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Department of Parks
State Parks Take Part in Second Sunday Activities Oct. 11
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in “Second Sunday” on Oct. 11, an event aimed at offering physical activities to Kentuckians.
Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top 10 states for obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is the event organizer. For more information about 2nd Sunday, visit www.2ndsundayky.com.
“Kentucky State Parks are proud to be able to offer so many opportunities to our citizens to get out in the fresh air and exercise,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “The best thing about our parks is that they are free and located in all regions of the state.”
Kentucky State Parks have more than 250 miles of hiking trails with various levels of difficulty. Visit www.parks.ky.gov for more details. Here is a list of the state parks with activities planned for Oct. 11 (unless otherwise noted):
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Glasgow and Barren County Homemakers are teaming up to offer a variety of activities for all ages for the Second Sunday of October. There will be different activities for everyone to encourage physical fitness and activity. There will be an obstacle course, seated chair exercises, Zumba and running workshops. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beaver Trail Complex in Glasgow. 1-800-325-0057.
Blue Licks Battlefield, Mt. Olivet
Please join us at 2 p.m. by the Pioneer Museum for a guided, interpretive walk along the Heritage Trail. It is a beautiful trek covering 3 ½ miles at a leisurely pace. There will be opportunities to discuss plants, animals and history since the trail winds around near the river and past Tanner Station (a replica of an 18th century fort). Free gifts will be given to participants courtesy of the Nicholas County Extension Office and Robertson County Extension Office. Enjoy viewing nature up close and personal instead of through a car window. Blue Licks has miles of easy to moderate walking and hiking trails open all year long. In addition to this walk, the Kentucky Llama & Alpaca Association will have a special trek on Oct. 11. Llamas and materials will be on display and the trek will begin at 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the general public. 1-800-443-7008.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
In an effort to get everyone moving, enjoy this walk, stroll or run around a 2-mile loop around the park. The walk will include the park’s “Trail of Scarecrows” and will feature health tips and suggestions from local health agencies. Meet at the lodge at 3 p.m. The park road will be closed during this time. 1-800-325-0058.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
A guided hike along Carter Caves State Resort Park’s Natural Bridge Trail will take place for Second Sunday. The hike is 1/2 mile in length will leave the Welcome Center at 2 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. For those looking for a longer venture, there will be a hike along the Horn Hollow Trail at 3:30 p.m. This hike is 2 miles in length and will take about 1 1/2 hours. There is no charge for the hikes. Arrive early and take a guided tour of X-Cave or Cascade Cave (admission charged). Tours start at 9:30 a.m. You can get more information and purchase tickets at the Welcome Center. 1-800-325-0059.
Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus (Oct. 9)
During the weekend of the park’s Civil War Days event, a “Ghost Walk” will be held Friday, Oct. 9. The trail is about ¼ mile and goes through earthworks and trenches. Water will be provided by the local extension office. 1-270-677-2327.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
Meet at the Mary Ray Oaken lodge at 2 p.m. for a guided hike on one of Dale Hollow’s beautiful scenic trails. Enjoy this walk through the woods to admire the colorful fall foliage and to experience a breathtaking view from Eagles Point, the best overlook on the lake. This hike is a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while getting some exercise. The hike will be approximately 3 miles over natural trails that vary in terrain with some steep inclines. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring water. For more information contact Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-2282 or jamie.avery@ky.gov
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Get outdoors and enjoy Second Sunday with a hike in the woods at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. The hike will start on the Fern Valley Trail, then turn onto a portion of the Michael Tygart Trail and come out at the Lodge Road to return to the Jesse Stuart Lodge. Hike will be approximately 3 miles and leave at 10 a.m. from the parking lot at the Jesse Stuart Lodge. There is also mountain biking and horseback riding available for the beginner to the expert on the many multi-use trails at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. 1-800-325-0083.
Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville
Meet at the Green River Lake Tailwater area for events starting at 2 p.m. Fishing, archery, hiking and paddling are among the events scheduled. 1-270-465-8255.
Levi Jackson State Park, London
Levi Jackson will host a community event for Second Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Events include a rock-climbing wall, obstacle course, clogging, walking, games and more. The museum road will close at noon. The events are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. 606-330-2130.
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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 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov
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