Department of Parks
Beginner Backpacking Class for Women Only Added At Natural Bridge

SLADE, Ky.-- Natural Bridge State Resort Park is adding a women-only trip to its “Beginner Backpacking” weekends which are part of the “Backcountry Adventure Series” sponsored by the Kentucky State Parks. 

This women-only backpacking weekend will begin on Saturday, March 31, and end on Sunday, April 1, and is only for women 18 and older.

All “Beginner Backpacking” weekends are guided overnight trips designed for backpackers without a lot of experience in the backcountry as well as for more experienced backpackers who are interested in learning Leave No Trace camping techniques.

Natural Bridge will provide instruction on how to plan an overnight backpacking trip and provide all the equipment needed for the weekend.

Each trip is approximately 8 to 10 miles. Participants must be able to walk this distance carrying at least 30 pounds.  The fee is $75 per person. This fee includes all equipment, instruction, and meals and is limited to eight adventurers. Call Noelle Theres at 1-800-325-1710 to make a reservation.

The “Backcountry Adventure Series” is offered at five other state resort parks including Barren River, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and Greenbo Lake.  The series is designed for the adventurer who wants to experience and discover as much of Kentucky’s great outdoors as possible.  Participants can backpack through forests thousands of years old, canoe remote rivers and streams, crawl through wild caves and more. For more information visit http://parks.ky.gov/ or call 1-800-255-PARK. 

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the largest natural arches in the state and is surrounded by Daniel Boone National Forest.  The park offers a restaurant, lodge, cottages and a campground.  There are over 20 miles of trails, a swimming pool, sky lift and other recreational opportunities available.  For more information call at 1-800-325-1710 or visit:  http://parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm.  

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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