Archive for the ‘North Central’ Category
It is time again for the popular State Parks Family Adventure Quest. Teams of 2-6 will work to complete various challenges and answer questions throughout the State Parks system. This is a great way for families to discover our Parks and have a lot of fun while doing it. Each State Park has its own unique character and history, and this is a great way to explore the Parks and learn more about them. There will again be prizes this year for teams that complete a required number of challenges. 20 out of 25 will earn you a $25 State Parks Gift Card, while completing all 25 will ne
t a $50 State Parks gift card.
While it may be called the Family Adventure Quest, it is also great for groups of friends and outdoor enthuasists. Visit the Family Adventure Quest website to see what other participants are saying & to get your team registered: http://www.parks.ky.gov/family-adventure-quest/default.aspx
So, it’s time to get your team rounded up, get out the camera and the hiking boots and take off on the 2012 Kentucky State Parks Family Adventure Quest!
Dixie Belle beneath High Bridge
On Monday, July 11th, Director of Adventure Tourism, Elaine Wilson, and myself headed out on one of our better site visits. We spent the HOT! afternoon with owner and guide of Dix River Adventures, Brad Johnson. The temperature was well in the 90s (before the heat index) when we met at the boat ramp at 1:00 o’clock. The beginning of our journey was in fact at pool 7 of the Kentucky River. The ramp is just upstream from lock number 7, and is about 1 mile downstream from the mouth of the Dix. As you near the confluence with the Dix, you pass underneath High Bridge. High Bridge is a railroad bridge that spans the Kentucky River connecting Jessamine to Mercer county 280 feet above the water. As we approach the bridge, Brad informed us that the land on the righthand side of the river was all part of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. We soon were passing the landing at Shaker Village where the popular river boat, The Dixie Belle was located.
We then entered the Dix and headed upstream. The Dix River serves as the tailwaters for Herrington Lake. As we were making our way upstream, Brad asked us to place our hands in the water. As we continued to move along there was a sudden drop in water termperature. The water temperature went from a warm 82 degrees, to 60 degrees, immediately. I was informed that this was due to the water flowing out of the bottom of the lake. This is also what helps make this stretch of the Dix River a trophy trout fishery. We finally arrived at our first fishing site, just below a set of riffles that prevented us from traveling all the way to the dam. Here ,within minutes, Elaine boated a nice rainbow trout. We fished for a few hours more as we traveled back downstream towards the Kentucky River. By the end of the trip we had caught spotted bass, a hybrid striped bass, and plenty of bluegill. It was a pretty succesful trip considering the time of day and oppressive heat.
Brad proved to be an incredible guide. His boat is an 18′ Tracker Grizzly, powered by a 50 hp Mercury outboard. You hear tales of river rats that know the water “like the back of their hand”, well the same can be said about Brad. He also knows about the history of the river and numerous spots of interest along the way. We had no trouble as we moved up and down the rivers through what could be potentially hazardous boating for those that are unfamilar with the waterways. The customers safety and comfort come first when you’re out with Brad. He can not only put you on the fish, but can also tell you how what to do to get bit. Brad can work with any skill of angler, ensuring that they have a fun time on the water. Rather or not the fish are biting, everyone will appreciate the views and landscape on their trip. I was awed by what I saw as we traveled the river. It was even more impressive knowing it was right in my backyard, and I had never been to see it before.
Dix River Adventures' Brad Johnson & Kentucky Adventure Tourism Director Elaine Wilson
I went into this trip knowing little about this section of the Kentucky River and the Dix River. What I learned is that there is a great fishery that is there, and its close to home. The trip from Lexington to the boat ramp was hardly more than half an hour. I would HIGHLY recommend getting in touch with Brad if you plan on fishing this area and have never done so before. Not only will it greatly increase your chances of success, you can ensure that you’ll get up and down the river without any mishaps. For more information on Dix River Adventures and to get your trip scheduled, visit his website at www.dixriveradventures.com, or on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dix-River-Adventures/123699501004778.
