All special events are subject to change and may be cancelled or postponed by the Kentucky Department of Parks due to unforeseen circumstances. Please confirm event schedule prior to arrival for date, time and fee information, especially if you plan to visit a Kentucky State Park for a specific event. Event details and contact information for all 52 Kentucky State Parks can be found on this website.
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes
1/12/2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! 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! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.
Appalachian Heritage Buffalo Night
1/19/2008
Enjoy a mouth watering feast of Kentucky Proud buffalo and all the fixings! This annual event features live bluegrass music in Hemlock Lodge and programs by our Naturalist staff, not to mention an all you care to eat Dinner Buffet: Adults - 15.95 and Children (under 12) - 8.95
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
2/2/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Arches Hiking Weekend
2/8/2008 to 2/9/2008
There are hundreds of natural arches and bridges within a few miles of Kentucky’s Natural Bridge and winter is the best time to see them! Join experienced guides for a day of hikes throughout the area ranging from short easy walks to long treks in the backcountry. Evening speakers Friday and Saturday nights will focus on the geology and history of the area. On site registration fee is $5 per adult and $2 per child ages 2-12. Children 2 and under are free. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald for more information at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or 606-663-2214 x2104.
Mardi Gras Getaway
2/16/2008
Join us for a festive world famous event with Cajun cuisine, Jazz sounds and colorful beads. Let's celebrate the New Orleans tradition with a special overnight package for two at Hemlock Lodge including dinner buffet and breakfast the next morning. Package price is $139.95 plus tax. What a great Valentines gift! All you care to eat Dinner Buffet: Adults $15.95, Children under 12 $8.95. Event time: 5pm to 8pm.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
3/1/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
3/8/2008 to 3/9/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Saint Patrick's Day Celebration
3/15/2008
Honor Ireland’s patron saint with a hearty Irish feast, Saturday, March 15, 2008. Dine on classic Irish eats featuring a buffet of Corned Beef Brisket and Cabbage, Salmon Cakes with Horseradish Cream Sauce, Irish stew and Shepherds Pie. We will be serving 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Sandstone Arches Restaurant at Hemlock Lodge. Price $15.95 for Adults, Children 12 and under are $7.95. Additional items on the buffet:
- Complete Soup & Salad Bar featuring Colcannon Soup & "Stout" Onion Soup
- Roasted Parsnips w/Carrots & Onions
- Bubble & Squeak (Potato Pancakes)
- Braised Turnip Greens w/ Irish Bacon
- Irish Soda Bread & Rolls
- Dessert Bar
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
3/15/2008 to 3/16/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
3/29/2008 to 3/30/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Canoeing for Beginners
4/5/2008
Learn the basics of canoeing on Mill Creek Lake at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and then experience river canoeing on the beautiful Red River at the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The river trip is 8 miles on an enjoyable class I section of the Red River. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration fee of $25 per person includes instruction, canoe, paddle, life jacket, and snacks. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at Brian.Gasdorf@ky.gov or (606) 663-2214 x2104.
Wildflower Weekend at Natural Bridge
4/17/2008 to 4/20/2008
The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species; enjoy them this weekend with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers. Our field trips are for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts and from short easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area! Evening speakers will focus on the native plants in the region. Registration fee upon arrival. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at Brian.Gasdorf@ky.gov or call (606) 663-2214 x2104.
Herpetology Weekend
5/2/2008 to 5/3/2008
Discover nature's most misunderstood critters! Experienced herpetologists will lead field trips into the Red River Gorge Geological Area to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitat. Most Saturday fieldtrips will be offered at 9am and 1:30pm. Collection is prohibited. Friday and Saturday evening presentations will focus on reptile and amphibian natural history and conservation. Some demonstrations will include live venomous snakes! Registration upon arrival, $5/adult and $2/child. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at Brian.Gasdorf@ky.gov or call (606) 663-2214 x2104.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
6/7/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes
6/14/2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! 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! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
7/5/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes
7/12/2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! 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! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
8/2/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes
8/9/2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! 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! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
9/6/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
9/20/2008 to 9/21/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
9/27/2008 to 9/28/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
10/4/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes
10/11/2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! 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! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.
Invasive Species Volunteer Workshop
11/1/2008
Help stop this invasion of non-native exotic plants by volunteering to assist the naturalist staff in pulling and cutting some of the worst invaders! This is great opportunity for individuals and groups to improve the enviromental health of our public lands! Each Volunteer day begins at 9:00am in the Hemlock Lodge lobby, and ends whenever you get tired! Pre-registration is encouraged. Fighting off these alien invaders is an ongoing battle at Natural Bridge. If you are unable to help during these days but can come out and help some other time please give us a call. This is a great opportunity for community service for scouts and schools! Please contact Noelle Gurnwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov for more information.
Canoeing for Beginners
11/1/2008
Learn the basics of canoeing on Mill Creek Lake at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and then experience river canoeing on the beautiful Red River at the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The river trip is 8 miles on an enjoyable class I section of the Red River. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration fee of $25 per person includes instruction, canoe, paddle, life jacket, and snacks. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at Brian.Gasdorf@ky.gov or (606) 663-2214 x2104.
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
11/8/2008 to 11/10/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Leave No Trace Beginner Backpacking Workshop
11/15/2008 to 11/16/2008
Learn the basics of Leave No Trace backpacking while enjoying the beauty of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge! Trips are 8-10 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 400’. Participants must be able to hike this distance carrying 30 pounds. Space is limited and participants must be 18 or older. The registration fee of $75 per person includes instruction, equipment, and meals for the duration of the trip. Pre- registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information. The March 8th - 9th workshop is a Women Only trip. The November 8th - 10th workshop is a two-night trip which is only open to participants who have participated previously on a one-night trip.
Exploring Arch Country Guided Hikes
12/6/2008
For the adventurous only! Enjoy a day of hiking throughout Kentucky's Land of the Arches! 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! Each trip is different. Total distances vary from 6 to 12 miles. The registration fee of $15 includes guide, snacks, and a Natural Bridge souvenir. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Families are welcome. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or call 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.
Winter Bird Weekend
12/13/2008 to 12/14/2008
Join us on Saturday for a variety of naturalist programs about birds including identification programs, birding hikes, bluebird box building, and children's programs. On Sunday join Park Naturalists and experienced birders for Audubon's 108th Christmas Bird Count. This worldwide event takes place every winter and the information collected about the status and distribution of early winter bird populations is studied by scientists all over the world! Come and spend the day hiking throughout Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge Geological Area, or watching the bird feeders from the park's dining room. The data collected throughout the day will help us gain a better understanding of the numbers and species of birds that call our area home in the winter. Please contact Park Naturalist Noelle Grunwald at noelle.grunwald@ky.gov or 606-663-2214 x2104 for more information.