Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Trail System
Walking the trails at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park can be a wonderful experience as you will discover the beauty of wildflowers, the singing of birds and occasionally, white-tailed deer or other animals enjoying nature at its best. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just a beginner, Jenny Wiley has 13.5-miles of trails that will fit your interest.
Path to Boat Dock and Marina (.1 mile)
Trail length is .1-mile from the May Lodge to the Jenny Wiley Marina. Trailhead is the same as the Lakeshore Hiking Trail. The Marina Path is a short, easy-walking trail which leads from May Lodge to the Marina. Many people prefer this route to the Marina instead of walking on the roadway.
Lakeshore Hiking Trail (2.5 miles)
Trail length is 2.5-miles, including return to the lodge on the blacktop road; 1.5-miles if you exit at Cottage 123 and return on the blacktop road; 3.0-miles via the Steve Brackett Memorial Trail & Moss Ridge Hiking Trail. Entrance to the trail is in the back of May Lodge, near the dining room.The Lakeshore Hiking Trail is a gently sloping trail, with the exception of a steep exit at Cottage 123. This trail is easy to walk and provides a beautiful view of Dewey Lake as it winds along the shore line. Along this trail, you may see species of Christmas fern, ground cedar, papaws, maples, magnolias, hickories, hemlocks, tulip trees and a variety of wildflowers. Occasionally, you may catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer on the bank across the lake.
Moss Ridge Hiking Trail (1.3 miles)
Trail length is 1.3-miles to the top of the mountain and back; a side path off the Moss Ridge Hiking Trail leads to the Amphitheater; 3.0-miles via the Steve Brackett Memorial Trail and the Lakeshore Hiking Trail. Entrance to the trail is near the last lodge unit on the hill.The Moss Ridge Hiking Trail is a more strenuous, uphill hike ending with a steep, downhill trek (may be slippery after rains). Along this trail you may see species of white oaks, pine, tulip trees, maples, hickories, American beech, dwarf dandelion, various violets and other wildflowers. On the ridge top, you will find service berry and an abundance of moss ground cover, hence the trail name. You may also see white-tailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels. The exposed rock along the trail is a type of sandstone known as Pennsylvanian Age, which is 200-300 million years old.
The Steve Brackett Memorial Trail (1 mile)
Trail Length is 1.0-mile. Entrances to the trail are from the top of the Moss Ridge Hiking Trail or near the end of the Lakeshore Hiking Trail by the blacktop road. Dedicated and named for the late Steve Brackett, district forester for the Eastern District of the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Experience the breathtaking views of cliff chains and plant life; including oaks, poplars, hickories, maples and magnolias. In fact, some of the oldest trees on the park are located on this trail. Occasionally, you will see wild turkey or white-tailed deer.
The Jenny Wiley Trail (4.5 miles)
Entrance to the Jenny Wiley Trail is near Cottage 132. The trail is approximately 4.5-miles in length; 3.0-miles to the campground, and an additional 1.5-miles from the campground to the intersection of KY 302 and KY 3051. The Jenny Wiley Trail is a strenuous backpacking trail. Enjoy the experience of being totally within a mountain environment walking through the Appalachian terrain. Because of the trail difficulty, no one should hike alone.
The Sassafras Self-Guided Interpretive Trail (.75 mile)
Entrance to the Sassafras Trail is near the Jenny Wiley Campground off KY 302 near the picnic shelter. Built by American Hiking Society volunteers, this .75-mile trail is easy walking and self-guided with many interpretive points of interest. Along the trail you will see species of Christmas fern, ground cedar, sassafras, maples, beeches and much more. These plants, along with others, are discussed in the interpretive brochure. You can pick up a brochure at the trail entrance. This is an excellent trail for any age group.
Mountain Biking Trails
Entrance to the Mountain Biking Trails is located approximately 4-miles from May Lodge off KY 302 and 1-mile from the campground.
There are three mountain biking trails of varying difficulty that offer 3.0-miles of riding pleasure. They include the Short-Loop (.8) the Switchback (1.9) and the Beginners Trail (.75). Mountain biking trail regulations and signage are posted at the entrance. In addition, these trails offer excellent hiking opportunities.
Trail Etiquette
- Please help us keep our trails clean.
- Take a litter bag with you when you hike.
- Report hazards such as washed out trails, fallen trees and improper trail signage.
- If possible, help maintain the trails by removing rocks, fallen trees, and debris on paths.
- Camping is not allowed along park trails.
- Stay on marked trails; shortcuts lead to erosion.
- Take only pictures; leave only footprints.
ALL PLANTS, SNAKES & ANIMALS ON THE PARK ARE PROTECTED BY STATE LAW!
Directions and Maps
Facility and Trail Maps