At Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park we offer recreation and naturalist led programming six days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Typically we have four to six programs a day. We have a variety programs ranging from arts and crafts to sports and games, and nature programming. The vast majority of this programming is free, except programs that involve the use of boats or mini-golf. Click here to see a sample recreation schedule.
Trail Information
A new trail has been added on Pennyrile State Forest. It is near the fire tower on the facility map. The trail is approximately 0.75 miles long and has plaques explain forestry timber harvest practices. The trail is hilly and is rated moderately difficult.
Trail Maintenance & Safety
The parks maintenance staff has worked hard to clear downed trees from the trails. All the parks trails should be free of downed trees. Please alert front desk staff if you find any problem areas on our trails while hiking. Remember to protect yourselves against ticks. We recommend guests who are hiking to wear bug repellent and to stay on designated trails.
The Pennyrile Nature Trail has recently been cleared of downed trees. The trail has been rerouted due to tornado damage on the southern portion of the trail between the 3.5 and 4 mile point. The new trail is blazed in green. There are places along the trail that have white flagging. We recommend that you follow those paths because they have been maintained more recently. The forestry crew is in the process of moving all old signs, but they may not have gotten all of them yet. The trail is also a mountain biking trail for all but the last mile or so on the Tradewater Wildlife Management Area. If you’re interested in a more adventurous hike check out our Adventure Pennyrile Forest hikes offered in March and September.
View trail listing.
Fishing Information
The lake’s bluegill and red ear sunfish populations are healthy. On the other hand the largemouth bass population is somewhat stunted. In order to try to get a healthier largemouth bass population Fish & Wildlife has instituted a 12-15 inch slot limit on bass caught in Pennyrile Lake. This means that you are able to take fish that are under 12 and over 15 inches, but you must release fish that our between 12 and 15 inches. If enough fishermen take some of the small bass out of the lake it will enable the 12 to 15 inch bass to grow larger.
If you plan to fish on Pennyrile Lake the best areas to fish are near beaver lodges, submerged logs, and aquatic grasses. Fishing licenses are available for sale at the lodge front desk.
Junior Naturalist Program
The Kentucky State Parks Junior Naturalist Program is designed for kids ages 7 to 12. Those who successfully complete the program receive an official Jr. Naturalist patch and certificate. At Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park children can become Junior Naturalists by attending programs in our summer recreation schedule. We try to make sure that a child who is staying with us for several days will get an opportunity to earn their badge and patch during their stay.
Group Programs
Want something interesting for your group program look no further. We provide a variety of programs to fit your group’s needs. Fees vary. We also offer group rates on use of the Mini Golf course and Boat Rentals for groups of 20 or more. Contact Rebecca for more information.
Geocaches
There are currently four geocaches on trails within the park. There is also a multi-cache that is on the tree trail on Pennyrile State Forest. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will be hosting our fourth annual Geocaching weekend October 3-5, 2008.
Other Recreation Information
There is a lot to do at Pennyrile Forest SRP. Here are a few of the things you can find to do at the park: hike a trail, play tennis/basketball at our newly refurbished court, play mini golf (the skunk pictured is just one of nine new obstacles at our 18-hole mini-golf course), go fishing (you can borrow fishing equipment), rent a DVD/VCR/ 
Playstation, rent a boat (open April-October), play in the game room, swim in our outdoor pool (open seasonally), swim at our public beach (open Memorial Day-Labor Day), borrow a board game or deck of cards, play on the playgrounds (beach, campground, & lodge), and play ping pong (pool). If your kids like to play we have a brand new playground just waiting for them at our lodge.