Department of Parks
Kentucky State Parks Celebrate National Trails Day and Free Fishing Weekend In June
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Families looking for a good time to get out with the kids should circle the weekend of June 6-7. It’s Free Fishing Weekend and National Trails Day in Kentucky.
The Kentucky State Parks have plenty of events to celebrate both.
Free Fishing Weekend means you can fish without a license in public waters. (Kentucky regulations require a fishing license for those 16 and older). Several parks will be holding fishing derbies and similar events for children. Many parks have free fishing tackle for beginners.
National Trails Day on June 6 was launched by the American Hiking Society in 1993 to help promote exercise, trail development and the outdoors. It has grown to more than 1,100 events around the country.
“There are plenty of opportunities for adventure at our parks – especially with all of the lakes and hiking trails across the state,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “I encourage families to discover Kentucky’s great parks, waters and trails in June as well as the rest of the year.”
The Kentucky State Parks have nearly 300 miles of hiking trails and recently announced the Trail Shape program – a challenge to hike 16 trails in one year. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov
Kentucky has more than 2,500 miles of hiking trails. To find a trail in your area, visit www.tourism.ky.gov/outdoors/
Here is a listing of the events planned at Kentucky State Parks for Free Fishing Weekend and National Trails Day:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Free Fishing Weekend and Youth Fishing Derby
June 6-7
Every year Kentucky offers free fishing days the first weekend in June. No license is required for residents or non-residents to fish in any Kentucky waters, but all fishing regulations remain in effect. The free fishing days are a great time to get some friends together.
The Fishing Derby is June 6. This is a fun day for youth ages 15 and under. A cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and Barren River Lake State Resort Park provides youth an opportunity to learn about fishing. We provide the poles (or you can bring your own) the bait and drinking water. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with a 30 minute Leave No Trace for Fishing Awareness Seminar and games. Fishing will begin at 9:30 and will continue until noon. Prizes will be given for most fish, largest fish and smallest fish. Activities take place at the cove below the beach. Contact Lisa Deavers at 1-800-325-0057 or lisa.deavers@ky.gov
Peter’s Creek Trail Hike
June 6
Peter’s Creek Trail is a newly developed 1.2-mile nature trail and June 6 is its opening day at Barren River in honor of National Trails Day. Join our staff for the inaugural hike into this beautiful area of the park. You will experience some of the history of the park as we walk past remains of old homesteads, see a gorgeous white oak that is over 200 years old and experience a variety of wildlife and wildflowers along the way. Meet at the recreation shelter at the Highland Games field near the park entrance at 2 p.m. This trail is easy to moderate. Please wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes and bring water. Sunscreen and insect repellent is recommended. Contact Lisa Deavers at 1-800-325-0057 or lisa.deavers@ky.gov
Big Bone Lick State Park, Union
Free Fishing Weekend
June 6-7
Every year Kentucky offers free fishing days the first weekend in June. No license is required for residents or non-residents to fish in any Kentucky waters, but all fishing regulations remain in effect. The free fishing days are a great time to get some friends together and head down to Big Bone Lick State Park. We have a 7.5 acre lake, a stream stocked with trout, and the Ohio River is only 2 miles away from the park. Bait and year round hunting and fishing permits are available at the park campground store. Starts at 8 a.m.1-859-384-3522.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Free Fishing Weekend and National Trails Day
June 6-7
