Department of Parks
Second Sunday Events Planned At Kentucky State Parks

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in “Second Sunday” on Oct. 10, an event aimed at offering fitness 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 along with local partners. For more information about 2^nd Sunday, visit www.2ndsundayky.com.

“With more than 250 miles of hiking trails across the state, Kentucky State Parks provide an excellent place for outdoor exercise and recreation,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “The Second Sunday event is a great opportunity for people to start exercising and learn more of the many opportunities and wonders that await you in our state parks.”

Visit www.parks.ky.gov for more details about state parks and hiking trails. Here is a list of the state parks with activities planned for Oct. 10 (unless otherwise noted):

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Oct. 10

Hike at Barren River

Get moving on Second Sunday at Barren River Lake State Resort Park by enjoying a beautiful hike along the 2.5 mile paved trail.  The hike begins at 2 p.m., participants should meet at the recreation shelter near the highland game field at the entrance of the park to register.  Free t-shirts will be available to the first 15 registered participants.  Drinking water will be available.  For more information, call the recreation office at 270-646-2151.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Oct. 10

Guided Interpretive Walk  

Please visit Blue Licks at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum for a guided, interpretive walk along the Heritage Trail. It’s a beautiful trek covering 3.5 miles at a leisurely pace. 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. Call 859/289-5507 or 800/443-7008 for details.

Oct. 10

Second Sunday Llama Trek  

The Kentucky Llama & Alpaca Association will have a special trek at Blue Licks. Llamas will be on display by 11a.m. and the trek will begin at 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the general public.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Oct. 10

Second Sunday In October  

In an effort to get everyone moving, enjoy this walk, stroll or run around the park. We will have the park road closed during this time. From 3-5 p.m. 1-800-325-0058.

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus

Oct. 8

Civil War Days Ghost Walk

The Second Sunday event at Columbus-Belmont State Park will actually be on the Second Friday -- Oct 8.  It will be held in conjunction with the Civil War Days Ghost Walk on Friday night.  The ¼ mile walk is through the earthworks and in the area of the Civil War fortifications.  Along the way, the life of a soldier is portrayed.  The Hickman County Cooperative Extension will be providing bottled water.  270-677-2327.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville

Oct. 10

Boom Ridge Hike

Come explore the great outdoors with Dale Hollow as we hike one of the main trails. Enjoy the smell and sounds of nature as we stroll through the old growth forest. If we’re lucky, we may spot some wildlife along the way. You can hike all the way to the lake if you wish or just go half way. Boom Ridge is a moderate 2.5 miles from the lodge to the      water. The end of the trail descends steeply. Bring your dinner and we’ll stop to picnic. Please wear comfortable clothes, tennis shoes and bring water. Fido is welcome too, but must be comfortable around people and other dogs. No aggressive dogs. Meet at 1 p.m. at the park lobby. 1-800-325-2282.

Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg

Oct. 10

Mercer County Second Sunday

The public is invited to come out and get moving at the 3^rd Annual Mercer County Second Sunday event from 3-5 p.m.  This year the event moves to Historic Old Fort Harrod State Park in downtown Harrodsburg.  Meet at the shelter house and along West Lexington Street.  Participants will have an opportunity to join in activities such as walking, Zumba, bike riding, bike safety, fastest kid contests and much, much more. 859-734-3314.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Oct. 10

Second Sunday Hike

Get out and enjoy the multi-use trails of Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  There is hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding for the beginner to the expert.  The Second Sunday hike will begin at the trail head located at the end of the parking lot at the Jesse Stuart Lodge at 11 a.m. The hike will follow part of the Fern Valley Trail and then veer left onto the Michael Tygart Trail for about 1.5 miles and follow the lake shoreline in a forest of oak, beech, sassafras and poplars. The hike will continue on ablacktop road toward the park’s amphitheatre and community pool.  From there it will follow a service road back to the Jesse Stuart Lodge. The entire hike will make a loop approximately 3.5 miles and take about two hours.  Bring water with you and don’t forget a camera to capture the beautiful fall colors. 1-800-325-0083.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview

Oct. 9

Walk and Talk

The park will host a scavenger hunt that includes a ¾ mile walk around the park, games and a food vendor. Pulitzer-prize nominated author Lester Horwitz will talk about his book “The Longest Raid of the Civil War” at 2 p.m. It’s about the raid by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. 270-889-6100.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Oct. 10

Walk along Cottage Loop Road

Second Sunday Kentucky is a statewide campaign that encourages physical activity within local communities to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of Kentuckians.  This year Lake Barkley State Resort Park is participating by opening Cottage Loop Road to foot traffic.  At 3 p.m., meet the naturalist for an interpretive hike along this scenic road.  Everyone is invited, including your four-legged friends (as long as they are on a leash). So let get outside and get healthy! 1-800-325-1708.