If you’re suffering from cabin fever or the winter doldrums, now’s the
time to hit the hiking trails of Kentucky. In many ways, winter is the
best season for hiking in the Bluegrass State, as summer humidity and
high-season crowds give way to crisp air and fewer adventurers on the
trails. It’s a good time to get out of the house and generate some heat
of your own with one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise.
Winter’s leafless trees reveal stunning Kentucky vistas, whether in the
eastern mountains or the western lakes regions. Birds and other
wildlife are more easily spotted in winter, providing an extra bonus to
hikers who venture out this time of year. Great spots for winter vistas
include
Daniel Boone National Forest and
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in the Appalachian region and
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in southwestern Kentucky.
Popular places for winter hiking near Louisville include
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, whose 24 miles of trails afford impressive views of the Ohio River.
You might also want to try hiking underground, also known as spelunking.
It’s a popular winter pastime since Kentucky’s many caves maintain
nearly constant year-round temperatures in the mid-50s. At
Mammoth Cave National Park, you can hike both below and above ground in a truly unique natural setting.
Many of Kentucky’s 51
state parks
feature hiking trails that are great places to get close to nature
during winter. Make the excursion a cozy winter weekend at 17 state
resort parks that offer lodge accommodations. At resort parks including
Carter Caves, Barren River Lake, Pennyrile Forest and Lake Cumberland,
you can even settle into cottages with wood-burning fireplaces after a
full day on the trails.
Organized hikes are an enjoyable way to share your winter hiking
experience with likeminded adventurers. For example, join in a weekend
hiking adventure Jan. 13-15, 2012 at
Pine Mountain State Resort Park.
The expedition will encompass eight miles on three guided hikes in one
weekend. Gaze out across the Cumberland Mountains from Knobby Rock in
the midst of the celebrated Blanton Forest; stand on the mountain peak
where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia adjoin; and feel the weight of
history in the saddle of the Cumberland Gap Pass. Investigate a Native
American camp in a sandstone rockhouse, re-live the folk history of the
legendary Chained Rock and examine a natural arch on the vaulted south
slope of Pine Mountain.
Evening programs will feature an introduction to the adventure sport of
geocaching, a GPS primer, Leave No Trace concepts, and a Backpacking 101
session.
The park is offering a discounted Getaway Package Special. Package
prices are $125 (single) and $170 (double) and include accommodations
for two nights, two evening meals, complimentary hiking staff, and
admission to guided hikes and evening programs. The non-package
registration fee for participation is $20 for adults, $10 for youths
13-17, and children 12 and under are free. Registration is required. To
register or to make a reservation, call the park’s Guest Services Desk
at (800) 325-1712 and mention the Hike the Highlands Winter Getaway.
For more information about hiking in Kentucky
click here to explore all the trails.