Department of Parks
Overnight Backpacking Trips Planned At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

CORBIN, Ky. – Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is offering a great opportunity to anyone interested in learning more about overnight hiking trip with its “Backpacking 101” trip.

The park is offering three one-night hiking trips through beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest. The experienced naturalists at Cumberland Falls will teach you about the basics of environmentally responsible backpacking on these guided tours. The trips are being offered on the two weekends of Jan. 27-28, Feb. 17-18 and again on March 12-13, a Monday and Tuesday.

These trips are designed for people with little experience as well as those experienced backpackers interested in learning minimum impact camping techniques. Participants must be able to carry at least 25 pounds during the trip.

You’ll receive instruction on how to plan an overnight trip and the park will provide the equipment you need for your weekend. The trips are approximately 8-10 miles, with up to 300 feet in elevation change. The registration fee of $75 includes equipment rental, instruction and meals. Trips begin Saturday morning and end on Sunday afternoon.

Participants will receive a list of personal items they need to bring prior to the trip. Pre-registration is required. Contact Steve Gilbert at 606-528-4121 or email Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov

For those not interested in an overnight hike, Cumberland Falls will also offer a one-day hike on Feb. 3 called “Hiking the Cumberlands.” This 6-mile hike will begin in the morning stopping for lunch along the trail and finish before dark. Includes lunch on the trail.  Learn about native plant and animal life and experience some breathtaking views. The fee is $15 per person and is limited to 10 people.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is also offering a guided hike on Jan. 13 called “Exploring Arch Country.” This is the first in a series of hikes for this year. You'll get a good look at the area's rugged cliff lines, rockhouses, rhododendrons, and natural arches.  Destinations include White's Branch Arch, Whittleton Arch, Kentucky's Natural Bridge, and many other lesser known geological formations in the area.  Distance will range from 6 to 12 miles and last from 6-9 hours. The fee is $15 per person for the first trip, $7 per person for each additional trip. The fee includes a guide, snacks or lunch, and Natural Bridge Trail Guide bandana. Limited to 10 people. Call 1-800-325-1710.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 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