Spring finds me already knee deep in a busy hiking schedule. I’ve already been on 31 hikes this year dating back to the first week in January. So far I’ve seen a frozen lake, hiked in the snow, been to bear country, looked at Kentucky’s highest mountain, visited Cumberland Gap, and watched as the woods have turned green and wildflowers have bloomed. Who knows what I’ll get into here in the middle of the year. I’m looking for 100 hikes by December. I might just get to them!

Kentucky has enough adventure to keep you active for years without having to spend time and money traveling to another state. I’ve always tried to have a “Kentucky First” philosophy when looking for adventure. I’ve been out west to Yellowstone and spent time in the Smoky Mountains, but still find it rewarding to have some of my best outdoors memories right here in Kentucky. Last year, I went on a self titled “Cave Week.” I went to eight different caves in central Kentucky, including the Mammoth Cave National Park. It was in the middle of August when the temperature outside was well over 90 degrees. Inside the caves it was 57 degrees! A cool escape from a hot summer day! Just one of the unique opportunities awaiting you in this part of the state.

Over the next few months I’ll let you know of some places you can check out to have some family fun right here in Kentucky! These will include our state resort parks, state nature preserves, and many of our rivers and lakes, all waiting for you to come out and enjoy! So dust off your boots or get your kayak out of the garage! It’s time to get outdoors and have some unbridled adventure!

Cory Ramsey, South Central Region