Spring is in the Air and there are loads of Special Events at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park this April!

American Holly is a treat for many birds @ Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Pileated Woodpecker in American Holly

Can you find the bird enjoying berries from the American holly tree?

Nestled in the branches devouring this wonderful midwinter snack is a Pileated Woodpecker. On Saturday Afternoon (2/22/2014) I spotted a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers both at the tree and a Northern Mockingbird.  Several years ago I saw a flock of American Robins eating holly berries around the same time of year.

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker that can be seen at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.  If you don't see it you are likely to hear it drumming. For more information on the Pileated Woodpecker go to http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pileated_woodpecker/id

Oil Painting Weekend: the final touches.

Left to Right: Lisa Weakley, Cheri Deffendoll, Gregory Baumgart, and Janie Chappell
The foursome made the trip from Indiana to paint at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

On February 22-23, 2014 twenty-four paintings were created at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. On Saturday the class painted the view from the lake overlook at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

On Sunday a smaller class painted a country scene with a barn. The painters were from all different skill levels.  Some have painted and use our class to get motivated to paint more, other have are looking for a new hobby and use the class to see if painting is something they would enjoy.    We hope to offer the weekend again in February 2015.

Carolyn Stephens of Providence, Kentucky with her first ever finished painting.

Girlfriend Getaway Cancelled

We have cancelled the Girlfriend Getaway Weekend that was scheduled for February 28-March 2nd.  We needed a minimum of 15 participants and we did not meet our minimum.

Valentine's Getaway at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Valentine's Getaway Dinner

Over twenty couples joined us for our Valentine's Getaway package this year.  The couples enjoyed a romantic dinner with piano music.  They played the Not-so-Newlywed Game for prizes which included a free one night stay certificate. 

Valentine's Getaway Couples Hike on Indian Bluff Trail

Valentine's Getaway Couples Hike 2/15/2014

On Saturday the group ventured out in the cold for a couples hike on the Indian Bluff and Pennyrile Nature Trail.

The entire group posed for a photo under the sandstone cliff on the Indian Bluff Trail.

Pennyrile Nature Trail 2/15/2014

Next, the hikers enjoyed a short portion of the Pennyrile Nature Trail. Winter hiking is great at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.  Hiking stick is recommended and be careful of icy patches in the trail.

Loads to do at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park this February!

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is hosting three Special Event Weekends in February!

Thirty-five hikers joined us for our First Day Hike

We were thrilled to have such a good turnout for our first ever First Day Hike.  There were 12 hikers who participated in the 10 AM hike.  They hiked the Indian Bluff Trail, Clifty Creek Trail, and a small portion of the Pennyrile Nature Trail. The noon hike had 23 participants and they hiked the Cane Trail, and a portion of the Lake Trail.  The weather couldn't have been better. We plan to offer another group hike for Valentines on February 15th. Hope to see you there!

10 AM First Day Hikers before the hike

10 AM First Day Hikers crossing the dam 

10 AM First Day Hikers on the Indian Bluff Trail

Noon First Day Hikers crossing the dam

Noon First Day Hikers on the Lake Trail

Noon First Day Hikers on the Lake Trail

Noon First Day Hikers After the Hike