Kentucky Adventure Tourism
This upcoming weekend promises to be a good one. Saturday June 4 is National Trails Day. Parks, trail associations, paddling associations and many others are hosting special events across the state. If you haven’t yet made plans, hop onto the homepage, www.getoutky.com, and check out the National Trails Day Calendar. There is something for everyone all over the state. Round up the kids, friends & family and get outside and enjoy one of Kentucky’s scenic trails. This weekend is also the “Free Fishing Weekend” in Kentucky. Anglers young and old can fish anywhere in the
commonwealth without having a fishing license this Saturday & Sunday, the 4th & 5th of June. With more miles of navigable water than any state in the lower 48, no matter where you live in Kentucky there is good fishing nearby. A great option for fishing opportunities is in one of the Fishing in Neighborhoods Lakes (FINs) operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. There are 34 fins lakes in 21 counties currently, and all of them are regularly stocked. For more information on Free Fishing Weekend, FINs lakes or anything fishing related, visit www.fw.ky.gov. No matter what outdoor pursuit you choose this weekend, make sure you’re outside taking advantage of the great opportunities we have here in the Bluegrass!
My Ebenezer? Nah.
“Kentucky rain keeps pouring down, and up ahead’s another town that I’ll go walking through, with the rain in my shoe…”
-Elvis
My right eyeball sat three inches from the roaring water rushing down the mountain stream. I had gone from standing to flat on my side in less than a second. I was just lucky to have landed on the rock instead of in the water. My right arm was now throbbing, scuffed, and I feared it might be broken. Meanwhile, I took stock of my situation. A little wet. Still had my camera, my wallet, my keys, but my pride had floated downstream somewhere…
* * *
The picture perfect day at Greenbo Lake had been a Technicolor dream, much like Dorothy’s in the Wizard of Oz. Back to the black and white reality of storm clouds on Friday and the last smidgen of the tour. The radar on the morning TV weather updates showed a big blob of rainy reflection covering the entire state. I was used to it by now. Back onto route one and south to I-64, then west for the first time in days.
Carter Caves State Resort is so close to Greenbo Lake that I had barely finished my coffee before pulling into the park. I was curious to see how the karst environment here compared to the caves around my base camp in Bowling Green. Carter County has some 200 caverns around the park, and two are open to the public. It used to be more before White Nose Syndrome and its fungus started to destroy bat populations on the east coast.
A hike was first before the cave tour, and I got advice from Kacie Bledsoe at the front desk. She suggested the 3 bridges trail, and I had the mental image of picturesque wooden structures over mountain cascades. It would rather be more like the natural bridges I had seen a couple of days earlier. I filled my water bottle, jerked my head around to the front desk, and said “If I’m not back in three hours, then I’m having too much fun!” I was off.
The forest had a misty ruggedness associated with a springtime rain. Though it was not falling from the sky, water did drip continuously from the vegetation. And calm were the woods on this day. I jumped several turkey and deer on the way to the rock formations, and was pleased with yet another scenic hike for the week. The area around the lake’s dam was the most enjoyed, as a “fake” bridge crossed over a spillway and gave reason to watch the rushing water for several minutes.
After the hike and fried green tomatoes for lunch, it was time for a cave tour. I showed up to the visitor’s center down the hill from the lodge and missed the tour by five minutes. The next wouldn’t be for two hours. So I bought a few things in the gift shop and drove to a nearby pull off that overlooked a stream. It was loud and white and in a hurry, and I was curious to see what was in a nearby cave across the way. It looked like a waterfall! I surveyed the stream. Rocks were available to cross without getting submerged, at least for 75 percent of the span. The other 25 percent was going to have to be that fated hop, skip, or jump. I looked and looked, but no other way around it. Either get wet, or jump across. I found my rock. The water still rushing, I skipped (why not?). The rock was slick. I wasn’t so slick. Down I went (see kids, this is why you stay on bridges…).
Ouch!
Though my life didn’t flash before my eyes, the water sure did. I came within a foot of going in the drink! You should have seen it! I went from upright to downright in less time than it took to gasp. I got myself back up and checked on my arm. Then the inevitable happened. The sky burst asunder in further punishment. A mountain sized downpour. All I could do was drop my shoulders and mumble. I made it back to my car and shut the door, laughing. It could have been worse.
X-Cave
To the long awaited X-Cave at that point and a tour led by park naturalist Sam Plummer. Several were on the tour this day from a multi-state area including as far as Wisconsin. The cave really did form an “X” in the center, a result of two caves becoming one after several years of getting closer and closer together. Kind of like me and the Kentucky State Parks this week.
