Kentucky's Fabulous State Parks

School starts next week for the grandchildren, so it was time for our trip to a State Park.  My father was a huge supporter of the State Park system, taking us to the parks and teaching us about our natural resources while we had fun.  I am trying to do the same with the grandkids.

Kentucky is blessed to have one of the finest state park systems in the United States.  It is often under appreciated by those who live closest to these wonderlands.  The state parks have over 50,000 acres of land ranging from the Appalachian mountains in the East to the Mississippi shores in the West.  Each year over 7 million people visit these parks to enjoy a variety of activities from mountain hikes, boating, canoeing, white water rafting, horseback riding, nature trails, cave exploration, and just relaxing.  You can visit State Historic sites such as the Perryville Battlefield (most destructive Civil War battle in Kentucky), Big Bone Lick(an early salt lick and the site of a large prehistoric fossil discovery in 1807), Lincoln's Birthplace, My Old Kentucky Home (home of the outdoor drama "The Stephen Foster Story") or the William Whitley House (first brick house west of the Appalachians and in my home county).  If you are adventurous you can explore one of the 24 recreational parks that feature outdoor camping facilities and various activities,from fishing and picnicking to hiking and swimming.  Or if you are like me and prefer your experience a little more comfortable, you can stay in one of the 17 State Resort parks that have full lodges (with dining rooms) as well as comfortable cabins with full kitchens.

The system, which was started in the 1920's, was designed to be economical on all levels.  The lands acquired were all donated or gifted to be used as part of the State Park system.  Many of the facilities and improvements were made during the period of 1930's with Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).  They were never intended to be luxurious escapes for the wealthy but rather an economical recreational area for the normal, everyday citizens of the state.  The lodges are rustic, the cabins basic and the settings breathtaking!  What they lack in the high dollar amenities (don't expect an in  room massage or a fancy health club) they more than make up for with balconies that look out into the side of a forest covered mountain, crystal blue lakes surrounded by virgin timberland, well maintained hiking trails through hundred year old woods with stunning vistas of natural beauty, and some of the most spectacular natural phenomenon in the world.  You can see natural rock arches (bridges), spectacular caves, towering mountains, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Besides the natural beauty the resort parks also feature swimming pools, tennis courts and golf .  The best thing may be the charming and enthusiastic employees who seem so eager to answer your questions and assist in any way.  Each park also has a naturalist that will present programs and information on the local area wildlife and landscape.

Did I mention golf?  I don't play myself but we travel with others that do and if you can trust their word, the courses are great!  There are dozens of courses snuggled into mountain valleys, hugging rugged hillsides, overlooking sparkling lakes, and rolling over the bluegrass.  Many were designed by world class course designers and represent a challenging and visually stunning game. 

If you prefer water sports to hiking or golf you can enjoy one of the many lakes that were created for watershed and flooding control.  From east to west you will  find parks like General Butler, Kentucky Dam Village, General Burnside Island, Barren River, Green River, Lake Barkley, Rough River and many others that feature facilities for launching your boat, docks, beaches, campsites, resorts, trails, and picnic areas.  On a recent trip to Kentucky Dam Village State Park we found ourselves in a modern, tastefully decorated room with a balcony overlooking a sparkling marina of beautiful sailboats. We sat until evening watching the lovely boats tack their way into the harbor, then wandered into the dining room and sat next to a 10 foot wall of glass and watched the sun set over the lake.

No, I don't get a commission from the State Park System.

Don't take my word for these treasures--come and visit them.

For more information www.parks.ky.gov