HIKES

KENTUCKY TRAILS ASSOCIATION HIKES

MAY 31, 2008  Hike at Land Between the Lakes.  Kentucky Trails Association will hike the Hematite Lake and Honker Trail.  Meet at the Woodlands Nature Center at 11am local time (noon Louisville time).  If you are t raveling to this hike from the Louisville area, please contact dennis.crowley@win.net for possible carpool opportunities.

JUNE  14, 2008  Hike on the Adventure Trail at Harrison Crawford State Forest in southern Indiana.  Meet at the Ranger Station on Hwy 462 at 10 AM.  For directions, contact dennis.crowley@win.net

JUNE 28, 2008  Hike at Mount Saint Francis in Floyds Knobs, IN.  Meet at the parking lot at 101 Saint Anthony Drive at 10 AM. To get there take I-64 west from Louisville to Exit 119.  Proceed west on US150.  Contact dennis.crowley@win.net  for more information.

OTHER SCHEDULED HIKES IN KENTUCKY

 MAY 12, 2008  Hike at Floracliff State Nature Preserve. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on this hike led by Zeb Weese, eastern regional preserve manager at the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.  Registration required for this event. floracliff@aol.com  For more infomation, visit www.floracliff.org  

MAY 17, 2008  Olmsted Parks Conservancy "Walk in the Park" at Shawnee Park and the Riverwalk.  Self-Guided walks begin at 8:30 AM.  These include a 1 mile loop in the park and a 2 mile walk on the Riverwalk.  There will also be a  guided walk at 9 AM.  This is a FREE event.  www.olmstedparks.org

MAY 17, 2008  Hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.  Meet at the Sanctuary at 10 AM.  For more information visit http://hiking.meetup.com/279  For directions, visit www.lfucg.com

MAY 17, 2008  Walk and "Roll for Kids".  Meet at Fourth Street Live in Louisville.  Registration begins at 8 AM.  Walk begins at 9 AM.  Bring the entire family and walk for a good cause.  Call (502) 635-6397 or visit www.firstgiving.com/kidcenter

MAY 17, 2008  Hike on the Siltstone Trail in Jefferson County Forest from Scotts Gap Road to Bearcamp Road.  For more information, visit www.louisvillehiking.org

MAY 18, 2008  Hike at Salato Center near Frankfort with KISHAW.  Meet at McDonald's on Shelbyville Road in Louisville across from Mall St. Matthews to carpool.  This hike is for singles only.  For more information, visit www.kishaw.org

MAY 20, 2008  Bernheim Forest "Full Pink Moon Night Hike".  Guided hike begins at 8:30 pm.  Meet at the Visitor Center.  Pre-registration is required.  $7 member, $10 non-members.  Call (502)955-8512 or visit www.bernheim.org 

MAY 24, 2008  Kentucky Natural Lands Trust will host a hike in Blanton Forest.  Hikers will enjoy the Knobby Rock and Sand Cave Loops (considered strenuous). Merril Flanary, KNLT Forest Steward, will be the guide. The hike will last several hours and will include a stop for lunch. Long pants and hiking boots are recommended, and participants should bring a backpack with lunch and plenty of water.  Participants must pre-register for the hike by calling 1-877-367-5658 or by email at info@knlt.org. The hike is limited to 20 people and is recommended for adults and children ages 10 and older in good physical condition.  For directions to Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve, visit www.knlt.org for more information.

MAY 24, 2008  Hike into Big Spring Falls from the Dicks Gap Overlook parking lot.  This will be a 4-5 miles round trip and will take in Dicks Gap Falls, Big Spring Falls, Catawba Overlook, and Dicks Gap Overlook.  For more information, visit www.kyvacations.com/Hiking.html or contact Greg Whitis at gwhitis@ukky.edu or phone (606)376-2524.

MAY 24 - 25, 2008  Louisville Hiking Club will travel to Carter Caves State Park.  For more information, visit www.louisvillehiking.org

MAY 25, 2008  Hike at E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park in Louisville with KISHAW.  Meet at the recreation center at 10:30 AM. This hike is for singles only.  For more information, visit www.kishaw.org 

MAY 26, 2008  Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike and Bike.  Meet at the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville between 9AM and 1 PM to hike or bike through the streets of Louisville.  Live music will follow.  For more information visit www.louisvilleky.gov or call 574-5220.

