Department of Tourism
Discover Your Own Back Yard: Some Great Outdoor Events Across Ky. in June

In 2004, by Presidential designation, June became Great Outdoors Month.  Outdoor adventure is not new to Kentuckians.  With summer unofficially here, what better time to head outdoors for some fun and a little exercise? 

Why climb a man-made rock wall when you can come face-to-face with the real thing?

Kentucky is home to one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the country.  The Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky offers awesome climbing and hiking. Book a room at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade and make that your base camp.  Not quite sure of yourself?  Contact Red River Outdoors for rock climbing guide service, canoe rental and guide, mountain bike rental and guide and hiking and backpacking trips.  For information, log onto:  www.redriveroutdoors.com 

If you have small children, take them fishing. The entire family can participate and it is a skill that lasts a lifetime.  Many of the state parks are holding fishing events on June 7.   Open to youth ages 15 and under, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife supplies the poles, the bait and drinking water.  Parks holding fishing events include Barren River Lake in Glasgow, Kenlake in Aurora, Buckhorn Lake in Buckhorn and Dale Hollow Lake at in Burkesville. Visit  www.parks.ky.gov for information.

You want to keep your feet on solid ground?  What better way to enjoy the outdoors than by joining the Day Long Adventure Hike at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin.  On June 7 you begin with a guided hike in the morning, stop for a trail lunch and then continue on to finish before dark.  You will hike approximately six miles.  Registration is $15.  For more information go to:  www.parks.ky.gov. 

Is an overnight adventure more to your liking?  Try canoeing on Upper Dewey June 7 and 8.  This guided excursion begins at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg. You canoe the upper reaches of the lake to a cabin that was built in the 1940s.  Here you spend the night and enjoy a cookout round the bonfire.  The next morning includes breakfast and a tree and wildflower hike.  For more information and registration call 800-325-0142 and email parks.ky.govjennywiley@ky.gov. 

Are you a water sports fanatic?  Head to the Falls of Rough for the Rough River Rumble Wakeboarding Tournament on June 7. All ages and divisions are welcome from beginner to expert.  The event is free for spectators so bring a lawn chair or blanket to the state park beach and enjoy the view.  For more information check www.nicksboatdock.com/blog/blog.htm  or call 800-325-1713. 

Journey over to Evarts in southeastern Kentucky for the Summer Stampede All Terrain Vehicle Event.  Held June 13 and 14, you can enjoy ATV rides, an obstacle course, kid’s obstacle course, mud bog, drag race, sled pull and food.  For more information contact www.harlancountytourism.com or call 877-737-0778

Head east on June 14 and 15 for Cycle the Gorge to join one of the many cycling options offered.  The Whitaker Bank presents the Tour of the Red River Gorge is the U.S. Qualifier for 2008 Junior World Road Race Championship in South Africa. This is a weekend of competitive and recreational cycling along the beautiful Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway.  Regardless of your skill level, there are cycling options for everyone.  The Father’s Day special in Stanton lets Dad ride free with a paying child.  There is an easy 35 mile round trip route to Natural Bridge State Resort Park for swimming, hiking and dining.  Check www.cyclethegorge.com  or call 800-628-8217.

If canoeing and sleeping under the stars sounds good, sign up today for an overnight canoe trip on the Licking River.  Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Mount Olivet is offering an all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on June 28 and 29.  Canoes, life jackets, transportation for 12, tents, sleeping bags and meals are supplied for $75.00.  For more information call 859-289-5507 or visit www.parks.ky.gov. 

Another great opportunity for kids to learn the sport of fishing will be June 18 at General Butler State Resort Park.  On Kids All American Fishing Derby day, Get Hooked on Fishing!  The Fishing Derby is 10 a.m. to noon with a small cookout following.  This is for youngsters up to12 years of age with adult supervision.   For more information call 502-732-4384 or check www.parks.ky.gov. 

Another opportunity to introduce your children to fishing is the free Fishing Derby on June 14 at Pennyrile Forest SRP in Dawson Springs.  Volunteers will be on hand to assist children, prizes will be given and refreshments will be served.  Participation is for children 5 to 15.  Advance registration is required by June 4.  To register, call 270-797-3421. 

Open your eyes to the amazing wonders in your own backyard by participating in the Junior Naturalist program in June at John J. Audubon State Park in Henderson.  Children ages 10-12 meet on June 3; children ages 8-9 meet June 10 and children ages 6-7 will meet June 17.  Patches and a certificate will be received on June 17 with a S’mores Celebration for the Junior Naturalists and their families.  Pre-registration by June 1 is required.  To register, call 270-826-2247. 

This “Discover Your Own Back Yard” travel column is produced twice monthly by the Department of Tourism to help promote Kentucky events and travel destinations. For more information about these and other tourism opportunities, visit www.kentuckytourism.com

Editors: To obtain photographs related to this column, please click here.

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.