June Events and More at Kentucky State Parks

For unique natural scenery and special activities at little to no expense, in a way that supports and promotes the best Kentucky has to offer, you can't beat Kentucky's Best-of-the-Nation State Parks.

Kentucky will be taking part in National Trails Day on June 5 with events across the state to recognize the miles of excellent trails in the state.

National Trails Day was launched by the American Hiking Society in 1993 to help promote exercise, trail development and the outdoors. It has grown to more than 1,100 events around the country.

“Kentucky’s trail system is an incredible asset to our state that deserves to be recognized,” said First Lady Jane Beshear. “Kentuckians should take advantage of the many wonderful hikes at our state parks to get active and enjoy our state’s beautiful landscapes.”

The Kentucky State Parks have nearly 300 miles of hiking trails and sponsor the Trail Shape program – a challenge to hike 16 trails in one year. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Kentucky has more than 2,500 miles of hiking trails. To find a trail in your area, visit www.tourism.ky.gov/outdoors/

Here is a listing of the events planned at Kentucky State Parks and other related events for National Trails Day. All state park events are on June 5.

If you’re looking for an excuse to get away and enjoy some fishing, consider the weekend of June 5-6 in Kentucky. That’s Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is required on Kentucky waters.

Several Kentucky State parks will be holding events for children. It’s also a great chance to invite your out-of-state friends to visit for a weekend of fishing. Visit a state park and spend the night at a lodge, cottage or campground and enjoy one of the park system’s restaurants.

Many parks have marinas where you can rent a boat and head out on your fishing adventure. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Children under 16 years old do not require a fishing license in Kentucky. All other fishing regulations remain in effect in Kentucky.

Here are the state park events planned for the weekend (Note-Due to recent flooding, some parks have cancelled or postponed fishing events. Please check in advance.)

Tune up the bagpipes and fasten the kilt pin, the annual Glasgow Highland Games open with high steppin’ fun when Barren River Lake State Resort Park hosts the 2010 and 25th anniversary event on June 3 – 6 near Glasgow, Kentucky.

New this year is the addition of the North American Team Scottish Games Athletics (NASGA) championship competitions between Team USA and Team Canada. The American team is lead by Kentuckian Kerry Overfelt who is the 2009 North American Scottish Athletics Champion and the current All-American Champion. Hammer toss, stone throw (for distance and weight), caber (telephone pole) toss, and Braemar stone throw are just a few of the mega feats that are among the contests.

Click here for more information.

No matter which Kentucky State Park or historic site you visit, each has a distinct character and air about it. Like snowflakes, no two are alike in setting, the story they tell or the experiences that happen along with making new memories for guests. There’s no such thing as, “If you’ve seen one, you seen ‘em all,” for any of Kentucky’s 53 state parks.

Take Ft. Boonesborough State Park located between Lexington and Richmond just off I-75 as a perfect example. Among the standard recreational opportunities—camping, hiking, fishing and taking a dip in the pool—is the recreation of Kentucky’s second settlement established in 1775 by Daniel Boone and his men on the Kentucky River. During the 2010 summer season, new experts who “reside” at the fort are on hand to share and colorfully explain what life was like on what was once the nation’s western frontier. Enter the fort stockades and wander back to a time before Kentucky became a state. Historic interpretations about the lives of slaves and free blacks as the country expanded westward; the story of children captured, adopted and raised to adulthood by Native American tribes; and other new programs that explain what area life was like in the 18th Century, go on all summer long.

Click here for more information.

And find out everything about Kentucky State Parks at www.parks.ky.gov