Every year Kentucky offers free fishing days the first weekend in June. No license is required for residents or non-residents to fish in any Kentucky waters, but all fishing regulations remain in effect. Free fishing days are an excellent time to invite family and friends from out-of-state to ply the waters of Kentucky. Just put out your "Gone Fishin' Sign" and travel to Blue Licks for some fun on the Licking River! Nearby Lake Carnico also offers some excellent fishing. Feel like a trail walk instead of fishing? Help Blue Licks celebrate National Trails Day, by joining one of our scheduled activities like the “Battlefield Walk,” or paddling the Licking River Water Trail ($.) Sign up in advance. Bring along some tools to help maintain existing trail system. Park will provide garbage bags and water! Call 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for more information.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Kids Fishing Derby
June 6
Free event to all children ages 1-15. Meet at the marina for a variety of events. Prizes will be awarded. Starts at 9 a.m.1-800-325-0058.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Day Long Adventure Hike
June 6
Love the outdoors but the thought of sleeping out is not for you? Then try out an all-day hiking excursion. Our hike will begin in the morning, stopping for lunch along the trail. We will hike approximately 6 miles and be finished before dark. The registration fee of $15 includes lunch on the trail. Learn about native plant and animal life and experience some breathtaking views. Registrants will receive a list of personal items prior to their trip. The cost is $15 per person. For more information or to register, please contact Steve Gilbert at Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov or 1-800-325-0063
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
Hook or Hike Day
June 6
Dale Hollow is celebrating “Free Fishing Weekend" and National Trails Days on June 6, 2009. Borrow a fishing pole from the recreation department for free to hook a fish, or hike part of our 15 miles of trails. Several programs such as “Learn How to Fish,” Leave No Trace, and guided hikes will be offered throughout the day to interpret the history, wildlife, and ecology of the park. Activities start at 9 a.m.; hiking trails and fishing open at 6 a.m. For more information call 1-800-325-2282.
E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, Louisville
National Trails Day
June 6
For National Trails Day the park staff will lead a hike to our vernal pond, the newest trail feature on the park. We will discuss the history of the pond, which creatures are dependent on vernal ponds, and then we will explore what is lurking in the water. The hike begins are 10 a.m. Meet at the Sawyer Hayes Community Center off Lakeland Road. There is a $2 fee per person. For more information, please call Jessica Evans at 502-429-7270.
Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville
Kid’s Outdoor Day
June 6
This fun-filled day will consist of all types of outdoor activities for all children, including fishing, archery, BB gun shooting, nature hikes, trap shooting, boating, game calling and much more. Lunch will be provided for all in attendance. Door prizes will be awarded. All events are free. Registration starts at 9 a.m. 270-465-8255.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Free Fishing and Fern Valley Hike
June 6
It’s Free Fishing Weekend at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. Greenbo and Tur-Turn hooks are proud to announce the two will join forces for Kentucky’s free fishing weekend at the park. The first 50 customers who visit the park marina for free fishing weekend will receive a free pack of Tur-Turn Hooks, compliments of Blakemore Fishing Industries. Fishing starts at 8 a.m.
The Fern Valley Trail is a 1 mile loop trail that begins at the lodge parking lot. The trail follows a hillside path and winds through a valley. Hikers will often see a variety of vegetation as well as deer, squirrel and many different songbirds on the trail. The trail is fairly easy walking and takes about 1 hour. Meet at the Fern Valley Trail head at the end of the parking lot. Hike will leave at 9:30 a.m. Call 1-800-325-0083.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
National Trails Day Hike
June 6
Hike on Jenny Wiley Trail starting at 9 a.m. – a 4.5 mile walk. The park will also be holding an overnight canoe trip on Dewey Lake and other nature activities. Call 1-800-325-0142.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Creatures of the Night Adventure Trek/National Trails Day
June 6
Departs from the start of Warbler Road (Main Office) Venture out with our Interpretation staff on National Trails Day and discover the mysticism of nighttime creatures. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. From 6-9 p.m. 270-826-2247.
