Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
Kentucky Events Slated For National Trails Day On June 4th
FRANKFORT, Ky. – National Trails Day is June 4, 2011, and First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority are encouraging Kentuckians to take advantage of the many trail opportunities across Kentucky.
“This is a great time to call attention to the variety of trails we have throughout Kentucky,” Mrs. Beshear said. “You can enjoy these trails on foot, on a horse, on a bicycle, in a canoe or kayak, or even a motorized vehicle.”
Getting out on a trail is also good exercise and offers educational opportunities for Kentuckians of all ages, she said.
Kentucky’s Office for Adventure Tourism and KRTA invite Kentuckians to get outside and experience something new and something healthy. This is the 19th anniversary of National Trails Day, organized by the American Hiking Society. (www.americanhiking.org)
On June 4, event sponsors and trail user groups are providing participants with adventure opportunities and encourage the practice “Leave No Trace” as a responsible user of Kentucky’s trail systems on land and water.
Go to www.getoutKY.com for monthly adventure activities and events.
Here are some events planned for National Trails Day. All are on June 4 unless otherwise noted:
Tour de Cave
Bowling Green League of Bicyclists & Nat’s Outdoor Sports
Location: 2494 Church St.
Oakland, Ky. 42159
Time: 8:15 a.m.
Details: Cruise the scenic countryside through Barren, Warren and Edmonson counties on the Tour de Cave. Cyclists have options for 45 or 75 mile rides that lead to
Mammoth Cave National Park, while there are 8 & 16 mile ride options. Registration is available at active.com and riders should register by June 1. The rides begin between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. Central Time. For more information contact the visit
http://www.bglob.com/tdc.php.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Adventure Day
Location: 3501 Lexington Rd.
Harrodsburg, Ky. 40330
Time: All day
Details: Join the folks at Shaker Village in their 3,000-acre backyard to celebrate National Trails Day 2011. Ride your horse, enjoy a day of fishing, take a canoe trip on the Dix River, participate in a guided hike or nature watch, or take part in one of the numerous other free activities available to visitors. Activities take place throughout the day. For more information call Jean Gibowski at 800-734-5611 ext. 1545. For more information on the equestrian ride contact Bob Cairns at cairns@bellsouth.net.
Kentucky River Runners
Location: Green River Ferry near Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center
1 Mammoth Cave Parkway
Mammoth Cave, Ky. 42259
Time: 9 a.m.
Details: Enjoy Mammoth Cave National Park from the Green River. Launching from Green River Ferry, participants will kayak down the river picking up debris. A side paddling trip will travel up the River Styx after completing the tour, ending with a hike on the River Styx trail to enjoy the river from the trail’s perspective. A maximum of 11 people may register for the event. To sign up visit www.kyriverrunners.com and contact Rob Brumley at info@kyriverrunners.com
Dirty Turtle Off Road
National Trails Day Bash
Location: 93 Bucks Run Rd.
Bedford, Ky. 40006
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Details: Come celebrate the first National Trails Day Bash with the team at Dirty Turtle Off Road (DTOR). This trail ride will lead up to the visit from the popular TV show Fisher’s ATV World on July 30th. Cost is $20 per ride, and $5 for each additional rider over the age of 12. For more information contact the DTOR at 501-353-9757 or dirtyturtleoffroad@gmail.com.
Sheltowee Trace Association
Bark Camp Trail Relocation & Bridge Construction
Location: Sheltowee Trace Outfitters
2001 Highway 90
Corbin, Ky. 40701
Time: All weekend June 3-5
Details: Volunteers can spend the day or the entire weekend helping the STA relocate the Sheltowee Trace and construct a new bridge across Bark Camp Creek. Volunteers will also be painting two shelters in the area and clearing the trail as needed. Saturday lunch break will include a discussion on the basic principals of Leave No Trace. For more information contact Steve Barbour at 606-584-7744 or director@sheltoweetrace.org
Sheltowee Trace Association
Ladies Overnight Backpacking Trip
Location: Holly Bay Marina
674 Lake Rd.
London, Ky. 40741
June 3-4
Details: This hike will be guided by Karen Thompson, author of “Undulations – A Journey on the Appalachian Trail.” Hikers will meet at Holly Bay Marina on Friday to get acquainted and camp the first night. They will hike around nine miles a day, stopping at Starr Shelter on Saturday evening. Ladies should be able to carry 10-15 lbs of equipment and will be responsible for their own food. The hike is limited to the first 10 who sign up. Contact Steve Barbour, director of Sheltowee Trace Association, at 606-584-7744 or director@sheltoweetrace.org
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Helping Hands Hike
Location: LBL Nature Station
100 Van Morgan Dr.
Golden Pond, Ky. 42211
Time: 9 a.m.
Details: Your friends at Land Between the Lakes are asking for a helping hand this National Trails Day. Stop by the Nature Station to pick up your litter bags, learn about what wildlife you might see and find out which sections of the trails need the most attention. Once you finish your hike stop back by the Nature Station to receive a prize as a token of appreciation. Call 270-924-2299 for more details.
