The Personal Benefits of Parks - Michael J. Bradley

Since I was born and reared about six miles from the "Falls," this article brought back some childhood memories of my days at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.  Even though it is not intentional, I think sometimes we take park opportunities like this for granted.  I hope you will find this article refreshing and perhaps it will energize you to plan and visit one of our special Kentucky State Parks in the not-too-distant future.

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Dawkins Line Rail Trail Officially Opens

One of 24 trestles along the first 18 miles of the Dawkins Line

RICEVILLE, Ky. —  Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear, along with trail enthusiasts and local officials, opened the first 18-mile section of the Dawkins Line Rail Trail today, June 15, 2013. The former railroad line is the newest adventure tourism attraction in Eastern Kentucky for hikers, horseback riders and cyclists.

“We want the Dawkins Line Rail Trail to attract tourists and help develop the local tourism economy,” Gov. Beshear said. “I know people are excited about the future of this trail and what it can do for this region.”

The Governor and First Lady joined with other officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony near Riceville in Johnson County, where an unimproved trailhead will be located.

Governor and Mrs. Beshear riding the Dawkins Line.

The first 18-mile leg of the trail, from Hagerhill in Johnson County to Royalton in Magoffin County, features 24 trestles and 662-foot Gun Creek Tunnel. Another trailhead is located at Royalton in Magoffin County.

“The natural beauty and rolling hillsides are perfect for hiking, cycling and horseback riding,” said Mrs. Beshear. “There’s a great demand for new trails and I believe the Dawkins Line will become very popular very soon.”

Work on the rail trail – the largest in the state -- was carried out by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The trail will be managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Parks Commissioner Elaine N. Walker getting
ready to take a ride on the Dawkins Line.

The Finance and Administration Cabinet issued a contract to BOCA Enterprises of Hagerhill for construction of the first phase and work was completed this month.

Gun Creek Tunnel (662 feet long)

State funding for the 36-mile former rail line was initially provided by the 2006 General Assembly. The purchase of the property from the R.J. Corman Railroad Group was finalized in the spring of 2011. The trail name comes from the Dawkins Lumber Company, which developed the rail line in the early 1900s for timber harvesting and transportation.

The Dawkins Line is modeled after another successful rails-to-trails project in southwest Virginia -- the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail in Virginia attracts over 200,000 visitors a year and has led to new businesses with a positive economic impact.

The Dawkins Line is for horseback riders, bicyclists, and hikers.

The 18-mile section currently has two unimproved trailheads; one near Riceville at Swamp Branch and the second at Royalton. Both have parking areas. The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is open during daylight hours and motorized vehicles are prohibited.

The second phase of the Dawkins Line Rail Trail is in the planning stages.  More information about the Dawkins Line Rail Trail is available at THIS WEBSITE. 

Article From The Herald Dispatch, Ashland, Ky

Photographs from Carter Caves Wildflower Weekend

During the weekend of April 19, Carter Caves State Resort Park hosted its second annual Wildflower Weekend.  The event included featured speakers, canoe excursions, van tours, guided hikes, invasive species eradication, and cave tours.  Pictures are worth a thousand words.  Hope you enjoy the wildflower pictures.

Rue Anemone

Wild Blue Violet

Wild Ginger Flower

Blue Phlox

Blue Phlox

Carter Caves Wildflower Weekend

Goldenstar: Photo by R. Vanover

April 19-21, 2013

Spring is arriving and with that comes the beauty of wildflowers bursting with splendid beauty.  Carter Caves State Resort Park will be hosting a wildflower weekend on April 19-21.  Experienced field trip leaders and naturalists will be leading hikes to observe these "spring beauties."  In addition, there will be birding field trips, canoeing excursions, fern walks, invasive species hike and eradication, and much more.  For information about the Carter Caves Weekend, please see the PDF File link below.  It has a complete schedule of events for your review.

Carter Caves PDF Wildflower Flier

Kentucky State Naturalist's Blog: Volunteer Trail Vacations for Kentucky

View of Pine Mountain

Great news!  Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) have been chosen by the American Hiking Society for Trail Volunteer Vacations for 2013.

Natural Bridge will host the event in April 2013 and the PMSST will host the event in September 2013.  These trips are great opportunities for those people who want to give back to the outdoor world through trail maintenance.  These trips are also located in many parts of the United States.

Natural Bridge in the fall

To schedule your Kentucky trip, visit the links below.

Natural Bridge American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation Link

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail American Hiking Society Vacation Link

Up The Creek With A Paddle!

Guests on a Cave Tour

Great paddling events are planned for Carter Caves State Resort Park for March, April, and May. Warm up the Spring with an adventure float down Tygarts Creek.  Known for its caves and outdoor amenities, Carter Caves State Resort Park has a dining room, cottages, lodge rooms, golf, horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing, and camping.

‘BYOK’ Tygart Creek Kayak Float
March 23 and May 11

This is a 6-mile kayak trip that navigates paddlers down Tygarts Creek, which cuts through one of Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorges. You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours. “BYOK” stands for bring your own kayak. The park provides the transportation shuttle from the Welcome Center and guides for your trip on the creek. You will see high cliffsides and the natural beauty that the spring has to offer. There will be a side trip into one of Kentucky’s largest natural limestone tunnels. Required equipment includes; kayak, paddle, PFD (life jacket), the correct attire for cool-weather paddling, a complete change of clothes, treaded footwear, flashlight (for natural tunnel visit), sack lunch, bottled water and a dry bag for your supplies.  Participants meet at the Welcome Center at 10 a.m. The cost is $25 per person. Limited space available; preregistration is required. Call the park’s recreation department to register, 1-800-325-0059. (This trip may be canceled due to high or low water levels or extreme weather conditions).

Paddling on Tygarts Creek

Tygart Creek ‘Regretta’ Canoe Excursion 

April 13, 14 and May 12

This is a 6-mile canoe trip that navigates paddlers through the Tygarts Creek Gorge, one of Kentucky's most scenic limestone gorges.  You will be on the creek for at least 3.5 hours.  Canoe experience is required. If you don’t have the experience, then you’ll know why we call this a “REGRETTA.” Along the way you’ll see high cliffsides and the natural beauty that the spring has to offer. There will also be a side trip into one of Kentucky’s largest natural limestone tunnels. A guide, canoes, paddles, life jackets and transportation to and from the creek are provided. Required equipment is warm clothes, extra change of clothes, treaded footwear, flashlight (for natural tunnel visit), sack lunch, bottled water and a dry bag for your supplies. The cost is $25 per person. Limited space available; preregistration is required. Participants meet at the Welcome Center at 9:30 a.m. (This trip may be canceled due to high or low water levels or extreme weather conditions).  Call the park’s recreation department to register at 1-800-325-0059.

Directions: From Interstate 64, Exit 161, take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is 3 miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

Volunteer Trail Vacations for Kentucky

Photo of Pine Mountain by Brett Bentley

Great news!  Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) have been chosen by the American Hiking Society for Trail Volunteer Vacations for 2013.

Natural Bridge will host the event in April 2013 and the PMSST will host the event in September 2013.  These trips are great opportunities for those people who want to give back to the outdoor world through trail maintenance.  These trips are also located in many parts of the United States.

Natural Bridge in the fall

To schedule your Kentucky trip, visit the links below.

Natural Bridge American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation Link

Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail American Hiking Society Vacation Link