I am heading back to Bowling Green and bringing the tour to a close. A reflection on the trip in a few days. Stay tuned…
Morning has broken
The prognosis is not good. It’s the middle of the night and I get on my computer, which has come in handy on this tour. It’s allowed me to upload pictures and blogs on the go. Tonight it’s logged onto my Facebook newsfeed. Reports out of Bowling Green and Lexington don’t look promising. Tornado Warning, Warren County. Tornado Warning, Lexington. Tornado Watch, Slade. I’m surrounded by hemlocks towering several feet above me on cliff lines and surely one of them will be in my car when I leave the room in a few hours. I watch as the green patch moves closer to my dot on the radar map, red following close behind. It’s the red patch on the radar that scares me. But red dissolves and green is kind, allowing for only some wind and thunder to pass over the Natural Bridge State Resort Park for the wee hours of the AM. I slumber back to sleep.
Trickle at Grayson Lake
I awake to find a cloud hung in the mountain outside my window, trying to get away but held in by the scenery. I can relate. It was time for me to leave the gorge and all its bridges, but the mountain had me held in its grasp. Alas, I stop by the front desk and get directions for my next stop on the tour and head for Mt. Sterling. From there onto I-64 east towards Grayson Lake State Park. For the next few days, a triangle of parks, as Carter Caves, Grayson, and Greenbo are all relatively close together, but with far different appeal from each other.
Grayson was once a favorite camping spot of Indian tribes traveling through the area. Now, centuries later, I travel through on a three-mile trail that leads to an attractive series of waterfalls. Hemlock and Beech grow in tandem here, an unusual combination. And more
Lick Falls
of the mountain environment I’ve grown to love the past several days. I think of the early settlers and the life they must have had before convenience set in and brought things to a faster pace. I look at the green of the leaves flavored by the pinks and whites of surrounding bloom. I listen to water trickle over rocks covered in moss. I hear birds chirp and leaves rustle under squirrel foot. And pause to enjoy more of my Kentucky home in a way everyone should.
Grayson is known more for the exceptional golf course on site, and I did find a ball in the woods as I hiked. So a great locale if you golf and hike and have a desire to camp near a lake. Glad I got to include this park in the tour.
To Greenbo tomorrow and morel hunting! Stay tuned.
A combination pizza joint and campground? I must be near the gorge. Pulling out of Natural Bridge State Resort Park and driving on highway 11, several little tents sit outside Miguel’s Pizza, which has been a headquarters for climbers since the 1980s. I was heading to the geological area for the day to drive the American Scenic Byway that runs through it.
What if I could promise you Smoky Mountain type scenery without the Smoky Mountain type crowds? You know the feeling. Taking an awesome picture, but a million people are standing behind the camera to dilute the experience. Not the case here. Get ready to feel like you’re outdoors. Words on a blog won’t do justice to what you’ll see in the Red River Gorge. Neither will pictures. It’s truly one of the country’s most scenic areas. You get that feeling the moment you pass through the tight one-lane Nada Tunnel into the wilderness. Just look around and you’ll see giant cliffs towering several feet above you. The Red welcomes you to the right. And if you have a sporty car, it will be happy to play with the curves for the next several hours. And hours it will take. I spent the next five hours to go 40 miles. That’s because you’ll want to pull off at every parking spot along the way for short walks to the attractions nearby. Each short hike is no more than a mile in length to get to what is on 
display, whether it be an arch or overlook. Or waterfall. I rubbernecked at Angel Falls, which sits off the side of the road past the Gladie Learning Center. Finding the nearest pull off, I ran down the road to the falls, and when I climbed up to take a close picture, I saw where someone had already written my name on the rock! Guess I had a reservation…
Princess Arch
I stopped at Sky Bridge. I stopped at Angel Windows. Princess Arch and Chimney Top Rock. Driving up and down one lane forest service roads, smiling as I slid through some of the curves kicking up gravel dust. Rock Bridge in the nearby Clifty Wilderness was the last stop of the day, and features the only bridge with water still running underneath. Creation Falls is close by and put a fine cap on the day. There’s a bagillion other sights in the gorge that you can hike to on longer trails, and I suspect a hiker could spend years in there and not fill their tank up with experiences.
Rock Bridge
I had done so much hiking by the end of the day that I stopped and ate a whole large pizza at a local Marathon in Wolfe County. Searching for a drink and Ale-8-One dominated the sales case. In bottles, no less. The sales girl asked if I had a bottle to return for deposit, and I felt like I had suddenly stepped back in time. I had to look for a bottle opener and found one mounted on the counter. Back to the lodge and a night watching the rain possibly come and soak the rest of the tour. To the other trails at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park today!