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
National Trails Day at Bernheim
Location: Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
2499 Highway 245
Clermont, Ky. 40110
Time: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Details: Bernheim is proud to offer several programs in celebration of National Trails Day. ECO Kids Discovery Day, Pollywog Play Parties, Millennium Trail Exploration and a Bernheim Forest Trail Marathon are some of the ways visitors can take part in this nationwide celebration of our trails. There will also be a free Family Picnic & Free Fishing Days in Cedar Pond & Holly Pond. For more information about any of these special programs contact Susan Ritter at 502-955-8512.
Easy Riders Ranch
National Trails Day Rides
Location: Easy Riders Ranch
2893 Frankfort Rd.
Georgetown, Ky. 40324
Time: 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Details: Come enjoy the trails at Easy Riders Ranch on National Trails Day. Trail rides are $25/person and they are by reservation only. Riders will enjoy a $5 discount on National Trails Day. Contact Vickie Palmer to get signed up today at 502-370-5807, or easyridersranchllc@gmail.com.
Jesse James Stables at Kentucky Action Park
Special Events for National Trails Day
Location: Kentucky Action Park
3057 Mammoth Cave Rd.
Cave City, KY 42127
Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Details: Jesse James Stables/Kentucky Action Park & Green River Canoeing & Kayaking will be offering guided Trail Rides, guided float trips, zip-lining, an alpine slide & a rock climbing all for half price to celebrate National Trails Day. One and two-hour guided trail rides are available, the longest twin zip line in Kentucky and a three-hour canoe or kayak trip on the Green River. Each activity will also feature a segment on Leave No Trace for all the participants. For more information contact Mary Lou Carey at kyaction@scrtc.com or 270-773-2560.
Kentucky Riverkeeper
Grand Opening of the Kentucky River Scenic Water Trail on Pool 9
Location: Riptides at the Old Clay Ferry’s Bridge
9079 Old Richmond Rd.
Lexington, Ky. 40515
Time: 10 a.m.
Details: Join the Kentucky Riverkeeper on National Trails Day to celebrate the opening of the Kentucky River Scenic Water Trail. The day will begin with educational activities and recognition of partners and sponsors for the completion of the first recreational water trail on the Kentucky River recognized by the National Parks Service. Contact the Kentucky Riverkeeper at kyriverkeeper@eku.edu or 859-622-3065.
Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition
Train the Trainers Day
Location: Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve, Red River Gorge
Sore Heel Parking Lot
Time: 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Details: On National Trails Day the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition will host a “Train the Trainers Event” in the Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve. This day will be designed to train the people that will be trainers in their areas on future trail days. On board for discussion will be International Mountain Biking Association approved standards and methods for design, construction and repair of old trail systems and habits. Also, Leave No Trace principals will be discussed with the class. Size is limited to the first 20 registered participants. To register or for more information email redriveroutdoors@gmail.com.
Hart County Trails
National Trails Day
Location: Hart County, Ky.
Details: Hart County is well known for it historical and cultural attractions. Come on out on National Trails Day to see its wilder side. Hart County has plenty of trails and adventure attractions to keep visitors busy for as long as they’d like. Hidden River Cave, which was featured on the popular Discovery Channel Show, Dirty Jobs, as well as Cub Run Cave and Kentucky Caverns offer hours of underground exploration. Paddling opportunities in Hart County can range from 1-2 hours, or an overnight expedition. Big Buffalo Canoe & Kayak has been guiding trips on the Green River for years, and are sure to provide guests with memories that will last a lifetime. The Green River Park and Arboretum in Munfordville is a great place to hit the trails and see the natural beauty of Hart County. For more information on any of these places, or all of the other great things to do in Hart County, contact the Hart County Tourist Commission at 270-218-0386, or visit www.kygetaway.com.
Clay Farm Back Country Horsemen of Kentucky
National Trails Day Activities
Location: Nicholas County Tract of Clay WMA
Time: 10 a.m.
Details: The Clay Farm Back County Horsemen of Kentucky will celebrate National Trails Day with a number of different activities. Trail maintenance will begin at 10 a.m. and will include both horseback riding, as well as non-riding work. At 3 p.m. there will be a Leave No Trace Awareness Clinic for all of those who participate. A chapter meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. and a there will be a cookout at 5 p.m. For more information contact Donna Waldrup at 859-595-5383 or horsecowandsheep@gmail.com.
Fly Racing Weekend at Big Rock Off Road Park
Location: Big Rock Off Road Park
8157 Stonelick Rd.
Maysville, Ky. 41056
Details: Round 5 of the Fly Racing Wicked Woods series will take place at Big Rock Off Road Park on National Trails Day, the first weekend in June. All classes have cash payouts, and there is plenty of action for the visitors. Overnight camping is available at the park, and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. Big Rock is located in Maysville, convenient for both Ohio and West Virginia racers. For more information on this event check out Big Rock’s website at www.bigrockoffroadpark.com.
