Beachy-Keen Here’s how to beach in Kentucky: Remove flip-flops. Dig toes in sand. Say ahh. Among Kentucky State Parks’ 10 beaches are the pristine white-sand beach at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs, a sunseeker’s oasis with 775 feet of sandy shoreline at Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas and a sandy swath ready for sandcastle building at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park . On the Waterfront Wake up with the sun as it sets the water to shimmering; turn in at night as the water laps the shore’s edge and lulls you to sleep. Here is where vacation photos (and memories) happen: at scenic campsites with a forest backdrop and unobstructed views of Green River Lake in Campbellsville and at blue-green Nolin Lake in Mammoth Cave. Rock On In a park known for breathtaking views, natural streams, beautiful stonework and extraordinary rock formations — like Raven Rock, soaring 290 feet into the sky — is a massive sandstone rock house that time and Mother Nature have sculpted into an amphitheater. Kingdom Come State Park’s Cave Amphitheater has lighting and seating — a natural meeting space for small groups. SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE ON KENTUCKY STATE PARKS. Among the First State Parks Facts History, nostalgia and magnificent views characterize Pineville’s Pine Mountain State Resort Park . Established along with Natural Bridge and two other locations to be the first four state parks, Pine Mountain is known for its trails — including Chain Rock, named for the boulder perched above Pineville and chained in place. One of the Fab Four From Railroad to Resort Park FPO Old Fort Harrod at Old Fort Harrod State Park in Harrodsburg is near the site of the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. The park is one of Kentucky’s original four state parks. Ancient Native American Village to Newest Park Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade is known for its massive sandstone arch. Lesser known, it was once owned by Kentucky Union Railway, which was chartered in 1854 and built the park’s first campground and trails. Its earthen mounds built by native people of the Mississippian culture, Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site in Wickliffe is today an archaeological site — and the latest official addition to the Kentucky State Parks system in 2004. Clockwise from top: Nolin Lake State Park, Bee Spring; Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg; Lake Malone State Park, Dunmor kentuckytourism.com 25
The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide 2024: Page 25
