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Department of Parks
Adventure Treks Will Provide Opportunity to Experience History and Natural Beauty of Southeastern Kentucky
PINEVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 8, 2008) – Looking forward to donning your hiking gear and exploring the outdoors when spring finally arrives? The Kentucky Department of Parks has planned two adventure treks in southeastern Kentucky that will provide opportunities to learn about the region’s unique history while experiencing its great natural beauty.
Adventure Trek to Blanton Forest
April 26, 2008
Enjoy a hiking adventure to explore Blanton Forest, a diverse ecological treasure located on Pine Mountain's southeastern slope. A virtual time capsule, the 3,090-acre Blanton Forest is one of the largest old-growth forests in the eastern U.S. The registration fee is $15 per person, and the park will provide bottled water and transportation by van. Participation is limited to 10 persons and all participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a sack lunch. The hike is strenuous so wear sturdy boots. Time: 7 hours. The registration deadline is May 5, 2008. Contact naturalist Dean Henson for more information at 800-325-1712 or Dean.Henson@ky.gov.
Adventure Trek of the First Frontier
May 10, 2008
This historical trek will feature visits to Wilderness Road State Park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to trace the steps of Daniel Boone and others traveling on the Wilderness Road. Highlights include a visit to Martin's Station Fort, interaction with reenactors in period attire, a 1-mile hike to Cumberland Gap and spectacular mountain scenery. The registration fee is $15 per person, and the park will provide bottled water and transportation by van. Participation is limited to 10 persons and all participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a sack lunch. The hike is moderate, so wear sturdy shoes. Time: 6.5 hours. The registration deadline is April 21, 2008. Contact Pine Mountain State Resort Park naturalist Dean Henson for more information at 800-325-1712 or Dean.Henson@ky.gov.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, established in 1924 as Kentucky’s first state park, is located in Bell County, Ky. near the borders with Virginia and Tennessee. The park features a lodge and cabins for overnight stays. The Mountain View Restaurant provides diners with impressive mountain vistas. The park also features the challenging 18-hole Wasioto Winds championship golf course. Hiking trails, mini-golf and a swimming pool are other popular features of the park. Picnicking facilities and playgrounds are also located throughout the park.
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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov.
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