When you want to escape the city and get closer to nature, there are some beautiful parks within easy reach of West Liberty, Kentucky. Whether you want to hike along forest trails or relax with a picnic by a peaceful lake, these locations give you some great options.
Grayson Lake State Park
Around an hour north of West Liberty, Grayson Lake State Park offers 1,512 acres with a variety of recreational activities. If you love hiking, the 4 miles of trails will take you through the woods, past waterfalls, and along the shore of the lake. From the clifftops, you’ll have scenic views of the lake. The trails are rated from easy to moderately strenuous.
At the lake, you can rent a boat or take your own canoe or kayak to explore more than 74 miles of shoreline with its steep cliffs, scenic canyons, coves, and waterfalls. You can fish for bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie, and, if you’re successful, head for the large picnic area to grill your catch. Fishing gear is available on loan free of charge from the campground ticket booth.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
To take in some fresh mountain air, the Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located in Daniel Boone National Forest 40 miles southwest of West Liberty. The natural bridge for which the park is named is a 65-foot-high sandstone arch that spans 78 feet. This unspoiled wilderness has many miles of trails rated from easy to strenuous to suit people of all fitness levels. No pets are allowed on the trails.
For those who prefer a more relaxing way to reach the bridge, the sky lift is open from April through October. Mill Creek Lake offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Picnic shelters are available to rent throughout the park and feature tables, grills, restrooms, and a playground. A wide variety of birds can be spotted around the park.
Southfork Elk View
The recently created elk viewing facility at Southfork, around 50 miles south of West Liberty, gives you the opportunity to view Kentucky’s largest herd of elk. The park is surrounded by ponds and wetlands and offers stunning panoramic views of the beautiful Kentucky mountains. You’ll also be able to see a variety of plants and animals.
Old Mill Park
Located in the heart of West Liberty, Old Mill Park offers a relaxing space with a walking track that takes you along the bank of the Licking River. Sit by the river and let the gentle sound of the water wash away your stress. Alternatively, increase your heart rate with a workout on the stationary exercise station.
The park has plenty of space for cookouts or picnics, including two picnic shelters. The playground will keep the kids entertained. The natural amphitheater hosts the annual Bluegrass Festival, and the Market in the Park on the first Saturday in August sees vendors selling local food and arts and crafts.
These parks offer a variety of ways to spend your valuable leisure time in beautiful surroundings.
Image via Flickr by eekimÂ
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