Eastern Kentucky State Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

• There is several things to do in the breaks interstate park such as Whitewater rafting, Hiking, Swimming, and Biking.

Rafting

• Whitewater Rafting is available on the Russell Fork river. Each Saturday and Sunday of the first four full weekends in October water is released from the dam and creating rapids through the gorge.
• Different sections throughout the river provides many levels of difficulty. Rafters will find classic two and three rapids closer to the dam.

Hiking

• More than 25 miles of hiking trails lace the park which vary from easy to difficult. Most are less than a mile long.
• Trial names give each visitor a physical feature of each: Cold Spring, Geological, Grassy Creek, Grassy Overlook, Prospectors Ridge, and Tower Tunnel.

Swimming

• Features include four water slides, a spray ground, in-pool structures, and other water features everyone can enjoy.

Biking

• The mountain bike trail offers breathtaking scenery. The trail is a stack loop trial system offering almost near 12 miles of riding which goes from moderate to difficult.
• During the routes in which the bikers choose, they may have few possibilities of good climbs and long downhill runs.
• There have been many positive reviews on the biking trails.

Buckhorn Lake State Park

• Things to do: Picnicking, Boating, and Horseshoes.

Picnicking

• Picnic areas can be found in various scenic locations across the park. A covered upper shelter views the forest mountains with tables, grills, and restrooms.
• A covered lower shelter overlooks and access to restrooms, and both are located on Picnic Area Lane.

Boating

• Water sports enthusiasts will find much entertainment on Buckhorn Lake.
• The marina has 95 open slips, two launching ramps, rental platoon boats, and fishing boats.

Horseshoes

• If you enjoy friendly competition, the Buckhorn is the right place for you.
• Horseshoe pits can be found at the playground area and lower shelter.

Carter Caves State Resort Park

• This park has some of the most impressive caves in the state.
• Things to do: Gem mining, Caving, and Horseback Riding.

Gem Mining

• You can buy bags for 6 to 8 dollars at the gift shop. When you find your minerals place them under water and when wet they will reveal colors and shapes.
• There are several different gemstones to discover. Anything found locally Pyrite, Quartz, Sapphrie and Ruby.

Caving

• The carter country region has the highest concentration of any caves in the Kentucky area.
• The Cascade Cave and the X-Cave offer guided tours year round.

Horseback Riding

• Guided rides are available from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The cost is $18 per person.
• The trail is about 3 1/2 miles long and last around 45 minutes.
• Pony rides are available for children and they are available everyday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

• Things to do: Fishing, Skylift, and Swimming.

Fishing

• Mill Creek Lake is a peaceful place surrounded by beautiful forest and towering sandstone cliffs.
• Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Trout, and Sunfish are found here.
• The lake is also a good place for paddling canoes and kayaks there is also and ramp for fishing boats.

Skylift

• For a more relaxing climb on the natural bridge enjoy a ride on the skylift.
• It begins one mile from the park entrance and ends with almost 600 feet of natural bridge.
• Open daily through the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October.

Swimming

• The pool is tucked between the lake and the cliff beneath hemlock lodge.
• The complex includes a stone bath house and a pool that holds 80,000 gallons of water.

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• If you would like more information on any one of these parks just go to parks.ky.gov