Dewey
March 19, 2011
For months now I’ve had a bad case of cabin fever. I’ve stared longingly out my windows watching the freezing rain, snow & ice pile up while the temperature plummeted. I’ve filled the void studying up with magazines, online articles, watching TV shows, keeping up with the most recent reports, restocking supplies and purchasing new weapons for my arsenal. Finally, it seems spring has sprung and its time to fish…
Fishing is good in Kentucky year round, no doubt about it. During the spring months though, it kicks into high gear. As dogwoods bloom and bull frogs croak, all of the underwater creatures in Kentucky shake off the cob webs and come to life. A few weeks ago I found myself home in Pikeville and was excited about seeing what kind of state the fish were in. After some debate and a little bit of study, my two friends and I settled on Dewey Lake as the location and bass as the target. Our vessels that day were boats in the technical sense, but were by no means what
The Armada
you’d see in a big time money tournament. One was a plastic outfit called a Pelican boat, available at numerous outfitters and sporting goods stores, and the other a flat bottom 16 footer. We were powering both with 40 lb thrust trolling motors and prayer.
The weather was supposed to reach the 60s and there was a chance for some wind. With this in mind we figured that the main lake would be crowded, and that it might be hard to get around in and position our boats with the traffic and wind. I suggested fishing the headwaters of the lake at a place called German Bridge. German Bridge campground sits adjacent to the Dewey Lake WMA and the 22 miles of horse trails that were just opened up in the fall of 2010. It is much more secluded and better suited for our fleet. We arrived at the ramp around 7:45 in the morning and realized we had a big problem. The water was down, and down significantly. There had been weeks of rain and snow leading up to this and I couldn’t imagine that the water would be this low, but there I stood in the muddy bank looking at a trickle of lake water.
With Plan A scrapped, we regrouped and decided to try our luck on the main lake. We were already there, and frankly we’ve had worse ideas. We decided to drive around the lake shore and eventually found a bank where we carried our small craft down to launch. There are quite a few spots along the shoreline at Dewey that allow for this if you have a smaller boat. Of course, there are two boat ramps available for fishermen and boaters with larger boats. Once out on the water, my main concern was simply staying dry. The fish had nothing to worry about for the better part of the morning as I tried desperately to get my balance and not end up in the water.
High Class Boat Launch
I wish that I could offer you some insight into how the fishing was, and what was catching them. As busy as the lake was, I’m sure somebody had figured them out, unfortunately it wasn’t us. At the end of the day we had only boated two bass, both of which were small. It looked as though there were a lot of people crappie fishing on this particular Saturday, and the banks were lined with anglers as well.
None the less, it was a great day to be on the water. We saw a gentleman enjoying a float in a kayak, and it was a great day for it. Kayaks are available for rent at the state park if you don’t own your own, and Dewey Lake makes a great location for some flat water paddling. We took out at the same bank where we launched, and fortunately the trip up the bank was almost as smooth as our trip down that morning had been.
As the weather continues to warm and water temperatures rise look for fishing for all species to pick up. This is an exciting time of year, and a great time to get outside no matter what your outdoor pursuits are.
This is no longer a vacation. It’s a quest, a quest for adventure.
by Seth Wheat
We’re now one month into a new year. You’ve got eleven months left to get outside and have some fun before 2011 is a thing of the past. If you’re looking for something new to try, let me suggest the Kentucky State Parks Family Adventure Quest. What’s an adventure quest? Excellent question, the State Parks Family Adventure Quest can best be described as a photo& trivia scavenger hunt. It will lead you through various parks and historic sites as you seek the answer to trivia questions and search for the perfect photo op.
That's right buddy, all the adventure you can handle
The adventure quest is a team quest, but it isn’t a race. You and your team can take from now until December 1, 2011 to complete as many challenges as you can and get your pictures sent into the Department of Parks. Some challenges may seem easy and straight-forward, but some will require teamwork, cleverness and, most importantly,
a sense of adventure. The Family Adventure Quest is a great way for families to enjoy our State Parks and spend some time outdoors, but it’s also perfect for couples, friendly competitions, scout groups, so on and so forth. So, what is a quest without a holy grail?
The quest is made up of 25 total challenges. For completing 20 of them you will earn a $50.00 State Parks gift certificate. For those that are committed, and complete all 25 challenges, you will earn an $85.00 State Parks gift certificate! To get your teams registered and learn more go to www.parks.ky.gov/adventure or call 1-800-255-PARK.
