FRANKFORT, Ky. -- If you’ve got spring fever and are looking to plan a refreshing getaway to more natural settings, Kentucky’s state parks have many options for you in May. Here are some of the adventures that parks are planning to get you “back to nature.”
Carter Caves Backcountry Series plans two adventures in May 2008:
Contact: Coy Ainsley, Park Naturalist
1-800-325-0059 or 606-286-4411 x2543
Coy.ainsley@ky.gov.
Blooming Karst Trek
May 3, 2008
Trillium, hepatica, and spring beauties are just a few of the wildflowers that cover the hills and valleys of Carter Caves. During the trek you will hike and see two amazing natural bridges, enjoy scenic views of Smoky Lake and see many of the wildflowers blooming along the hillsides. The trek continues into the beautiful Horn Hollow Valley where you will leave the comforts of daylight and enter the dark, wet environment of Horn Hollow Cave. After reaching the surface we will hike back to civilization and the comforts of life. FEE: $20 per person.
Bat Cave Supreme
May 31, 2008
This is an extreme cave excursion into our largest cave on the park. The trip will include stooping, bending, climbing and of course lots of crawling through the dark muddy passages of Bat Cave. You will get wet and muddy. You will encounter passages that require hand and knee crawls and belly crawls. Do not attempt this trip if you are claustrophobic, have a bad back, knees, or if you are not in good health. FEE: $20 per person.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Contact: Paul Tierney, Park Naturalist
1-800-443-7008 or 859-289-5507
ptierney@qx.net
Licking River Overnight Canoe Trip
5/31/2008 to 6/1/2008
An all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on the Licking River. Park will supply canoes, life jackets, transportation for 12, tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls, snacks, evening meal, and breakfast all for just $75.00. 20 miles on first day, additional 8 miles the second day returning to the park by 1:00 pm.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Contact: Bret Smitley or Steve Gilbert, Park Naturalists
1-800-325-0063 or 606-528-4121
BretA.Smitley@ky.gov or Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov
Overnight Canoe Adventure
5/3/2008 to 5/4/08
The Naturalist staff at Cumberland Falls can take you on an overnight canoe adventure. You will have the option to fish for River Smallmouth Bass and Walleye. (A Kentucky fishing license is required). We will begin in the morning and canoe and fish until time to set up camp. We will camp overnight and canoe the next day until lunch. The naturalist staff can show you what and how to pack and also teach minimum impact camping techniques. Not only will you learn how to plan an overnight canoe trip, but we also provide all of the equipment needed. (Bring your own fishing gear). Limited to ages 18 and up. Registration fee of $75 includes all equipment rental, instruction, and meals. Registrants will receive a list of suggested personal items to bring prior to their trip.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Contact: Jenny Howard, Park Naturalist
1-800-325-1708 or 270-924-1131
Jenny.Howard@ky.gov
Barkley Backpacking 101
5/3/2008 to 5/4/2008
Interested in spending a night under starry skies and a day surrounded by woods and water? Setting out on an overnight backpacking trip and investing in the gear to do it can be a chore unless you've been on one of Barkley's Backpacking 101 Weekends! Join the Park Naturalist on Saturday morning for a one-night camping trip where we provide the gear, the experience, and the memories! Registration is limited, so call ahead and reserve your spot. Registration deadlines are 14 days prior to each trip.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Contact: Dean Henson, Park Naturalist
1-800-325-1712 or 606-337-3066
Dean.Henson@ky.gov
Adventure Trek of the First Frontier
5/10/08
This historical trek will feature visits to Wilderness Road State Park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to trace the steps of Boone and others traveling on the Wilderness Road. Highlights include a visit to Martin's Station fort, interaction with reenactors in period attire, a 1mile hike to Cumberland Gap and spectacular mountain scenery. The registration fee is $15 per person and the park will provide bottled water
and transportation by van. Participation is limited to 10 persons and all participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a sack lunch. The hike is moderate so wear sturdy shoes. Time: 6.5 hours. The registration deadline is May 5, 2008.
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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