John James Audubon State Park Fishing Derby
June 13
Test your fishing prowess and compete for prizes. Fishing experts from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on-hand to teach fishing techniques. From 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet at the boat dock. 270-826-2247.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Kenlake's Fishing For Fun Day
June 6
Let's go fishing! Join in on a day filled with fun, laughter, and making memories. This event is held at Kenlake State Resort Park's Marina on Kentucky Lake. This Saturday is set aside for free fishing in Kentucky. So bring a kid to Kenlake on Saturday, June 6th for a day of fishing fun. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The schedule is as follows: 8-11 a.m. fishing; 11 a.m. door prize drawings. This event is brought to you by Kenlake State Resort Park, Benton Wal-Mart, and Kenlake Marina where we bring kids, fishing and fun together. 800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Free Fishing Weekend
June 6
Every year Kentucky offers free fishing days the first weekend in June. No fishing license is required for residents or non-residents to fish in any Kentucky waters on this weekend, but all fishing regulations remain in effect. Free fishing days are an excellent time to invite family and friends from out-of-state to the waters of Kentucky. We will meet behind the lodge -- so use the Lower Village Drive road to circle around back to the courtesy fishing dock near the pool. The Recreation Staff will be there on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon to help and provide some pointers. We will hold a casting contest at 11a.m. with the winner to receive a prize! Kentucky Lake offers some of the best fishing around. Bring your own fishing gear and we will provide the bait! (Some poles will be available but quantities are limited) A guardian must accompany children 12 and under at all times! Call 270-362-4271 or 800-325-0146 (ext 430) or email Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov for more information.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Free Fishing Weekend and National Trails Day
June 5-7
Grab your kids, your mom and dad, and your neighbors - bring a pole, lace up your boots, or just grab a water bottle – and enjoy the first weekend of June at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz. No fishing permit is required this weekend across the state of Kentucky, although regulations remain in effect. Loaner poles are available at the lodge front desk for park guests, and we’ll have fishing and trail-based activities throughout the weekend. Lake Barkley’s Marina and courtesy docks at the lodge and campground are a great place to spend your days! If you’re interested in trails, take a stroll along one of our loop trails, ranging in length from the ¾ mile to a 5-mile trek, in honor on National Trails Day. Events begin at 10 a.m. Trails open at sunrise. For more information, call 800-325-1708.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
National Trails Day
June 6
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is celebrating National Trails Day with a guided hike on Baugh Branch Trail starting at 1 p.m. Central Time. This trail is 3.2 miles long and has a beautiful overlook of the lake at trails end. Contact Robert Myers at
RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or 800-325-1709 for more information.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
National Trails Day
June 6
Natural Bridge is known throughout the state for its great hiking trails! Come out to explore and celebrate the trails at Natural Bridge during America’s largest celebration of trails and the outdoors. There will be guided hikes offered throughout the day as well as trail clean-up opportunities. Contact Tyler Morgan at Tyler.Morgan@ky.gov or 800-325-1710 for more information.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Kids Fishing Derby and National Trails Day Hike
June 6
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host its fifth annual Kid's Fishing Derby. Fish and Wildlife officials will be on hand to assist children. Fishing-related door prizes will be given away, and refreshments served. Prizes will also be given to the fisherperson who catches the most fish and to the winner of the casting contest. Advance registration is required by May 30th and participation will be limited to 50 children age 5 to 15. To register, e-mail Becky Clark at RebeccaE.Clark@ky.gov or call 1-270-797-3421. When registering your child please keep in mind that children will need to be at the beach shelter by 7:30 a.m. CT.
For National Trail Day, the park naturalist will lead the group on a nature hike in the Pennyrile Forest Area from 2-4 p.m. on June 6. Wear appropriate foot wear and clothing. Ticks and chiggers are possible, so bring bug spray. Bring your own water and snacks. More information will be provided in the park's weekly recreation schedule.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
National Trails Day
June 6
Pine Mountain State Resort Park near Pineville will observe National Trails Day on June 6 with a hiking adventure through Blanton Forest, which preserves one of the largest stands of old-growth forest in the Eastern United States. The guided hike involves strenuous hiking so participants should wear sturdy boots. Be sure to bring water, snacks, and/or a sack lunch. The outing will last about six hours. The tour will leave the park lodge at 8 a.m. and a registration fee of $10 per person will be charged. Van transportation to the forest will be offered to the first 10 persons to register and the hike will be limited to a maximum of 20 persons. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Naturalist Dean Henson at Dean.Henson@ky.gov or by phone at (606) 337-3066. A minimum participation of 5 persons is required to conduct the guided hike.
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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