Fishing pole
The state parks near Richmond, KY provide nature lovers with hundreds of acres of natural beauty to explore. Here you can hike, bike, or horseback ride on miles of scenic trails, paddle on the rivers and lakes, and enjoy the outdoors camping in the forest.
1. Green River Lake State Park
This beautiful 1,331-acre park and 8,200-acre Green River Lake offer outdoor enthusiasts plenty of fun-filled activities to enjoy.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Horseback Riding
Explore the natural beauty surrounding the lake on 28-miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The trails run through the woodlands and close to the lake and provide panoramic views of the scenic landscape.
Birdwatching
An abundance of resident and migratory songbirds can be heard in the forest from spring to the middle of summer. In winter, waterfowl are plentiful around the lake.
Fishing and Boating
The lake has a full-service marina, boat slips, and boat rentals. It’s a great spot to reel in large, smallmouth, and Kentucky bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, and bluegill.
Swimming
The gentle waters of the lake make it perfect for swimming. There is a lovely sandy beach with a volleyball court.
Camping
Choose between one of 167 tent and RV sites and 60 primitive campsites. The campground has a dump station, restrooms, laundry facility, and a camp store.
2. Carter Caves State Resort Park
Visit the park for an underground adventure and explore caves formed over millions of years, climb the sandstone cliffs, and discover fauna and flora in the forest.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Horseback Riding
The park boasts 33 miles of nature trails that run through the forest, over natural bridges, past caves, and offer hikers breathtaking natural scenery.
Paddling
Explore the 45-acre Smokey Lake canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. The park offers guided paddle trips during the summer months for beginners to experienced paddlers.
Fishing
Smokey Lake is the state’s trophy bass lake. You can also hook catfish, crappie, and bluegill in the lake.
Rock Climbing
The sandstone cliffs provide 30-40 foot rappelling and rock climbing to experienced climbers.
Lodging and Camping
Stay in a room at Fieldstone Lodge with a private balcony overlooking the forest or in one of the 12 pretty cottages. The campground has 121 sites, and eight are set aside for horse camping.
3. Fort Boonesborough State Park
This is where Daniel Boone and his men established a settlement on April 1, 1775. The reconstructed Fort Boonesborough on the Kentucky River is a working fort where history comes to life through craft and skill demonstrations. In addition to the historic attractions, the park also provides visitors with exciting outdoor activities.
Hiking
The three trails in the park meander off to the fort, old rock foundations of a 1790s farmhouse, remnants of an old wagon road, and the Kentucky River.
Fishing and Boating
The Kentucky River is teeming with bass, catfish, and bluegill. Here you can fish from the banks or from a boat. There are various boat ramps, and the camp store loans out fishing poles.
Camping
The scenic campground on the river has 166 sites with water and electricity. There are three dump stations, laundry facilities, and restrooms with hot showers.
These are only three of many more beautiful parks in the state that provide loads of exciting outdoor activities. Visit Gates Nissan today, and our expert technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition.
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