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Hiking at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park (Hiking Series)

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

While I do love this time of year (Thanksgiving? Christmas? Snow? UK Basketball? What’s not to love?!), when it comes to blogging about Kentucky Traveling and Tourism, I find that DAYS often pass by before I have anything to write or post about.  To make matters worse, I haven’t been going anywhere – so there are no new pictures to share or restaurants to review.

Oh well, every year (and human being… for which I usually qualify) needs a little rest now and then.

At least there are upcoming Kentucky events – in spite of the cold. One of our favorite Kentucky State Parks (Pennyrile) has hiking on its mind…

From The Kentucky State Parks:

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host a series of free monthly hikes throughout 2017, starting with a First Day hike on Jan. 1 at noon.

The remainder of the hikes starting Feb. 4 will be on the first Saturday of the month at different times. They will all be guided 2-hour hikes and will start from the lodge lobby at the park. The trails will vary by month.

Hikers are asked to dress for the weather and bring water, snacks and a hiking stick. These hikes are not recommended for children ages under 5. Leashed dogs are welcomed.  Hikes may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

For more information, call park naturalist Rebecca Clark at 1-800-325-1711.

The rustic wood and stone Pennyrile Lodge, with 24 rooms, sits serenely on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. Open year-round, the park has 12 cottages in the wooded lodge area and on the lake’s shores. The restaurant seats 200, including a private dining room for up to 80. The park also has an 18-hole golf course with a pro shop, riding carts, pull carts and rental clubs. The course is open year-round, weather permitting. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing, basketball, tennis and horse campsites that are available year-round.

For more information about Pennyrile Forest and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's Lodge

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s VERY Charming Lodge


National Trails Day at Kentucky State Parks is Just Around the Corner

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail Through the Forest Trail at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Kentucky State Parks will participate in National Trails Day on June 4 and free fishing weekend June 4-5, with events across the state to recognize the excellent hiking and fishing opportunities at state parks.

The American Hiking Society launched National Trails Day in 1993 to help promote exercise, trail development and the outdoors. It has grown to more than 2,300 events around the country.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will offer free fishing weekend June 4-5, when no license is required to fish Kentucky waters. Kentucky State Parks have outstanding fishing opportunities and some parks will loan out fishing poles and tackle. Anyone 16 years old and older is required to have a fishing license the remainder of the year.

The following state parks have events planned for National Trails Day and free fishing weekend:

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Hook and Hike Day, June 4

Buckhorn Lake State Park will offer several activities in honor of National Trails Day and free fishing weekend. Planned activities include a Kids Fishing Derby for kids ages 15 and under, a session on orienteering and a hike of the 1 1/2 mile gradually sloping Moonshine Holler Trail. Call 606-398-7510 for details.

 

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus

History Hike on June 4

Columbus-Belmont State Park will offer a History Hike around the grounds, nature trail and historic Civil War earthworks.  Maps and a bottle of water will be provided at the snack bar.  A scavenger hunt list will be issued with museum admission and a prize given upon completion. Call 270-677-2327.

Trails at James Audubon State Park Trail at John James Audubon State Park
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Volunteer Work Day, June 4

Volunteers are needed to work on the trails at John James Audubon State Park as part of National Trails Day. Work starts at 8:30 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be provided. The event is co-sponsored by the Audubon Outdoor Club. This is a great opportunity for church groups, scouts and others to help get the trails in tip-top condition. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for the weather.  Groups and individuals interested in volunteering should contact Mark Kellen at 270-826-2247 or mark.kellen@ky.gov

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Guided Hike, June 4

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will offer a guided hike along Lake Trail beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will meet the park naturalist in the Lodge Lobby to hike for approximately 2 hours.  Guests should bring insect repellent, hiking stick (optional), water and snacks. The hike is not recommended for children under the age of five. Call 800-325-1711.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

Guided Hike, June 4

Pine Mountain State Resort Park will offer a guided hike along the Hemlock Garden Trail at 4 p.m. on June 4. The hike is through a cool, hemlock cove forest along Bear Wallow Stream. For ages 5 and older. Meet at the Hemlock Garden Trailhead. Call 606-337-3066.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Wickliffe

Hike Historic Grounds, June 4

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site will offer a nature trail hike.  A trail map and bird checklist will be available at the front desk. Trail access is included in museum admission of $5 adults, $4 kids and seniors and military/veterans.  Trail use only is free during hours of operation.  For more information, call the park at 270-335-3681 or email carla.hildebrand@ky.gov

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov  For more information about National Trails Day, including special events at other Kentucky locations, visit www.americanhiking.org. For more information on free fishing weekend in Kentucky visit http://fw.ky.gov/.

