Blue Ridge Country March/April 2023 - 30

NATURAL WONDERS BUCKET LIST
Kentucky: Lilley Cornett Woods.
See land untouched by humankind
for over 150 years-old growth
forest-that supports over 530
species of flowering plants. Over
250 acres of the 554 total in this
" living museum " preserve are still
first-growth, primeval forests.
To experience this rare environAHEFLIN
| ADOBESTOCK
ABOVE: Kentucky's Pine Island Double Falls
is reached with an easy to moderate hike.
RIGHT: Kentucky's Carter Caves can be
explored either as a guided hike or on your own.
FAR RIGHT: Kentucky's Yahoo Falls offers a
cave behind the 133-foot cascade.
Kentucky
Carter Caves. Channel your inner spelunker
exploring six unique cave environments
via guided or self-guided tours.
Ancient structures, caverns, a 30-foot
underground waterfall and stories from
history await. Experience lighted adventures
or muddy, dark and tight spaces.
Make reservations and ask about appropriate
clothing.
See five natural bridges above ground,
watch for birds and pan for gems at the
park. Explore hiking, water and rail trails
in the town that once produced the largest
number of fire bricks in the world.
Listen to country and bluegrass music
and eat local at Walker's Family Restaurant,
bison brisket at Tierney's Cavern
Restaurant, followed by dessert from
Sweet Sensations.
Extend your visit at the campground
(RV and tent), new cottages or the 28room
lodge with private balconies.
344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill.
stateparks.com/carter_caves_state_
resort_park_in_kentucky.html
Pine Island Double Falls. Walk
30 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
ment, visitors must take a free
guided tour - one mile or two
miles on moderately sloping trails.
Contact the research station for
reservations, or inquire at the Visitor
Center (first come, first served
basis).
Location: Appalachian Ecological
Research Station
Peak blooming time: mid-March
to the end of April
KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
GETTY IMAGES
" off the grid " through the untouched
wilderness to see a rare double waterfall.
The hike is a mile roundtrip along a
creek and is considered easy to moderate
(follow the pink ribbons-no cell service
here). Time your visit to follow a good
rain for the best experience.
Ride bikes in the state's " cycling capital "
of London. Learn Civil War history.
Watch a race at the dragway. Find treasures
at the flea market. And be sure to
eat fried chicken-this is home to the
Colonel's original restaurant.
Choose from (interestingly named)
accommodations like The Bird House,
The Beehive and Peaceful Nostalgia for
an overnight stay.
Daniel Boone National Forest. Laurel
County.
kywaterfalls.com/dir/index.php/
cumberland-plateau/1895-pine-islanddouble-falls
LILLEY
CORNETT WOODS APPALACHIAN ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH STATION

http://www.stateparks.com/carter_caves_state_resort_park_in_kentucky.html http://www.kywaterfalls.com/dir/index.php/cumberland-plateau/1895-pine-island-double-falls http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country March/April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country March/April 2023