MAY 31, 2008  Hike at Red River Gorge at 10 AM..  The Lexington Meetup group will be visiting Auxier Ridge Trail, Courthouse Rock and Double Arch for a total of 6 miles.  An easier 4 mile hike is available as an "in and out" on Auxier Ridge.  For more information, visit http://hiking.meetup.com/279

MAY 31, 2008  Walk Larosa Loop at Waterfront Park in Louisville.  8 AM. Enjoy a beautiful spring morning with friends and families while walking for a great cause.582-7687 or www.jewishhospital.org

MAY 31, 2008  Blackacre State Nature Preserve.  Eddie Huber of the Beckham Bird Club will lead a bird-watching hike at Blackacre.  Beginners and experienced birders are welcome to come and see how many of the forty-six species of birds that have been identified here will reveal themselves. Bring binoculars, hiking shoes, and a desire to learn about birds.  All ages welcome!  Meet in the school bus parking lot. No Charge- Donations Appreciated.

JUNE 7, 2008   Love the outdoors but the thought of sleeping out is not for you? Then try out an all-day hiking excursion at Cumberland Falls State Park. Our hike will begin in the morning and we will stop for lunch along the trail. We will hike approximately 6 miles and be finished before dark. The registration fee of $15 includes lunch on the trail. Learn about native plant and animal life and experience some breathtaking views. Registrants will receive a list of suggested personal items to bring prior to their trip. For more information or to register, please contact Steve Gilbert at Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov or (606) 528-4121.

JUNE 7, 2008  Serenity Hikers will hike at Morgan Park, near LaGrange in Oldham County.  For more information, contact Pat at (502)459-0817.

JUNE 7 & 8, 2008  National Trails Day Hikes Bernheim Forest  Various hikes on Saturday and Sunday in celebration of National Trails Day, including an "ECO Kids walkabout".  Visit www.bernheim.org

JUNE 8, 2008  Hike at Moreman Hill Jefferson County Forest with KISHAW.  Meet at the Welcome Center at 10:30 AM.  This hike is for singles only.  For more information, visit www.kishaw.org  

JUNE 14, 2008  Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve. On these guided hikes you will get a good look at the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches. Destinations include both well-known features of the area as well as some of its little-known secrets. Total distances vary from six to 12 miles. Registration fee includes guide, snacks and a Natural Bridge souvenir. COST:  $15.  For more information, please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald via e-mail at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214, ext. 2104 or toll free at 800-325-1710.

JUNE 18, 2008  A night hike is scheduled at Tom Sawyer State Park, beginning at 10 PM.  Meet at the Recreation Building.  Explore the park at night to celebrate the summer solstice and the full moon.  Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.  This is a free event.  For more information, contact Tessa.Edelen@ky.gov

JUNE 22, 2008  Hike in the Horine Section at Jefferson County Forest with KISHAW.  Meet at the Welcome Center at 9 AM.  This hike is for singles only.  For more information, visit www.kishaw.org   

JUNE 29, 2008  Butterfly Walk at Blackacre State Nature Preserve near Jeffersontown, KY at 2 PM EDT.  FREE  Blackacre's native wildflowers, woodlands and abundant water sources provide excellent habitat for a variety of Kentucky's butterflies. Join Naturalist Alan Nations on an interpretive walk where you will see many beautiful butterflies, learn about their life cycle and discover what the presence of butterflies tells us about our environment.  Call (502)266-9802 or visit www.blackacrefoundation.org

JUNE 29, 2008  Hike at Taylorsville Lake State Park with KISHAW.  Meet at 9 AM at McDonalds on Shelbyville Road across from Mall St Matthews in Lousville to carpool.  This hike is for singles only.  For more information, visit www.kishaw.org    

JULY 6, 2008  Hike at Red River Gorge with KISHAW.  Meet at 9 AM at McDonalds on Shelbyville Road across from Mall St Matthews in Lousville to carpool.  This hike is for singles only.  For more information, visit www.kishaw.org     

JULY 12, 2008  Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve. On these guided hikes you will get a good look at the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches. Destinations include both well-known features of the area as well as some of its little-known secrets. Total distances vary from six to 12 miles. Registration fee includes guide, snacks and a Natural Bridge souvenir. COST:  $15.  For more information, please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald via e-mail at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214, ext. 2104 or toll free at 800-325-1710.

