Kentucky Fall Festivals

UPDATED, Monday, Sept. 28, UPDATE II Wednesday, Sept. 30, UPDATE III Saturday, Oct. 3, UPDATE IV Monday, Oct., 5, UPDATE V Wednesday, Oct. 7, UPDATE VI Friday, Oct. 9, UPDATE VII Wednesday, Oct. 14, UPDATE VIII Friday, Oct. 16, UPDATE IX, Thursday, Oct. 22, UPDATE X, Friday, Oct. 23, UPDATE XI, Monday, Nov. 2, UPDATE XII, Thursday, Nov. 5, UPDATE XIII, Thursday, Nov. 19

I'm a little late this year posting on the autumn activities at Kentucky State Parks, but there is still October and November to enjoy:

Carter Caves State Resort Park continues to offer cave tours during the winter season in two caves. Tours of Cascade Cave are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily through April 2. Cascade Cave is one of the largest of over 200 caves in Carter County and is noted for its large chambers and numerous cave formations. Highlights of the tour include the reflecting pool in the Lake Room, the unique cave formations in the Cathedral Room, and an underground waterfall over 30 feet high. The tour lasts about 75 minutes and covers a walking distance of about ¾ of a mile.

It’s time for nature lovers to make plans for a Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February of 2010. American Bald Eagles will be gathering around the major lakes of Western Kentucky and South-Central Kentucky as they look for food during the winter. Kentucky State Parks will take you there to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host a “Hike Within the Park” on Saturday, Nov. 21. This is an opportunity for guests to participate in a guided hike along the major trails within the park near Dawson Springs.

Salute military treasures and Kentucky traditions this fall during the Kentucky Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour events Nov. 12, 13 and 14 in downtown Frankfort. The events at KHS are part of Candlelight Tour weekend, presented by Whitaker Bank and Downtown Frankfort Inc.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is hosting a dinner theater that should bring back memories and a lot of laughs for guests. “The HoneyMurderers” – a spoof of the television show the “Honeymooners” -- will be presented Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the park near Olive Hill.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is sponsoring a special stamp cancellation with commemorative envelopes on Nov. 3 to honor the 85th anniversary of the Kentucky State Parks. The keepsake envelopes will be sold at the park gift shop and at DuPont Lodge. The special U.S. Postal Service cancellation stamps will be conducted from 8-10 p.m. All of those who attend on Nov. 3 will be eligible for a drawing for a free cabin rental. (Some restrictions apply)

The 19th annual Moonbow Trail Trek, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offers nature lovers the opportunity to combine a challenging hike with a chance to view some beautiful scenery.

If you’re thinking about taking up spelunking as a hobby, consider paying a visit to Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park the weekend of Nov. 13-15. The park near Burkesville will be hosting its “Beginning Caving Expedition” that weekend for beginners and experienced cavers.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is hosting an evening cruise Oct. 24 for a beautiful view of fall colors and sunset along the shoreline of Lake Barkley.

Three Kentucky scenic corridors — Lincoln Heritage Highway, Kentucky Great River Road and Woodlands Trace — have been elevated to National Scenic Byway designation by the Federal Highway Administration. Fall is the perfect time to tour them.

The William Whitley House State Historic Site will host a Living History Encampment on Oct. 24, featuring interpreters portraying figures from the early days of Kentucky’s settlement.

Fort Boonesborough State Park is offering visitors a chance to view its annual campground Halloween program for just $1. Now through Oct. 24, you can drive through the HalloweenFest XV at the park near Richmond to enjoy all the decorations, music and thousands of lights. The campground will be open for this special tour from 7-10:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the park and the Fort Boonesborough Foundation, a private organization that supports the park.

Kentucky State Parks restaurants are preparing for one of the busiest days of the year – Thanksgiving Day. All 17 resort park restaurants will be serving the annual Thanksgiving Day buffet on Nov. 26, a tradition for the parks and many families across Kentucky.

I'll put Kentucky's fall beauty up against anyplace in the country, and now's the time to get out their and enjoy it. Adventure tourism is alive and well during the fall months in Kentucky. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities ranging from hunting and fishing to hikes, wildlife viewing and canoeing and kayaking. Kentucky State Parks are sponsoring many outdoor events at this time of year. With a total of 52 parks that include 17 resorts, there is a park nearby with trails and other adventure tourism programming. Click here to learn more about outdoor events.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park has two seasonal events scheduled the weekend of Oct. 16-17. On Friday, Oct. 16, the park will host the “After Dark in the Park, Geo-Ghost Walk” from 8-11 p.m. The walk will begin at Shelter No. 1 and the fee is $10 a person. On Saturday, the E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park Foundation will host the Fall Fest from 4-8 p.m. The event is free; parking is $5 a car.

The Kentucky State Parks 85th Anniversary Poetry Contest has three age categories – 11 and under, 12-18 and 19 and over. Any style may be used but poets are asked to use a theme that is some way related to the natural, cultural or historical aspects of state parks. The deadline for submitting an entry is Nov. 2, 2009, with the winners to be announced by the end of the year. The top prize in each age category is a $50 Kentucky State Park gift card. There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd place in each age category. All winners and honorable mentions ages 18 and under will receive a free admission coupon to a state park fort, museum or historic site of their choice.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host the 47th annual PhotoScenic Kentucky Workshop the weekend of Oct. 24-25.

Fall, the best time of year for stories of ghosts and other haunting, is upon us. From now through early November, take a trip to where your spine gets tingled by tales of paranormal activity throughout Kentucky.