Kentucky State Parks (www.parks.ky.gov)
Buckhorn Lake Hook or Walk Day
Location: Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
4441 Highway 1833
Buckhorn, Ky. 41721
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Details: Buckhorn Lake is celebrating “Free Fishing Weekend” and National Trails Days. Borrow a fishing pole from the recreation department for FREE to hook a fish, or take a nature walk on one of our trails. Several programs such as “Learn How to Fish,” Project Learning Tree, WILD and guided walks will be offered throughout the day to interpret the history, wildlife and ecology of the park. For more information call 1-800-325-0058.
Columbus-Belmont History Hike
Location: Columbus-Belmont State Park
350 Park Road
Columbus, Ky. 42032
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: National Trails Day is June 4 and Columbus-Belmont State Park invites you to participate in our “History Hike.” Stop at the Gift Shop between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m, to pick up your map, information and a free bottle of water. Call 270-677-2327.
Dale Hollow Hook or Hike Day
Location: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
6371 State Park Road
Burkesville, Ky. 42717
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m
Details: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park invites you to celebrate “Free Fishing Weekend” and “National Trails Day” on June 4, 2011. Several programs will be offered throughout the day from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. CDT such as “Fishing 101,” Leave No Trace, and guided interpretive hikes will be offered throughout the day to interpret the history, wildlife and ecology of the park. All activities are free. At 7 p.m., learn about Simon Kenton, an explorer and frontiersman of Kentucky, during this living history presentation provided by the Kentucky Humanities Council Chautauqua program. For more information call 1-800-325-2282.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park-National Trails Day Hike
Location: Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
965 Lodge Rd.
Greenup, Ky. 41144
Time: 10 a.m.
Details: The National Trails Day Hike will begin at the trailhead located at the parking lot of the Jesse Stuart Lodge. The hike will follow part of the Fern Valley Trail and then veer left onto the Michael Tygart Trail for about 1 ½ miles and follow the lake shoreline in a forest of oak, beech, sassafras and poplars. The total hike will cover about 3 miles, and hikers should remember to bring water, snacks and a camera. The seven principles of Leave No Trace will be discussed. For more information contact Paul Verespy at paul.verespy@ky.gov or 606-473-7324.
Nature Hike on the Jenny Wiley Trail
Location: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
75 Theatre Court
Prestonsburg, Ky. 41653
Time: 8 a.m-2 p.m.
Details: Come join us for a hike you won’t soon forget. We will celebrate National Trails Day by hiking the Jenny Wiley Trail, a 4.5 mile excursion that will not only give you a challenge, but will also deliver breathtaking views. On this hike, we will shed light on various aspects of trail maintenance, natural and scenic opportunities, native plant life and wildlife, and much more. We will meet at the breezeway located at the May Lodge starting at 8 a.m. and will finish the day at the Terry Boat Ramp at approximately 2 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in one of the most scenic spots in Eastern Kentucky. Call 1-800-325-0142.
Creatures of the Night Adventure Trek at John James Audubon
Location: John James Audubon State Park
3100 Highway 41 North
Henderson, Ky. 42419
Details: Venture out with our Interpretation staff on National Trails Day and discover the mysticism of nighttime creatures. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and meet us at the Audubon Museum for this free event. Contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov.
Lake Barkley Celebrates National Trails Day
Location: Lake Barkley State Resort Park
3500 State Park Road Highway 68
Cadiz, Ky. 42211
Details: Lake Barkley is calling all volunteers to help with the flood cleanup and to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4. The recent floods have left a lot of debris on trails and shorelines and we need your help in getting them back open. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. in the lodge parking lot to get assignments, at noon we will meet at the campground for a cookout. The park will provide bags and some tools, but please bring gloves and dress for getting dirty. Scouts, families and community members are encouraged to help. Please contact Mary or Nick for more information nick.edmonds@ky.gov or 1800-926-1188.
National Trails Day: Guided Hikes on the Sheltowee Trace
Location: Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge Road
Slade, Ky. 40376
Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Details: Enjoy a day of hiking on the Sheltowee Trace Trail, which is Kentucky’s longest trail. As a part of the National Trails Day, two different hikes will be offered along the Sheltowee Trace Trail at Natural Bridge at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hikers will get a good look at the area’s rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches. Hikers will meet at the Hemlock Lodge lobby for each hike. The fee per hike is $6/adult and $4/ages 10-17. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age requirement is 10 years old. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.morgan@ky.gov or 606 663-2214 to register for the hikes or for more information.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park National Trail's Day
Location: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road
Dawson Springs, Ky. 42408
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Details: Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking several of the park’s trails. We’ll hike parts of the Lake Trail and Pennyroyal Trail. You are welcome to bring hand clippers to help us tidy up the trail as we enjoy it. This event is open to adults and children ages 5 and up. All children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free. Call 1-800-325-1711.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
National Trails Day Hike to Clear Creek Hollow
Location: Pine Mountain State Resort Park
1050 State Park Rd.
Pineville, Ky. 40977
Time: 8 a.m.
Details: This 4.5-mile guided hike will follow the route of the abandoned railway, and passes over four trestle bridges and through a sandstone tunnel. Pre-registration is required and van transportation will be provided for the first 10 participants. To register or for more information contact Dean Henson at dean.henson@ky.gov or call 800-325-1712.
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