Cumberland Falls Ramblings

open

Zilpo Campground is Open!!! Cumberland Ranger District, April 12, 2021 - Operated by Thousand Trails Management Services, Zilpo Campground at Cave Run Lake reopened today for the 2021 season! If you've never been to Zilpo, it's a little bit longer of a drive (along a gorgeous Scenic Byway), but it's well worth the trip and offers a quiet camping and recreation experience in a beautiful part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Situated adjacent to outstanding hiking and mountain bike trails and not too far from the Cave Run equestrian trail system, the White Sulphur ATV trails, and a historic iron ore furnace, there's something for everyone when staying at Zilpo! To make a reservation or learn more, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232370.

Giddy-up horse owners and plan your next horse camping trip at a Kentucky State Park. The following parks have equestrian accommodations:

Carter Caves State Resort Park
https://parks.ky.gov/olive-hill/parks/resort/carter-caves-state-resort-park

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
https://parks.ky.gov/burkesville/parks/resort/dale-hollow-lake-state-resort-park

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
https://parks.ky.gov/dawson-springs/parks/resort/pennyrile-forest-state-resort-park

Taylorsville Lake State Park
https://parks.ky.gov/mount-eden/parks/recreation/taylorsville-lake-state-park

📍: Taylorsville Lake State Park
#kystateparks

take as well as give.

We are so excited for University of the Cumberlands Give Day, we are doing a special all week as we count down! For every unit of "Berry Hopeful" we sell, we will make you a donor, giving $1 to Give Day.

What is "Berry Hopeful"? We are so glad you asked! We start with an authentic cheesecake ice cream, made by scratch and churned in small batches. Then we add real strawberries, blueberries, and that wonderful crunch of brown buttered cookies. Each is served in a special container to help you show your pride!

When we look at how our Downtown has transformed, we agree that Hope is on the Horizon!

Bark Camp Creek Falls

our home on view

Bark Camp Creek Falls Bark Camp Cascades. Just before emptying into the Cumberland River, Bark Camp Creek drops over a series of low, wide rock ledges and through massive boulders. The two-mile hike to the cascades passes beneath a wet-weather waterfall along the way. Bark Camp Trail #413 is located off Forest Service Ro...

Dates are being set.

#FeatureFriday #CarCruiseCapitalofKentucky
📍Somerset
Are you a car aficionado? It's Cruise Season in #thekentuckywildlands. Vroooooom..
Somernites Cruise is held in historic downtown Somerset.

On the fourth Saturday of each month, April through October, folks from near and far head to Somerset’s historic downtown square for one of the largest monthly organized classic and collector car events in the country. “We’re definitely the largest in the southeastern United States,” says Keith Floyd, Somernites Cruise executive director.

To put it in a 20-year perspective, a database started with the first car show in 2001 now logs a whopping 20,000-plus names of people who have participated in the event with their car or truck. Entrants have hailed from 47 states, including Alaska and Hawaii; and from multiple countries, like Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Spectators have traveled from all over the world to see what Somernites Cruise is all about.

The largest show in Somernites Cruise history took place in August 2019, with an astounding 2,022 cars on display and more than 20,000 participants and spectators combined. The momentum continues to build. Somernites Cruise has hosted nearly 140 car shows. It’s no wonder Somerset is proclaimed the official “Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky.”
🔗https://www.kentuckyliving.com/explore/20-years-of-somernites

Check out the 2021 schedule:
https://www.somernitescruise.com/sitepad/events/

Nope trails are not open yet.

Good morning runners!

We wanted to make a quick announcement. Over the weekend, thunderstorms and high winds dumped close to eight inches of rain over the region causing flooding and damage in its path. At this time, the river is still up and more than likely covering sections of trail on each course distance. We are waiting for the floodwaters to recede so that we can assess the damage and get a clearer picture of what we are dealing with. This does mean there is a possibility we will need to make changes to the 2021 race. What those changes might be depends on the extent of the damage. Once we have more details, we will share those with you as soon as possible.

Currently, we don't have enough information to respond to any messages or emails regarding this development. Please be patient. Once we know something, we will relay that information to you.

Best,

Brian Gajus
Yamacraw RD

Thinking about joining us for the "Gathering of Friends", our Unofficial Storytelling Weekend June 11th, 12th and 13th? at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park?

We'll be meeting each day at the shelter that is just behind the pool. That area just a short distance from the Lodge. There is a post on this site already with our tentative plans for the weekend.

A couple things that are important:

First, Most folks will be staying at the DuPont Lodge or in one of the cabins there at the Park. If you plan to attend, we encourage you to make your reservations early. As things open up the Lodge and cabins might fill up quickly.

