KY spring break adventures

 Located approximately 30 miles apart, Grayson Lake State Park in Grayson, Ky., and Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill, Ky., offers various activities for both seasoned sportsmen and newcomers.

  Grayson Lake State Park has been known for summer boating, swimming and rock jumping.

   "What tourists don't know are the other activities Grayson Lake National Park offers, such as hiking trails, picnic areas and planned special events throughout the seasons," said Judith Ellis, Kentucky State Parks manager.

   Grayson Lake State Park offers two different trails, the Beech-Hemlock Trail and the Lick Falls Overlook Trail.

   Named for the two trees that inhabit most of the trail, the Beech-Hemlock Trail is just under a mile long and wanders through the wooded area between the campground and Grayson Lake. Sandstone rock formations are a highlight of the hike, Ellis said.

   Lick Falls Overlook Trail is three miles and is more demanding than the Beech-Hemlock Trail. The trail follows the cliff line along Grayson Lake and ends at a waterfall.

   "The best time to see the waterfall is in the winter or spring when it is not too dry," Ellis said.

 Ellis said the eating area along the lake has grills to cook the catch of the day with a beautiful view of the lake.

   Hal Cooper, Kentucky State Parks employee, said Carter County is home to the highest number of caves concentrated in one location in Kentucky. He said Carter Caves State Park is a great destination to learn new information and see new things by offering cave tours, boating, fishing and walking trails.

   Cooper said only two caves are open to tour because of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that kills the majority of hibernating bats it infects. The tour guides bring visitors down into the Cascade Cave and the X-Cave.

   Fishing at the Smokey Valley Lake can be fun, Cooper said. The lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Muskie and Panfish.

   "A tour-guided canoe trip on Smokey Lake is also a great way to take in the scenery," Cooper said.

   He said hiking trails and horseback riding trails are great ways to become more familiar with the area. Trails differ in experience level and can be used with mountain bikes and horses.

   Kelly Crouch can be contacted at crouch16@marshall.edu.