Horse Park is the world’s only theme park dedicated solely to man’s relationship with the horse. Kids love to make the acquaintance of celebrated racehorses who now call the park home. And there’s always something new and interesting at the International Museum of the Horse.

New this summer is the The Hatfield McCoy River Rats in Pike County. From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boats to guided and unguided river tours, this new facility will provide adventure for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Depart for your water experience on the river at the headquarters at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.

In downtown Louisville, take a stroll along Museum Row near the riverfront. Here you’ll find the Frazier International History Museum, where the arms collection spans centuries starting with medieval England and live interpreters demonstrate sword fights.  Make time for visits to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where workers craft the bats used by major leaguers and the history of “America’s pastime” comes alive. Youngsters and their parents will also enjoy the Muhammad Ali Center, where interactive exhibits in multiple languages pay tribute to the career and values of the former world champion boxer from Louisville.

Meanwhile, take the kids to Bowling Green in south central Kentucky for Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, with 40 rides, go-carts and a water park.  Drag racing and stock car racing also provide excitement at Beech Bend Raceway. Auto enthusiasts, young and old, will also enjoy the National Corvette Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to America’s sports car. Right across the street, tour the GM Corvette Plant, the only place where Corvettes are made.

To start your family’s exploration of any of Kentucky’s summertime attractions, visit www.kytourism.com or call the Department of Travel & Tourism’s toll-free line, 1-800-225-8747.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Vacations, Kentucky's Lakes, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP, Louisville Tagged With: , ,

2010 GO Readers’ Choice Awards: Kentucky’s in the House!

March 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you’re anything like us (us being my family and myself), you love the outdoors so much that you sometimes resent the walls of your house and the windows of your car.  It’s darn near impossible not to feel this way when you live in such a beautiful place, right?   The birds, the squirrels, the trees, the flowers – all that Kentucky and this area have to offer keep outdoorsy people craving more.

Get Out! Outdoor Adventure in the Ohio River Region is right up our alley. If you recognize yourself in the words above, you really have to check out their wonderful online magazine.

From Get Out’s About Page:

The editorial mission of Get Out! Outdoor Adventure in the Ohio River Region is to inform, entertain and inspire all citizens of the Ohio River region to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle through outdoor adventure and to learn more about how to be stewards of our natural environment.

GO! is a web magazine by and for people in the region who participate in outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing, skiing, backpacking, wildlife watching, photography and so on.

2010 GO! Readers’ Choice Awards

Kentucky was beautifully represented in Go!’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

  • Cumberland Falls, Kentucky was chosen Best Overall Destination
  • Louisville, Kentucky was chosen Best Adventure Town
  • E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky was chosen Best Urban Park
  • Pine Mountain Trail, Kentucky was chosen Best Backpacking Trail
  • Mammoth Cave was chosen Best Cave

Congratulations to all of the people involved in keeping these remarkable places remarkable.  We have a lot to be grateful for and proud of here in Kentucky and a lot of work goes into our landmarks, parks, and tourist attractions.  It’s not much, but I for one want to offer a HUGE thank you to all of the workers.  You all rawk, man!

Read more about the Readers’ Choice Awards.  Each destination sounds like a place worth spending some quality time, if you ask me!

Image Credit: The beautiful picture of the Magical Moonbow of Cumberland Fall’s State Resort Park is courtesy of http://www.parks.ky.gov.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Louisville Tagged With: ,