Second Sunday events planned at Kentucky State Parks

Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in “Second Sunday” on October 10, 2010, an event aimed at offering fitness activities to Kentuckians.

Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top 10 states for obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is the event organizer along with local partners.  For more information about Second Sunday. visit www.2ndsundayky.com.

Here is a partial list of the state parks with activities planned for October 10 (unless otherwise noted):

• Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
• Hike at Barren River

A beautiful hike along the 2.5 mile paved trail begins at 2:00 p.m., participants should meet at the recreation shelter near the highland game field at the entrance of the park to register.  Free t-shirts will be available to the first 15 registered participants.  Drinking water will be available.  For more information, call the recreation office at (270) 646-2151.

• Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
• Guided Interpretive Walk  

The 3.5 mile trek along the Heritage Trail starts at 2:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum.  This guided tour will be conducted at a leisurely pace.  Call (859) 289-5507 or (800) 443-7008 for details.

• Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus (Oct. 8)
• Civil War Days Ghost Walk

The Second Sunday event at Columbus-Belmont State Park will actually be on the Second Friday -- Oct 8.  It will be held in conjunction with the Civil War Days Ghost Walk on Friday night.  The ¼ mile walk is through the earthworks and in the area of the Civil War fortifications.  Along the way, the life of a soldier is portrayed.  The Hickman County Cooperative Extension will be providing bottled water.  Call (270) 677-2327 for more information.

• Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
• Boom Ridge Hike

This 8.3 mile trail is one of the more popular trails at Dale Hollow.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes along with personal water.  Dogs are welcome but must be comfortable around people and other dogs.  The hike begins at the park lobby at 1:00 p.m.   Call (800) 325-2282 for more information.

• Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
• Second Sunday Hike

The Second Sunday hike will begin at the trail head located at the end of the parking lot at the Jesse Stuart Lodge at 11:00 a.m. The hike will follow part of the Fern Valley Trail; then veer left onto the Michael Tygart Trail for about 1.5 miles; follow the lake shoreline in a forest of oak, beech, sassafras and poplars; then will continue on a blacktop road toward the park’s amphitheatre and community pool; and finally it will follow a service road back to the Jesse Stuart Lodge. The entire hike will make a loop approximately 3.5 miles and take about two hours.  Participants are encouraged to bring water and a camera.  Call (800) 325-0083 for more information.

• Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
• Scenic Hike to Natural Bridge

A naturalist will lead a two-mile hike that will include some the most scenic points in the park including Lover’s Leap overlook, Lookout Point overlook, and the famous Natural Bridge!  Participants should bring water, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some fairly steep hiking.  The hike will begin at 1:30 p.m. from Hemlock Lodge and will last approximately two hours.  For more information contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or (606) 663-2214.

• Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
• Take a Hike on Folklore Trail

This free guided hike will start at the trailhead located behind the Corps of Engineers office at 2:00 p.m.  The hike is a 0.7 mile loop that is easy to moderate but participants are cautioned to wear appropriate footwear.  If you need more information please call Sheila Jones at (270) 257-2311.

• Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Wickliffe
• Woods Walk Trail and more

Visitors to the park can participate in family-oriented health and fitness activities with the Ballard County Community.  Physical fitness activities such as playing games, group exercises, health and fitness vendors, and educational materials will be available.  Demonstrations of Native American spear throwing activity.  Free admission to the park and museum and demonstrations of Native American spear throwing are also part of the events between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Call (270) 335-3681 for more information.