FRANKFORT, Ky. – Looking for a little adventure? Maybe an overnight canoe or hiking trip? There’s still time this year to sign up for the Kentucky State Parks Backcountry Adventure Series.

 

The adventure series is designed to encourage you to experience as much of Kentucky’s great outdoors as possible. From September through Dec. 1, state resort parks are offering canoeing and hiking trips. These trips provide an excellent opportunity to experience the wonder of autumn colors in Kentucky.

 

If you participate in three out of the four types of excursions offered you can receive a $50 Kentucky State Park Gift Card. Gift cards can be used at any Kentucky State Park for lodging, dining, camping, gift shops and more.

 

Here is a listing of the remaining adventures that are scheduled for 2007. (Space is limited. Some events are filled up, but parks are taking names for waiting lists) The park and phone number are listed:

 

Barren River State Resort Park: Green River Overnight Canoe Trip – Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. 1-800-325-0057.

 

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park: Licking River Overnight Canoe Trip – Sept. 22. 1-800-443-7008.

 

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: Cumberland River Overnight Canoe Trip – Oct. 6;  Hiking the Cumberlands (day hike)- Nov. 3. 1-800-325-0063.

 

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park: Beginner Backpacking (overnight trips)– Sept. 29-30, Oct. 13-14, Nov. 10-11.  1-800-325-0083.

 

Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Beginner Backpacking (overnight trips)– Sept. 22-23, 29-30, Nov. 10-12 (two night trip), and 17-18. Exploring Arch Country (day hike), Dec.1. 1-800-325-1710.

 

 

In addition to the gift card, if you participate in all four types of adventures, your name will go in a drawing for a future one-night adventure excursion for two people at the park of your choice. Upon arriving to your first adventure the naturalist trip leader will give you an Adventure Passport that you will keep and must take with you on all trips. This will be stamped by your trip leader and will be your verification of participation.

 

For more information about these trips, including fees, distances of hikes, and other requirements, visit www.parks.ky.gov or call the park.

 

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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