The Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is offering visitors a chance to start their new year’s resolutions off right.
Several state parks across the Commonwealth are offering “First Day” guided hikes on January 1st. State park hiking trails remain open through the winter season, weather permitting.
A naturalist with the Pennyrile Forest Park near Dawson Springs will host a 3-and-a quarter-mile hike on the park’s Lake Trail starting at the lodge lobby at noon.
Hikers are expected to bring their own water and wear proper clothing. The hike includes stone and hand-hewn steps and is not recommended for children under five.
The hike is free and will last approximately 2 hours.
Pennyrile Forest plans to continue with guided hikes on the first of every month in 2015.
To register for the hike, contact the park naturalist at rebeccae.clark@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1711.
Other First Day hikes across the state include:
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn. Jan. 1 - Awake to the New Year amid mountain tranquility. The First Day walk starts at 10 a.m. and will cover 1½ to 2 miles through the park. Enjoy some hot chocolate around the lobby fireplace afterwards. All activities are open to the public. Call 606-398-7510 or 1-800-325-0058 for more information.
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin. Jan. 1. - Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will offer its First Day Hike on Jan. 1. Join your guide for a 5-mile hike along the upper Cumberland River on the Sheltowee Trace. This hike is moderate in difficulty. Meet at the visitor center near Cumberland Falls at 9 a.m. Call 606-528-4121.
- Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg. First Day Hike and Bike - Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will host two outdoor opportunities on Jan. 1, 2015. The first, a hike along Sassafras Trail, will start at 10 a.m. This will be a moderate, ¾-mile guided hike. Learn about identifying trees, birds and local history. Must be at least 8 years old, and children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No pets please. The second event is a mountain bike trip along the Mountain Bike Trail starting at 1 p.m. This trip is considered strenuous and participants must be at least 10 years old. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own bicycle. Call 606-889-1790 for information.
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville. First Day Hike-Jan. 1 - Start the year with a free guided hike on the Fern Garden Trail at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. As one of the more remote hikes on the park, it is sure to offer a genuinely peaceful experience. Hikers will meander through a lush, ravine forest of hemlock, tulip poplar, and rhododendron, as well as mixed deciduous forest and large sandstone boulders. Bring water and dress for the weather. This 1.2-mile hike will start at 11 a.m.Participants must register by Dec. 29 by calling Beth Byrnes at 606-337-3066 or by email at Beth.Byrnes@ky.gov.