Adventure at Kentucky State Parks

I admit it: I'm completely in the tank for Kentucky State Parks. I grew up spending family vacations camping in them, I learned how to water-ski at Lake Cumberland and snow-ski at General Butler. I learned spelunking at Carter Caves and day-hiking at Pine Mountain.

For close-to-everybody, inexpensive recreation in spectacular scenery you can't beat it. In the same state park you'll find the golfing, swimming pools, dining room and lodge accommodations citified types demand and the secluded camping, quiet trails and near-wilderness we hippies prefer.

Not to mention the many special events and adventures Kentucky State Parks are now promoting.

As the weather improves, so do the opportunities to get out and find an adventure or two at a Kentucky State Park.

During April and May, many state parks will be holding special events including canoeing, overnight backpacking, hikes, mountain biking and cycling. Campgrounds will also open in April and Camper Appreciation Weekend will be April 24-26 at all state parks.

Here is a listing of some of the state park adventures in April and May. For more details on these and other events, along with online reservations for lodging and camping, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

There's canoeing on the Licking River and at Natural Bridge, overnight backpacking at Lake Barkley, hiking at Greenbo Lake, cross-country hiking at Carter Caves, mountain biking at General Butler, and Pennyrile Forest, geocaching at Lake Cumberland and much more.

Don't miss these:

Family Spring Adventure-Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
4/25/2009 and May 2, 9, 23
Cumberland Falls is a nature-lovers' paradise. Get the family out this spring with these adventurous activities: Canoeing, archery, bird walks, wildflower walks, fire tower tours, astronomy, wildlife programs, and hikes to other waterfalls and arches. Some activities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Family Adventure Quest
The Kentucky State Parks are again offering the Family Adventure Quest program in 2009. This is a trivia and digital photo scavenger hunt based on visits to state parks. Families can win prizes if they correctly complete challenges. This year’s quest is based on Abraham Lincoln in honor of his birthday bicentennial. For more information, click here.

Nature Weekends at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.If you’re a nature enthusiast, Natural Bridge State Resort Park is offering two nature-filled weekends for all plant and animal lovers.

Wildflower Weekend, April 17-19, is a chance for gardeners, nature lovers and botanists to enjoy the hundreds of species of native plants at Natural Bridge. Field trips and walks will be offered for the beginner and advanced wildflower enthusiast at many different times during the three-day event, starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

Herpetology Weekend, May 1-2, is a way to learn about nature’s most misunderstood critters. On Saturday, May 2, experienced herpetologists will lead field trips at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. into the Red River Gorge to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitat. Collection is prohibited. Children’s activities will be offered at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

There will also be evening speakers at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as various demonstrations that will include live venomous snakes!

Nature Fest at Barren River Lake April 24-25.

Buffalo Dinner and Native American Day at Kentucky Dam Village on April 25.

"Pickin' At the Caves" Carter Caves State Resort Park will begin hosting “Pickin’ at the Caves” on the first and third Monday of every month beginning April 6.

Anyone who plays a musical instrument is invited to come and play between 6 and 10 p.m. at the Lewis Caveland Lodge. And for those who don’t play, come out and listen!

The park will offer a special buffet for $6.95 on these Monday nights at the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. The restaurant is open for dinner from 5-8 p.m.

If you can't find a memory-making event, place, weekend, family moment, favorite tree or perfect lake at a Kentucky State Park, you aren't trying.