JULY 19, 2008 Full Moon Hike at Blackacre State Nature Preserve at 9 PM.  FREE  .Explore by the light of the full moon with Hal Taylor as he takes you on a guided tour of Blackacre's meadows and trails.  Call (502)266-9802 or visit www.blackacrefoundation.org 

AUGUST 6 & 9, 2008  Guided nature hikes at Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville.  Meet at Shelter 3 off Lakeland Road.  These events are free and open to all.  Contact Tessa.Edelen@ky.gov

AUGUST 9, 2008  Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve. On these guided hikes you will get a good look at the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches. Destinations include both well-known features of the area as well as some of its little-known secrets. Total distances vary from six to 12 miles. Registration fee includes guide, snacks and a Natural Bridge souvenir. COST:  $15.  For more information, please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald via e-mail at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214, ext. 2104 or toll free at 800-325-1710.

AUGUST 13 - 17, 2008  PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL will have a four day forest study workshop combining field trips, lectures and slide presentations in the study of forest types found in eastern Kentucky.  Daily field trips will include 4 - 8 mile hikes.  Ths workshop is geared towards adults.  Field trips are planned to Bad Branch State Nature Preserve, Lilley Cornett Woods, trails in the Pine Mountain Settlement School area, Blanton Forest and Black Mountain.  For information, visit www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/events

SEPTEMBER 13, 2008  Adventure Pennyrile Forest offers a naturalist guided hike in 2008. Hike half of the Pennyrile Nature Trail for a registration fee of $12 per person. Registration fee includes: transportation, a bottle of water, snack, and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Patch. Registered participants can get a 10% discount off park lodging. The hike is in Pennyrile State Forest and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and is over 6 miles. The trail rating is difficult. Registration deadline is one week prior to hike date.  To download registration form, go to the park website at http://parks.ky.gov  

SEPTEMBER 27, 2008  Adventure Pennyrile Forest offers a naturalist guided hike in 2008. Hike half of the Pennyrile Nature Trail for a registration fee of $12 per person. Registration fee includes: transportation, a bottle of water, snack, and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Patch. Registered participants can get a 10% discount off park lodging. The hike is in Pennyrile State Forest and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and is over 6 miles. The trail rating is difficult. Registration deadline is one week prior to hike date.  To download registration form, go to the park website at http://parks.ky.gov   

OCTOBER 10 - 12, 2008  McCreary County Hiking Club will host a hiking weekend at Big South Fork NRRA.  Anyone interested in helping to plan this event, please contact Greg Whitis at gwhitis@ukky.edu or phone (606)376-2524.

OCTOBER 11, 2008  Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve. On these guided hikes you will get a good look at the area's rugged cliff lines, rock shelters, rhododendron and natural arches. Destinations include both well-known features of the area as well as some of its little-known secrets. Total distances vary from six to 12 miles. Registration fee includes guide, snacks and a Natural Bridge souvenir. COST:  $15.  For more information, please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald via e-mail at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214, ext. 2104 or toll free at 800-325-1710.

NOVEMBER 1, 2008  Moonbow Trail Trek  Hikers can choose a challenging 4.5 or 10.8 mile trek through the beautiful Cumberland River Gorge.  These Adventures are unguided but hikers will pass through check points along the way. Registration Fee: $15.  Event time: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.   For more information, call (606)528-4121 or visit the park website at http://parks.ky.gov

OTHER HIKING CLUBS IN KENTUCKY

Lexington Hiking Meetup Group:  http://hiking.meetup.com/279

Kentuckiana Single Hikers and Walkers (KISHAW):   www.kishaw.org 

Louisville Hiking Club:  www.louisvillehiking.org 

McCreary County Hiking Club:   www.kyvacations.com/Hiking.html  or contact Greg Whitis at gwhitis@uky.edu , phone (606)376-2524 

Southern Indiana Hiking Club:  Contact Troy Wright (502)817-7969 or twinsdad07@hotmail.com 

Kentucky Hikers (based in Lexington) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kentuckyhikers/

Tri-State Hiking Club  http://hiking.meetup.com/201/