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site has acquired a temporary exhibit from the Kentucky Historical Society called, “Of Father Sky and Mother Earth: Early Southeastern Indian Art and Culture.”

General Butler State Resort Park will be presenting the “Tony & Tina Murder Mystery” – an evening full of mystery, music and suspense – on Nov. 14. The dinner theater production includes audience participation, so bring your dancing shoes, too. Guests will love this fun-packed evening. First introductions to the final revelations, you’ll be transported into an amazing experience.

Big Bone Lick State Park will be hosting the annual Salt Festival during the weekend of Oct. 16-18 at the park in Boone County. The weekend will feature demonstrations of pioneer and Native American life, salt making, spear throwing, storytelling, music, crafts and more. Visitors can also see the park’s bison herd and newly-renovated nature center.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is holding its annual Fall Photography Weekend Oct. 16-18. This weekend consists of a digital photography contest with point and shoot, intermediate, and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony.

Halloween will be a real scream at Kentucky State Parks. "Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids. And other resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events in late October -- a great time to be outside with family and friends."

Kentucky Dam Village Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Show set for October 10-11.

Greenbo LakeAntique Car Show Oct. 10-11.

Cumberland Falls now offers overnight lodging packages for its Monday Night Jam Sessions.

E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park has mulitple activities celebrating Fall throughout October.

And don't miss "Second Sunday" throughout the state.

Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in “Second Sunday” on Oct. 11, an event aimed at offering physical activities to Kentuckians.

Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top 10 states for obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is the event organizer. Click here for more information about Second Sunday.

“Kentucky State Parks are proud to be able to offer so many opportunities to our citizens to get out in the fresh air and exercise,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “The best thing about our parks is that they are free and located in all regions of the state.”

Kentucky State Parks have more than 250 miles of hiking trails with various levels of difficulty. Visit www.parks.ky.gov for more details. Here is a list of the state parks with activities planned for Oct. 11 (unless otherwise noted):

• Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Glasgow and Barren County Homemakers are teaming up to offer a variety of activities for all ages for the Second Sunday of October. There will be different activities for everyone to encourage physical fitness and activity. There will be an obstacle course, seated chair exercises, Zumba and running workshops. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beaver Trail Complex in Glasgow. 1-800-325-0057.
• Blue Licks Battlefield, Mt. Olivet
  Please join us at 2 p.m. by the Pioneer Museum for a guided, interpretive walk along the Heritage Trail. It is a beautiful trek covering 3 ½ miles at a leisurely pace. There will be opportunities to discuss plants, animals and history since the trail winds around near the river and past Tanner Station (a replica of an 18th century fort). Free gifts will be given to participants courtesy of the Nicholas County Extension Office and Robertson County Extension Office. Enjoy viewing nature up close and personal instead of through a car window. Blue Licks has miles of easy to moderate walking and hiking trails open all year long. In addition to this walk, the Kentucky Llama & Alpaca Association will have a special trek on Oct. 11. Llamas and materials will be on display and the trek will begin at 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the general public. 1-800-443-7008.
• Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
  In an effort to get everyone moving, enjoy this walk, stroll or run around a 2-mile loop around the park. The walk will include the park’s “Trail of Scarecrows” and will feature health tips and suggestions from local health agencies. Meet at the lodge at 3 p.m. The park road will be closed during this time. 1-800-325-0058.
• Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
  A guided hike along Carter Caves State Resort Park’s Natural Bridge Trail will take place for Second Sunday. The hike is 1/2 mile in length will leave the Welcome Center at 2 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. For those looking for a longer venture, there will be a hike along the Horn Hollow Trail at 3:30 p.m. This hike is 2 miles in length and will take about 1 1/2 hours. There is no charge for the hikes. Arrive early and take a guided tour of X-Cave or Cascade Cave (admission charged). Tours start at 9:30 a.m. You can get more information and purchase tickets at the Welcome Center. 1-800-325-0059.
• Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus (Oct. 9)
  During the weekend of the park’s Civil War Days event, a “Ghost Walk” will be held Friday, Oct. 9. The trail is about ¼ mile and goes through earthworks and trenches. Water will be provided by the local extension office. 1-270-677-2327.
• Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
  Meet at the Mary Ray Oaken lodge at 2 p.m. for a guided hike on one of Dale Hollow’s beautiful scenic trails. Enjoy this walk through the woods to admire the colorful fall foliage and to experience a breathtaking view from Eagles Point, the best overlook on the lake. This hike is a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while getting some exercise. The hike will be approximately 3 miles over natural trails that vary in terrain with some steep inclines. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring water. For more information contact Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-2282 or jamie.avery@ky.gov
• Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
  Get outdoors and enjoy Second Sunday with a hike in the woods at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. The hike will start on the Fern Valley Trail, then turn onto a portion of the Michael Tygart Trail and come out at the Lodge Road to return to the Jesse Stuart Lodge. Hike will be approximately 3 miles and leave at 10 a.m. from the parking lot at the Jesse Stuart Lodge. There is also mountain biking and horseback riding available for the beginner to the expert on the many multi-use trails at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. 1-800-325-0083.
• Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville
  Meet at the Green River Lake Tailwater area for events starting at 2 p.m. Fishing, archery, hiking and paddling are among the events scheduled. 1-270-465-8255.
• Levi Jackson State Park, London
  Levi Jackson will host a community event for Second Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Events include a rock-climbing wall, obstacle course, clogging, walking, games and more. The museum road will close at noon. The events are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. 606-330-2130.
  

Enjoy them all.