Call (606) 528-4121 or toll free at 800-325-0063 to make your reservations for DuPont Lodge or the Cabins.

If you plan on joining us for the Riverboat Storytelling Cruise with Mark Twain you might make your reservations for that early also. due to Covid restrictions the Riverboat is limited to 40 passengers.

The cost for anyone who chooses to join us for the Riverboat Cruise is $22.50 (and tax). You will make your reservations directly with the Sheltowee Trace Resort. Currently the reservations can be made by calling:

1-800-541-7238

Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort also has a limited number of spaces for RVs and Travel Trailers that are larger than 24 feet. You can also make those reservations at the number listed just above this paragraph.

If you have an RV or Travel Trailer 24 feet or shorter you can stay at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Campground. You can make reservations for that campground at this website:

https://kentuckystateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/cumberland-falls-state-resort-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=KY&parkId=91904

You might check with airbnb.com to see other lodging opportunities in the area. There are also a few motels in Corbin to be considered.

Last of all, in the event you are not able to come for the entire weekend, consider joining us for the Riverboat Storytelling Cruise with Mark Twain on Saturday and then spending the rest of the day with us for a great day of storytelling in the mountains!

Let's get this party started.

After another weekend of flooding in the region, we are excited to bring you a great event with proceeds to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. This concert will feature live music by the Kudzu Killers as well as appetizers and drinks, including specialty cocktails (surprise! we just go a liquor license!).

We are following safety guidelines due to Covid, which means that tickets are limited. Get yours today!

You can buy tickets here:
https://mountain-arts-gallery.myshopify.com/cart/39299217457203:1?channel=buy_button

Seek and destroy

Big Southfork Scenic train schedule.

The BSF Train is fired up and ready to roll! Their April train schedule is ready, so check it out..
The train will run Thursday-Sunday with 5 opportunities to take this beautiful scenic ride each week.

Tickets will go on sale soon, so stay tuned for more information!

#stearnsky #stearns #historicstearns #railway #scenicroute #bsfsr #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands #TheKentuckyWildlands

Moonbow dates.

Beauty by design.

Dinner is to be served. READ the bottom of the post.

Who's ready for Easter dinner?

Call 502-732-6400 to make reservations (available by phone: Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 3pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm - 9pm)

Job fair again.

Announcing Adecco Job Fair at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park!

When: March 25th from 10am- 1pm

Are you ready for your next job? We are hiring for a variety of positions with Kentucky State Parks. No matter what you want to do, we’ve got a job for you.

Benefits? For temporary workers? You better believe it. You’ll have access to affordable medical coverage, a 401(k), skills training and more.

For more information contact Adecco at:
859.745.0180
adeccousa.com

#jobfair #cumberlandfalls #kystateparks

ATTENTION

Red River Gorge - Cumberland District - 03/20/21 - KY 715 remains closed between Sky Bridge and the Red River. In effort to keep traffic moving, Osborne Bend Trailhead parking area has been closed and will now serve as a turnaround. Limited parking allowed at designated paved pulloffs along KY 715. Parking is not allowed at the Copperas Canoe Launch, as this location is a drop-off area ONLY for those vehicles transporting boats to the River. Law enforcement will be patrolling this area and vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed and may be towed. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and are working as quickly as possible to facilitate repairs and reopen the road and parking. Thank you for your understanding.

If anyone has any information on who did this please contact the London District office.

Recreation Station: Salamander Season

Olivia shows us again what's special .

An adventure awaits.

Special edition ice cream for Spring yummy yummy for our tummy!!!!

⚠️ Caution: licking your screen is not recommended!! ⚠️

But if you are getting ready to slide on into the weekend and UC Spring Break, we think you might want to come and get some of this homemade ice cream!

Pictured here is "Over the Moonbow," a gorgeous rainbow ice cream infused with cake batter!

Here Kitty kitty, puppies welcome too.

UPDATE: THE APRIL 2021 CLINIC IS FILLED.

Here we go, please share on you FB pages and come give us a hand.

Things will be a bit different this year with the PRIDE Spring Cleanup. However we are so excited to be able to move forward with this event!
Preregistration is required and you can pick up a form to sign up at any of these locations:
McCreary County Library
McCreary County Tourism Office
Whitley County Courthouse
Corbin Library
Corbin Tourism Office
You may also pre-register online by going to:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pride-spring-cleanup-cumberland-falls-tickets-143695291485.

Take pride in this beautiful area and help us clean up the litter on Hwy 90!
#cleanup #trashpickup #cleanenvironment #cumberlandriver #cumberlandfalls #kystateparks #volunteer

It's time.

