Last autumn we took a little weekend trip to the mountains of Kentucky. Our destination was
Jenny Wiley State Park deep in the Appalachians of eastern KY. Mountain hiking is not for the faint of heart…or knees! It was hard work. We were there in late October and practically had the park to ourselves. The remote location let us experience deep woodlands without the interference of other people. With over 13.5 miles of trails, there’s a lot to see, and these aren’t city trails of paved cement. They are dirt paths that rim the mountain, and if you’re not careful, you could actually get hurt!
Matty and Rick on a rock outcropping.
Matty and I taking a quick rest after our first morning hike.
Jenny Wiley State Park is a bird-lover’s paradise. I talked to the receptionist while we were there and she said during spring migration the place really comes to life. Speakers and experienced birders provide talks and field walks on the neo-tropical migrants stopping off on their way north, and extra attention is given to the warblers nesting in the park. Apparently
American Redstarts nest all along Cabin Road and are a big attraction. She said you can even find
Cerulean Warblers fairly easily.
The scenery is beautiful...no wonder spring
migrants like to stop off or nest here!
Looks like a sapsucker has been here...
This spring, I think we're going to head down for the spring migration. It will be interesting to see the change in the park. I wonder if as the temps rise, the solitude of the place changes.
Having the trails to ourselves was really nice.
If you go, make sure you bring your camera.
Photo ops are everywhere...and be sure to grab a map!
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