Kentucky will be taking part in National Trails Day on June 5 with events 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.getoutky.com

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:

Barren River Lake State Park, Lucas – Interpretive Hike – An interpretive hike will start at 2 p.m. CDT. Participants will meet in front of the Louie B. Nunn Lodge.  Participants will receive a waterproof backpack tag with the seven principles of Leave No Trace. There is no fee for the hike, which will be of easy to moderate difficulty. 

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus – Hike and free admission to museum – Visit Columbus-Belmont State Park on June 5 for National Trails Day.  Stop by the gift shop for self-guided trail map and a free bottle of water.  Participants will also receive free admission to the Civil War Museum.  270-677-2327.

Dale Hollow State Resort Park, Burkesville – Hook or Hike Day – Dale Hollow is celebrating “Free Fishing Weekend” and National Trails Day on June 5, 2010. Borrow a fishing pole from the recreation department for FREE to hook a fish or hike part of our 15 miles of trails. Several programs such as “Learn How to Fish,” Leave No Trace and guided hikes will be offered throughout the day to interpret the history, wildlife and ecology of the park. For more information call 1-800-325-2282.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville – National Trails Day Hike – Meet at Picnic Grove at 2 p.m. This program is free to the public. The intention of National Trails Day is to inspire the public and trail enthusiasts to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn and celebrate trails. Join the state park naturalist on a hike along Goose Creek Trail to discover all it has to offer.  Guests will learn about the efforts to maintain the trails and learn about the plants, birds, insects and animals that live along the creek. 502-429-7270.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup – Fern Valley Trail Hike -The Fern Valley Trail Hike is a one mile loop trail that begins at the end of the parking lot at the Jesse Stuart Lodge. The Fern Valley Trail follows a hillside path then winds through a valley. Guests will find a variety of vegetation and often see deer, squirrels and many different songbirds. The trail is fairly easy walking and returns to the starting point.  The free, interpretive hike will start at 9 a.m. and will last about 90 minutes.  800-325-0083.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson – Creatures of the Night Adventure Trek – Venture out with our Interpretation staff on National Trails Day and discover the mysticism of nighttime creatures.  Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and meet us at the Audubon Museum. Hike lasts from 6:30-9 p.m. Contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown – Twilight Trail Trek – Grab your flashlight and walking shoes as we unlock nature’s wonders of the night!  Join our park naturalist at the nature center on Saturday, June 5, at 8 p.m. CDT for an exciting nighttime trail excursion.  All the sights and sounds of the night will come alive as we make our way down scenic Lake Bluff Trail.  The 1.5 mile trek will contain moderate walking and climbing, but will be conducted at a leisurely pace.  Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  The hike is free, so join us for a great time. 800-325-1709.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade – Sheltowee Trace Trail – Enjoy a day of hiking on the Sheltowee Trace Trail, which is Kentucky’s longest trail. As a part of the National Trails Day, two different hikes will be offered along the Sheltowee Trace Trail at Natural Bridge at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Hikers will get a good look at the area’s rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches.  Hikers will meet at the Hemlock Lodge lobby for each hike.  The fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 10-17. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  The minimum age requirement is 10 years old.  Space is limited and registration is required.  Contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.morgan@ky.gov or 606 663-2214 to register for the hikes or for more information. As part of the National Trails Day, two Leave No Trace programs will be offered at the Nature Center at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Pennyrile Forest State Park, Dawson Springs – Hiking Trails – Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking several of the park’s trails.  Guests can hike parts of the Lake Trail and Pennyroyal Trail.  Guests are welcome to bring hand clippers to help us tidy up the trail as we enjoy it.  This event is open to adults and children ages 5 and up.  All children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  This event is free and will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 800-325-1711.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville – Hike to Blanton Forest – Pine Mountain State Resort Park will observe National Trails Day with a hiking adventure through Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve, one of the largest remaining stands of old-growth forest in the Eastern United States. The guided hike involves strenuous hiking so participants should wear sturdy boots.  Be sure to bring water, snacks and/or a sack lunch.  The outing will last about six hours.  The tour will leave the park lodge at 8 a.m. and return at around 2 p.m. Van transportation to the forest will be offered to the first 10 to register and the hike will be limited to a maximum of 20 participants.  The registration fee is $15 per person. To register, contact Naturalist, Dean Henson at Dean.Henson@ky.gov or by phone at (606) 337-3066.  A minimum of five participants is required to conduct the guided hike.