Known by locals as Mountain Drive, the Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park in Bell County is a great place to go and play in the mountains. I traveled down to Bell County on Monday, August 9, 2010 with Adventure Tourism Director Elaine Wilson. In case you haven’t been outside in the past week, or been out of the country, it was HOT that day all over the bluegrass. We didn’t let that deter us though and we met up with Bell County’s Adventure Tourism Director, Jon Grace. Jon was an excellent host and tour guide as he took us to the Pinnacle Overlook atop Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The view from this spot is worth an entire blog itself, but I will move onto the main attraction.
Once we got to the Off-Road Park we were soon surrounded by members of the local off-road club, The Holler Crawlers (whose slogan I conveniently borrowed as the title for this blog- hope you guys don’t mind!). The Holler Crawlers were a great group of people that ranged in age from high school to a number of retired folks. They all share a passion for riding and the club takes care of clean-up and maintenance on the trail. They also host several rides each year whose proceeds go to benefit a number of different charities. I realize I’ve sidetracked again, but I felt the club should get its fair share of credit.
The Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park covers 9,000 acres and provides access to over 100 miles of trails. Most of the trails are suited for any skill level of rider with gravel surfaces and gentle grades. There are also some more challenging, and even some expert sections of trail, that should probably not be attempted by beginner riders. The famed Mud Bowl is, well, a large pit/crater that fills with mud and attracts those who want to get really dirty. On the day we were there the Mud Bowl was at least a few feet deep . . . sadly there were no takers. Don’t forget to bring your fishing poles and fishing license with when you visit because there are plenty of ponds that are well stocked with different species of fish. The Cumberland River and Yellow Creek border the park and anglers can access them from the park as well. With so much to do and see I would have to recommend that people camp at the park when they go visit, which is allowed throughout the park.
Being from Pike County I have seen my fair share of great mountain-top views. That said, the scenes from Bell County were absolutely breathtaking. In fact, you can see the path that Daniel Boone carved when ventured into Kentucky via the Cumberland Gap.
When it comes to ATV riding in eastern Kentucky, many people want to focus only on Harlan or Knott Counties. That is more than understandable due to the hundreds of miles of great ATV/OHV trails in those counties. However, it would be foolish I feel to not go and check out what Bell County, as well as other parts of eastern Kentucky, has to offer. I can guarantee you’ll find good riding, good conversation, and plenty of hospitality if you decide to visit Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park. Check out the pictures Elaine snapped from the trip! Last but not least, be sure to wear your helmet when riding!
Wilderness Trail Off-Road Park
www.wildernesstrailoffroadpark.net
My first blog details not only a first for me, but also a first for Kentucky. On Monday, July 22, 2010, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Mammoth Cave Adventures in Cave City, Kentucky highlighting the Commonwealth’s first zip line canopy tour. The event was enhanced by the presence of our First Lady, Jane Beshear. After a few speeches and many words of gratitude, it was time to get down to business. Zip-liners are split up into groups of 5-8 people. The zip line course itself is a series of 5 separate, connecting sections. Each section has a wooden platform to stand on as you wait for other members of the group, and provide an anchored point for users to be clipped onto. The lines range in height, length, and speed, with the fastest section spanning 900+ ft. and reaching top speed of around 35 mph. You become more accustom to handling your direction and landing as they go on through the course. Personally, I didn’t get the hang of it until the 5th and final section, but others mastered it much quicker.
At the start of the day I noticed what I thought to be an excessively large staff. It soon became apparent that it is absolutely necessary to have that many employees because users must be instructed, fitted for gear, clipped on to safety guide wires, attached to the zip line, sent and received at each platform. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely safety conscience. They definitely enhanced the experience.
Shane Bull is the owner/operator of Mammoth Cave Adventures, which offers guided horseback rides and camping along with the zip-line. It is a family affair in Hart County and Cave City as Shane’s parents own nearby Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak and the Wayfarer Inn B&B. So, if you find yourselves near Mammoth Cave and looking for something to do- I would highly recommend stopping by and seeing the Bulls and what they have to offer.
“Zip On”!
Seth Wheat, North Central Region
Mammoth Cave Adventures
(270)-773-6087
www.mammothcave-adventures.com
Home / Site Map / Sponsorship / Privacy Policy / Disclaimer / Accessibility
THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TRAVEL
Capital Plaza Tower 22nd Floor, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
1-800-225-8747
© 2010, Kentucky Department of Travel. All rights reserved.
Web Design & Search Engine Optimization by Aristotle ®
