For a peaceful nature outing in western Kentucky, look no further than the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park! This 863-acre site is located on the edge of Hopkins County in the middle of nowhere, allowing you and Fido to truly get away from it all. The park features some of the most beautiful forested lands in the commonwealth, so expect to be in for a furrific time!
Curious and athletic puppers will love hiking the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's trails, which range from easy to difficult. Several paths loop around the 56-acre Pennyrile Lake, offering puptastic views of the water. For an easy stroll among tulip poplar, shagbark hickory, and giant sycamore trees, hit the quarter-mile Clifty Creek Trail. During the summer, you'll also see various wildflowers and the Louisiana waterthrush along this route. For a moderate hike, take the 1.8-mile Lake Trail, which will bring you and your pooch around the lake, up stone steps to the bluff line, and across wooden bridges. This trail provides excellent birding opportunities year-round as well; some of the birds that can be spotted include the purple finch, Carolina chickadee, and cedar waxwing. Be sure to keep your pup on a leash at all times, and bring enough water to share and clean-up bags.
To extend your adventure, you and Fido may set up camp in the park's 36-site campground. Nestled in the middle of the 15,331-acre Pennyrile Forest, the campground features utility hookups, a dump station, showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. Furry guests are also welcome in the cottage rentals and the 24-room rustic lodge overlooking the lake for an additional fee. All cottages and campsites are equipped with grills, so you can cook up some hotdogs and veggies to share with your four-legged pal. You'll also find picnic shelters and tables scattered throughout the park.
The Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is a woofderful hideaway that your doggo will surely enjoy!