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

CAMPING

April 24-26

All Kentucky State Park campgrounds will be offering two nights for the price of one for Camper Appreciation Weekend April 24-26. Most campgrounds will be holding special events this weekend. For more information and reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov

CANOE EXCURSIONS

Overnight Canoe Trip on the Licking River-Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

5/30/2009 to 5/31/2009, 6/20/2009 to 6/21/2009

This trip is an all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on the Licking River. Park will supply canoes, life jackets, tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls, snacks, evening meal, and breakfast all for just $99 per person. You will cover 14 miles on the Saturday and return to the park by 1 p.m. on Sunday. Contact Paul Tierney at 859/289-5507 or 800/443-7008 for information and reservations. Or email ptierney@qx.net

Canoeing for Beginners-Natural Bridge State Resort Park

4/4/2009

Learn the basics of canoeing on the Mill Creek Lake at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

and then experience river canoeing on the beautiful Red River in the Red River Gorge

Geological Area. The river trip is 8 miles on an enjoyable class I section of the Red

River. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration fee of $25 per

person includes guide, canoe, paddle, and life jacket. Contact Tyler Morgan, naturalist at 606-663-2214. tyler.morgan@ky.gov

OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY BACKPACKING

Barkley Backpacking 101-Lake Barkley State Resort Park

4/4/2009 to 4/5/2009 & 5/9/2009 to 5/10/2009

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is offering two spring overnight backpacking trips on April 4-5 and May 9-10.  These one-night, guided adventures are designed for those who lack the gear and experience of backcountry excursions. Lake Barkley provides participants with not only the experience, but also instruction on low impact camping, equipment selection and use, trip planning, and backpacking gear. Participants must be 18 or over and able to walk 5-8 miles roundtrip carrying up to 30 pounds.  Space is limited and registration is required.  A registration fee of $75 per person includes use of equipment, instruction, and meals.  These opportunities are provided in partnership with the USDA Forest Service’s Land Between the Lakes.  For more information on these trips, other upcoming events, or general information about Lake Barkley State Resort Park, call Jenny Howard at 1-800-325-1708.

HIKING

Michael Tygart Hike – Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

4/4/2009

Travel back in history on this 9-mile trek named for early Kentucky explorer, Michael Tygart. The moderately easy trek leads past a mid-19th century iron furnace, historic cemetery, and iron ore pits, descends into Pruitt Fork Valley, site of several pioneer homes and numerous wildflowers. It concludes along the scenic lakeshore. Begins at 9 a.m. and ends approximately 2 p.m. $15 registration fee includes souvenir. Contact Paul Verespy, 606-473-7324 or paul.verespy@ky.gov

Unbridled Adventure Program “4 c’s Trek” – Carter Caves State Resort Park

5/2/2009

Test your endurance into the backcountry of the park on the Carter Caves Cross Country Trail! This 7.5-mile loop excursion is on moderately difficult terrain. It highlights swinging bridges, views of the secluded Smoky Lake and a passage through Shangra La arch. Another bonus is the many spring wildflowers that will be in bloom along the trail. Required equipment includes a sack lunch, good hiking boots, several bottles of water and a backpack to carry your equipment. The fee is $20 per person. The fee includes the guided hike and a Carter Caves Souvenir. The trek is approximately 5-6 hours in length. Meet at the Welcome Center at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required. Call the Recreation Department at the park to register. Contact Coy Ainsley, Park Naturalist. 606-286-4411. Coy.Ainsley@ky.gov

MOUNTAIN BIKING/CYCLING

Mountain Biking on Fossil Trail-General Butler State Resort Park

4/1/2009 to 11/30/2009

We invite you to experience our Fossil Trail at General Butler State Resort Park. Come gear down with us during these open times for Mountain Biking April – November. Riders under 16 years of age must have adult/guardian rider supervision at all times. Riders must wear helmets and adhere to no ride dates as posted at Lodge Front Desk, Recreation Center and/or Bike Butler’s website www.bikebutler.com. Caution is required since trail is open to hikers. Enjoy our challenging terrain and scenic beauty. One loop for the Fossil Trail is 4.5 miles and considered moderate skill level. Contact Tanya Supplee, Recreation Supervisor. 502-732-4384 or Tanya.Supplee@ky.gov

Mountain Biking Day at the Macedonia Trail-Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

5/3/2009

This trail area is mostly a series of 3 main single track loops, which all connect and are well marked. Most riding is considered intermediate, but is compatible for beginners who may want to walk a few rocky or root covered sections which are a bit more technical. There are also a few easily seen creek crossings, which are often dry, that can easily be walked. Loop 1 descends into a scenic creek valley with some nice cliff areas. Loops 2 and 3 travel through wooded, rolling areas, with some short steep climb but nothing too long. There will be riders there who are familiar with the area, to answer questions about the trail, and also to lead those who wish. The length of the trail is from 4-6 miles, depending on the route taken, and can be shortened if necessary. The ride will take place rain or shine, unless the surface is so wet that it would be damaged. Registration fee is $5 per person or $10 per family. Contact Becky Clark, Park Naturalist. 270-797-3421. RebeccaE.Clark@ky.gov

Barkley Cycling Classic-Lake Barkley State Resort Park

5/16/2009

Plan to be a part of this exciting bicycle tour through the hills, hollows, and waterfront around Lake Barkley State Resort! This 1-day event offers your choice of a 15-, 35-, or 55-mile ride. Registration fee of $20 covers sag wagon, event t-shirt, use of Fitness Center facilities and dinner on the day of the event. Lodging is available and pre-registration is required at least two weeks in advance. Call Chris Scott at 1-800-325-1708.

MISCELLANEOUS

4th Annual Geocache Weekend –Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

4/24/2009 to 4/26/2009

Celebrate Earth Day Weekend at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park during our annual Geocache Weekend. This event is designed for the beginning cachers to the experienced veterans. Please bring your own GPS. The weekend will include an instructional presentation, 2 days of cache hunts of various levels of difficulty and prizes for first to find. $20.00 per couple (additional children $10), $10 per individual. For registration contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.

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, visit: http://www.parks.ky.gov/adventure/default.htm

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov