Mapping the Sheltowee

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Celebrate Kentucky Trails Day Set For July 11 FRANKFORT, Ky. --

The Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority is inviting Kentuckians and their neighbors to get outside on July 11 for “Celebrate Kentucky Trails Day.” Kentucky has more than 3,000 miles of recreational trails used for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, ATVs, and even canoeing and kayaking. “Kentucky offers some excellent opportunities when it comes to trails,” said First Lady Jane Beshear. “We want July 11 to be a day when we recognize the great trails we have and to acknowledge all of those groups that work so hard to help develop and maintain these trails.” Several events are being held across the state to help draw attention to the variety of trails in Kentucky. The day is sponsored by the Office of Adventure Tourism and the Kentucky Department of Parks in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, along with individual trail groups.

These events include: (all times are local) - Greenbo Lake State Park and the Kentucky Horse Council will host an equestrian trail ride beginning at 10 a.m. with First Lady Jane Beshear. Bring your horse for a four-hour ride. Primitive camping areas will be available Friday and Saturday. The park has 25 miles of trails. Each horse must have a health certificate and Coggins test. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. For more information, contact Stephanie Poplin at Greenbo Lake at 606-473-7324. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park is on KY 1711, four miles west of KY 1, 18 miles north of I-64 from the Grayson exit. -

Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host hikes along its trails all day; there will be an announcement about the day at 11 a.m. Guests may use any of the 10 trails ranging in length from a half mile to 7.5 miles. The Kentucky Trails Association is also holding hikes at the park starting at 10 a.m. To register, contact Dennis Crowley at dennis.crowley@win.net Natural Bridge is also hosting an Exploring Arch Country Guided Hike on July 11 that starts at 9 a.m. from the lodge. This hike, which will be from 6 to 12 miles, is limited to 12 hikers and a $10 fee and registration is required. For more information and to register, call 606-663-2214. The park is 52 miles southeast of Lexington off the Mountain Parkway on KY 11 at Slade. -

Green River Lake State Park will host a mountain bike ride starting after an 11 a.m. announcement by Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. The park offers over 25 miles of biking trails with a variety of skill levels. Green River Lake State Park is south of Campbellsville on KY 55. For more information, contact Matt Osborne at 502-564-4270, ext. 415. -

The Turkey Bay Off Highway Vehicle Park at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area will host an OHV ride beginning with an announcement by Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo at 11 a.m. CT. With approximately 100 miles of trails, there is plenty of opportunity for fun, just remember to bring your helmet. Call Matt Osborne at 502-564-4270, ext. 415 with questions.

- Lake Barkley State Resort Park will host a Goat Island Canoe Tour from 9 a.m. to noon. Pennyrile State Park’s naturalist will join Lake Barkley State Park’s Recreation Leader for a morning paddling excursion around Little River’s Goat Island, locally known for its “wild” inhabitants. Prior paddling experience is not required for this 2 ½ -hour tour, but pre-registration is – call ahead to 800-325-1708. Participation is limited, so sign up by July 4. At $5 per person, it’s a summertime steal! Minors 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult; lifejackets are provided. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and prepare yourself for a pleasant morning on one of west Kentucky’s premier paddling trails. The resort is 29 miles west of Hopkinsville. Take US 68W to KY 1489. -

The Trail Riding Equestrians in Kentucky, Kentucky Trail Riders Association, Spencer County Trails Group and Taylorsville Lake State Park will host a day of hiking, biking and horseback riding at Taylorsville Lake State Park from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be food, games (with and without horses), vendors and music. There is a $15 registration fee (includes a meal and game tickets). The park has a campground, including 10 sites for horse camping, and a 24-mile trail system. For more information, contact Brenda Hancock at 502-477-5331. From Louisville, take I-64 to the Gene Snyder Freeway south and KY 155 to Taylorsville; turn east on KY 44 and drive nine miles to the park. If you can’t join in one of these events, please make sure to enjoy your favorite trail some other time. With over 3,000 miles of multi-use trails, Kentucky truly has something for everyone. To find the trail nearest you please visit www.kytourism.com/outdoors. For information about trails and other events at Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov