The Kentucky State Parks are offering hikers an opportunity to see waterfalls, age-old fossils, hundreds of species of birds, and plant species that existed when dinosaurs roamed the land.

It’s all part of a free program called Trail Shape. Hike on 16 trails during a 1-year period and become eligible for a drawing for a 2-night stay at a Kentucky State Resort Park. The trails total 40 miles and hikers must document their experience with photos at designated “photo spots.”

“The Trail Shape program was developed to combine people’s desire to get fit and stay in shape, while exploring some of our great state parks and Kentucky’s beautiful scenery all at the same time” says Carey Tichenor, director of Recreation & Interpretation for Kentucky State Parks.  “Why not enjoy the great outdoors while exercising?  It is much more interesting than a treadmill or walking laps around the block.”

The trails vary from one to five miles and feature different terrain. Along your treks, you are asked to keep a written journal of your outings. The journal should include start and end dates, date of each individual hike, time, weather conditions, and any unique observations and experiences along your hike.

Once completed, submit your digital photos from the designated photo spots, along with an electronic copy of your hiking journal on CD. Select entries will be chosen for posting on the Kentucky State Parks website (unless you opt-out) to share with and inspire others.

If all trails are completed and documented, you will receive a Trail Shape certificate, Trail shape custom bandana, and will be entered into a drawing for a 2 night stay at a Kentucky State Resort Park.

For details and a list of the trails and photo spots, visit www.parks.ky.gov and look for the Trail Shape logo.

Kentucky State Parks offer nearly 300 miles of hiking trails throughout the state, ranging from short walks of less than a mile to several trails of more than 10 miles. Visit www.parks.ky.gov for more details.

For more information about recreational trails in Kentucky, visit www.tourism.ky.gov/outdoors/

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