Department of Parks
Kentucky State Parks Celebrate National Trails Day On June 2

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Several Kentucky State Parks will be holding events on June 2 in honor of National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Society.

“This is a great opportunity to call attention to the importance of trails and the approximately 250 miles of trails in our state parks,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “As an avid hiker, I can say it is an excellent outdoor physical activity for family members of all ages.”

Kentucky State Parks offer a variety of hiking and outdoor programs throughout the year. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Here are some state park events marking National Trails Day on June 2:

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park-Corbin

All-day hike. The hike starts in the morning, stopping for lunch along the trail. The hike will cover approximately six 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 suggested personal items prior to their trip. For more information or to register, please contact Steve Gilbert at Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov or 800-325-0063.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park-Prestonsburg

Overnight Canoe Trip, June 2-3. Guided trip on 1,100-acre Dewey Lake. You’ll paddle to a cabin built in the 1940s when the lake was built and tell stories around a campfire. Includes a tree and wildflower hike. The canoe trip is $50 per person and includes an evening cookout, overnight stay and breakfast. For reservations and information, call 1-800-325-0142.

John James Audubon State Park-Henderson

Creatures of the Night Adventure Trek, 7-9 p.m. CT. 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. Free. Call Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park-Jamestown

Guided hike at Baugh Branch Trail located on the main park road 3.2 miles from the Lure Lodge.  The hike starts at 1 p.m. CT and will last approximately two hours long. Parking is available at the trail head parking lot. Call 1-800-325-1709 for information.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park-Slade

Natural Bridge is known throughout the state for its great hiking trails!  Come out and discover, learn about 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-ups, trail maintenance projects, and evening speakers. Eric Grunwald, a naturalist, will speak at 7:30 p.m. at Hemlock Lodge. Contact Noelle Theres at Noelle.theres@ky.gov or 800-325-1710 for more information.

Kentucky State Parks is a proud sponsor of Leave No Trace.  The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands.  For more information visit www.lnt.org

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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