Here are some other trail-related events being held on or around June 5:

Hidden River Cave, Horse Cave June 5 Special off-trail Adventure Tour of Hidden River Cave for families. Participating children must be 12 years old. Includes admission to the American Cave Museum. Trips at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fee is $25 per person. Contact Peggy Nims to register at pnims@glasgow-ky.com.

 ATV Riding on Black Mountain, Evarts June 4-5 Both easy and extreme rides will be leaving out from the North Evarts RV site. Free ATV rides with the Harlan County Ridge Runners ATV Club Staff. There is a permit charge to ride the park on your own, but no fee for the free guided rides. Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visit www.ridgerunnersnation.com or call 877-737-0778 or 606-837-3710.

Trail Maintenance, Daniel Boone National Forest June 4-5 Sheltowee Trace on Peters Mountain. Sheltowee Outfitters are offering discounts for rafting trips for all participants. Leaves the Stearns Ranger Station at 8 a.m.  If you are interested in helping contact Pam Gibson at equineangel11@gmail.com , Sheltowee Trace Outfitters: (800) 541-7238

Guided Off-Trail Natural Forest Exploration and Self-Guided Natural Forest Hike, Bernheim Arboretum and Forest June 5 The forest exploration trip starts at 9 a.m. at the visitor’s center and will guide you off trail through areas of the natural forest that are seldom seen by visitors, including a great eagle watch area. Along the way, your guides will share Bernheim history and lore. This six to eight mile trek is for experienced hikers only. Fee is $7 for members and $10 for non-members. The Self-Guided Natural Forest Hike is a walk along the fire roads in Bernheim’s tranquil natural forest area. Visitors can register and pick up their map at the Visitor’s Center between 9 a.m. and noon. Hikers must return to the Visitor’s Center to sign back in no later than 4 p.m. Free to non-members with $5 per car admission. Call 502-955-8822 for registration or visit www.bernheim.org

 2010 Paddle Pickup, Bardstown June 5 Participants will paddle down Beech Fork River picking up tires and trash along the river banks, so be ready to get a little dirty. Trash bags and gloves will be provided, but it never hurts to bring extras. Some refreshments will be available before and after the pickup, but feel free to bring your own. The entire run should take about four hours. Starts at 9 a.m. For additional info, call David Brock at 606-269-9843 or www.wildernesstrailoffroadpark.net

ATV Cruisin’ for a Cure, PikevilleJune 5 Prize ride to benefit the American Cancer Society. Two -hour poker run style ride with $100 prize and door prizes, followed by free lunch, then additional guided trail rides. No minimum donation required. Starts at 10 a.m. at Bridge to Nowhere on Highway 119. For information, call David Brock at 606-269-9843 or www.wildernesstrailoffroadpark.net

Adventure Day at Shaker Village, near Harrodsburg June 5 The Shakers made time for fun and you should too. Add a little adventure to your day.  Join the staff and partners at Shaker Village for a free day packed full of guided hikes, fishing, waterfalls, vista views and plenty of fresh air. Adventure Day at Shaker Village welcomes the community to explore our 3,000-acre backyard. Starts at 9 a.m. Call 859-734-1545 / 800-734-5611 x1545 or email info@shakervillageky.org for more information.

Tour De Cave, Bowling Green June 5 Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just beginning to fall in love with your bike, we have the route for you. Cruise the beautiful and scenic Kentucky countryside into Mammoth Cave National Park (43 & 65 mile routes only) and explore the beautiful back roads of Warren, Barren and Edmonson counties on the route of your choosing. The Tour de Cave is celebrating its 22nd year by revamping the longer two routes to include more of the national park’s untamed beauty. All routes are fully supported, with assistance stations every 15-20 miles providing Gatorade, water, snacks and words of encouragement. Roving assistance vehicles are also available for road support. All riders must wear a helmet, sign a release waiver and obey traffic laws. Fees required to register. Routes from eight to 65 miles. Registration and start at Oakland Elementary School 7:30-8:15 a.m. Information is available at: www.bglob.com/tdc.php or email Stephen.Ogden@mac.com