SLADE, Ky. -- Winter presents a great opportunity to get a close look at the amazing geologic features of Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge, particularly the many natural arches.
"Early bird" hikes led by park naturalists will be held Friday, Feb. 8, prior to the kick-off at 7 p.m. which includes a presentation on the natural history of the region and the formation of its arches given by retired Kentucky State Park Naturalist John Tierney.
On Saturday, a variety of naturalist-led hikes and caravan trips will go to some of the most interesting formations in the area including: White's Branch Arch, Twilight Arch, Suzanna's Arch, Whittleton Arch, Needle's Eye, and, of course, the spectacular Natural Bridge. Hiking trips will vary from easy to difficult, short to long. There will also be a Nature Photography workshop Saturday afternoon about 1:30 p.m.
Saturday evening keynote speakers are brothers, Todd and Victor Fife, who have visited over 500 arches throughout the state and will give a special presentation about Kentucky's other Land of the Arches - the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Arch enthusiast Larry Peterson will challenge attendees with his “How well do you know your Kentucky arches?" quiz.
Registration is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under, which includes all evening presentations and field trips and can be paid on site. Saturday field trips depart from the Hemlock Lodge lobby between 9 and 9:30 a.m. and again between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Evening presentations will be in the activities center both nights starting at 7 p.m.
For more information about the event, contact Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at 1-800-325-1710 as the schedule is subject to change. Natural Bridge State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, the Sandstone Arches Restaurant, gift shop and hiking trails. For more information or for room reservations, phone 1-800-325-1710. The resort near Slade is 52 miles southeast of Lexington off the Mountain Parkway on KY 11.
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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