Twelve more days.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2021) Fresh air fanatics, get ready! Camping season opens March 12 at 30 Kentucky State Parks featuring approximatively 2,300 campsites across the commonwealth.

“One of the most popular recreational activities at Kentucky State Parks every year is camping,” said Department of Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “Over the past year, our staff has been committed to making improvements at several campgrounds that we believe will improve our guests’ overall camping experience.”

Sewer and 50-amp electric upgrades have been completed at General Burnside and Lake Cumberland campgrounds. New ADA sites have also been added to the campgrounds. The campgrounds at John James Audubon State Park and Carr Creek State Park will remain closed for the 2021 season due to ongoing upgrades and repairs.

All state park campgrounds have water and electric services with dump stations or sewer hookups and bathhouses, along with picnic tables and fire rings at each improved site. Primitive sites are also available.

State Park campgrounds will remain open through mid-November and a few sites will remain open during winter months. The weekend of April 23-25 is the annual Camper Appreciation Weekend when campers can receive a promotional discount of two nights for the price of one.

Kentucky State Parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation activities that Kentuckians can continue to enjoy while engaging in social distancing. Kentucky is home to 45 state parks including 17 resort parks. State parks span over 48,000 acres and offer 300 miles of hiking trails. Park visitors have access to a number of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Due to the state’s ongoing battle with COVID-19, park guests are required to follow all public health safety guidelines including Red Zone Reduction Recommendations, face covering requirements and social distancing.
While visiting park grounds, guests should adhere to the following:

• Wear a mask or facial covering;
• Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms;
• Maintain safe social distancing at least 6 feet;
• Do not congregate in groups;
• Avoid games that require close contact; and
• Move to a different location to avoid crowds.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks or to make a reservation, visit parks.ky.gov. #kystateparks

Todays lesson

ARC and Georgia Pacific have partnered to develop a free learning resource about salamanders of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This packet is complete with a PowerPoint presentation, activity video, printable coloring pages, and much more! These fun and engaging science lessons are perfect to use in your virtual classroom or as continued learning at home.

Download here: https://amphibianandreptileconservancy.org/southernappalachianmountainssalamanders

Ever wonder why?

The golden eagle, golden pheasant, scarlet tanager, and blue heron are birds that may be hard to find here in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Individually, each has its own identifiable characteristics that make them very different from the other and they don’t all take up residence or even migrate to this part of North America. So, what do they have in common? These four birds are Stearns Coal Birds used to market the different grades of coal mined in the Big South Fork region.



In the early 1900’s, Stearns Coal and Lumber Company owned around 200,000 acres of land which produced a handsome profit from the mines and timberlands until the depression caused a decrease in sales. The year 1933 brought a decline of 20% for Stearns profits. This brought about the company’s decision to drop lumber production and sell 47,000 acres of land to the U.S government in 1937, and it pushed all their efforts into the rise of coal.



A chunk of coal, even though essential for domestic use and some commercial use, didn’t present a beautiful portrait to market the four grades being sold at different prices. How do you give a dusty chunk of rock a sophisticated look and a desire to be bought? Give it a catchy name, presenting each grade of coal as a beautiful admirable bird to represent it; golden eagle, golden pheasant, scarlet tanager, and blue heron (grades1-4).



Stearns Coal Company, later renamed, began to recover and climb up in revenue. Thus began plans for a state of the art $500,000 Tipple Bridge built for sorting all four bird named coal grades delivered from surrounding mines to the new tipple at Blue Heron mining community.



The Stearns Coal Company wasn’t the first to use animals for marketing purposes, but they were the first to identify grades of coal by them. The company’s use of bird names faded away along with the demand for coal. However, one bird name was left behind as a reminder of its existence and important role in the history of Big South Fork mining community, and the only mine that shared a bird name, Blue Heron Mine 18.

NPS Photo
Photo Description: The golden pheasant, golden eagle, scarlet tanager, and the blue heron

Cool Moon info.

#fullmoon This month's full Moon is known as the Snow Moon. After last weeks weather it's pretty obvious why. February is the United States' snowiest month according to the National Weather Service.

The Snow Moon isn't the only name for this month's full Moon. The Cherokee, for example, traditionally called this month's full Moon the Bone Moon. Can you guess why? Unfortunately, the name was given because often this time of the year is when the food supplies from the last harvest were starting to run low. They also called it the Hungry Moon.

The best observation of the Snow Moon will be Friday, February 26. It will rise above the horizon in the east at sunset and will reach peak illumination in the early morning hours. Snow or no snow, hungry or full, take advantage of this full moon viewing opportunity with your loved ones and think about the struggles the local American Indians experienced.

Photo Credit: Nasa
Photo Description: Full moon above snowy mountain peaks