Second Saturday Hike at Lake Barkley State Resort Park Set for May 14

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The next Second Saturday guided hike at Lake Barkley State Resort Park on May 14 will focus on the study of the changing ecosystem.

The hike is scheduled for 10 a.m. and will start at the lobby of the park lodge. No reservations are necessary. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is strongly suggested.

“From our waterways to our weather patterns, and from our plant and animal communities to the smiling faces at our favorite park, change is inevitable,” park naturalist David Kem said. “This hike will focus on forest succession, the study of our changing ecosystem. By identifying plants and animals, as well as uncovering clues to our park’s past, participants will learn to ‘read’ the forest around them.”

Families and individuals can enjoy other entertainment and lodging opportunities at the park. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming.  The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz.  From I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

For more information contact David Kem, david.kem@ky.gov  or call the lodge at 1-800-325

Hiking Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Photo Credit: Kentucky State Parks

Second Saturday Hikes Start April 9, 2016 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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Lake Barkley View from the Lodge

View of Lake Barkley from the Lodge

I’d be hard-pressed to say which Kentucky State Resort Park lodge is my absolute favorite, but I will say this – none are any more spectacular than the one at Lake Barkley. It’s honestly as beautiful as Lake Barkley, itself, and that’s saying something.

Unfortunately, since I had to start eating gluten free (health reasons), I can’t eat at the state resort parks like I used to, but I recall Lake Barkley’s restaurant always being one of the best in the entire park system.

Any reason to visit this state resort park is a great one, so be sure to check out Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Second Saturday Hikes that begin April 9.

From the Kentucky State Parks:

Spring wildflowers will be the focus of this naturalist-led hike that begins at 10 a.m. from the lobby of the park lodge. The hike is free and reservations are not required. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is strongly suggested.

“The health benefits of hiking are numerous, from reducing the likelihood of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes to reversing the negative consequences of osteoporosis and arthritis,” said David Kem, the park’s interpreter. “By participating in guided hikes visitors will not only be taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle, but will also be learning about the park’s abundant natural resources.”

Families and individuals can enjoy other entertainment and lodging opportunities at the park. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming.  The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz.  From I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

For more information contact David Kem, david.kem@ky.gov  or call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708.

More Lake Barkley on Genuine Kentucky:

Things to Do at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Lake Barkley State Resort Park Pictures

Owl Weekend at Lake Barkley State Resort Park (April 22-23, 2016)

A Day at Lake Barkley: Golf at Boots Randolph and Dinner at the Lodge

Random Facts About Kentucky State Parks

 

Natural Bridge Trek Series Starts March 19, 2016

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No doubt you’re as ready to get outside as I am, so this Kentucky State Park press release is just for you. The Natural Bridge Trek Series starts March 19. Other Trek Dates are May 14, June 11, September 24, and November 12.

From the Kentucky State Parks:

The Natural Bridge Trail Trek Series is an incredible opportunity to get to see much of what Natural Bridge State Resort Park has to offer through five naturalist-led hikes.

Participants will have the opportunity to leave their boot prints on every mile of trail at the park. While many people have visited before, most folks don’t know that the park has much more than just the Natural Bridge Arch itself. Natural Bridge State Park Trail

The park has more than 25 miles of trails, other natural arches, a variety of trees, and a lot of interesting history. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get out in the woods with an experienced naturalist. Participants must sign up ahead of time and spots are limited. Participants who attend all five hikes will receive a free t-shirt.

The cost is $8 per person per hike. Ages 10 and up are welcome, but participants ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The other hikes dates are May 14, June 11, Sept. 24 and Nov. 12. All hikes begin at 9:30 a.m.

To register and for information, call 606-663-2214.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the larger and most famous natural arches in Kentucky and is surrounded by breathtaking topography and unique flora and fauna within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Natural Bridge offers lodging, dining, cottages, and campground accommodations. Hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available. For more information call 1-800-325-1710 or visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb.

Photo Credit: One of the many trails at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Courtesy of the Kentucky State Parks.

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail Through the Forest