John Bowman and his wife Beckie drove more than two hours to join Kentucky Natural Lands Trust’s First Day Hike. He wanted to start the year with “boots on the ground” and KNLT’s guided hike along the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail provided the opportunity.
“There is something honest about that choice. No speeches, no resolutions written on paper, just putting one foot in front of the other in a place that has stood long before us and will, if we do our job right, stand long after we are gone,” John said.
John was one of 33 people who met on January 1st at Kingdom Come State Park, KNLT’s partner for the hike. KNLT offers guided hikes throughout the year, providing an opportunity for educational and safe exploration of the trails. The hikes attract local residents and visitors of all ages. For the First Day Hike, some participants came with family or friends. Others arrived solo. All arrived with different reasons to begin the year in the mountains.
“Leading hikes with KNLT is a perfect way to educate and be with others who want to spend time in nature and learn about the significance of Central Appalachia’s wildlands. It is a chance to help them connect with the natural world and understand why our work is so important. If any walk away with a new perspective, knowledge or appreciation of this place, I consider that a successful hike.” Megan Falce, KNLT’s Outreach Coordinator.
Megan led the group as they explored a stunning section of the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail that follows the ridgeline between the park’s 12 O’clock Overlook and Creech Overlook. The trail offered panoramic views of the Cumberland Plateau, the Linefork community in the valley below, and unique evergreen and lichen species along the way. The hikers were provided with the Pine Mountain bird species list as part of KNLT’s partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Heather Hensley, who lives nearby, has attended several hikes with her children.
“It’s a safe, welcoming way for me to take my kids hiking even when my husband is out of town, and our guide is amazing with the kids, especially my younger one, who loves listening to him and answering his questions,” she said. “We’ve loved exploring new parts of our beautiful county while meeting other families and making memories together.”
Attendee Jimmy Shepherd began attending guided hikes a few years ago. He brings his family along, and he appreciates the educational element of guided hikes.
“We like guided hikes where a lot of knowledge is passed down to a younger generation that most likely would not learn these types of things in a classroom,” he said.
Jimmy and his family have plans to do long distance hikes on Pine Mountain. Part of the Great Eastern Trail, the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail offers a 58-mile trail connecting Kingdom Come State Park to Breaks Interstate Park and is continuing to be developed.
“It is important for young people to get out in nature and enjoy the pristine beauty of the mountains,” Jimmy said.
Doug Clem, who also lives locally, attended for the first time. He enjoyed being among like-minded people who “enjoy these wonderful ancient mountains.”
For the Bowmans, the day was worth the trip. John said the trail and the views of the surrounding community reminded him of the importance of the mountains and the people who live there.
“What stayed with me most was the sense of gratitude,” John said. “Gratitude for the people who planned the hike, the folks who maintain the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, and the simple fact that we still have places like this to walk, reflect, and reset. Starting the year this way felt right, grounded, purposeful, and rooted in tradition. It was a reminder that progress does not always come from rushing ahead; sometimes it comes from slowing down, honoring what we have, and committing ourselves again to taking care of it.”
Future Hikes
KNLT plans to offer more hikes this year. Subscribe to our newsletter for information and to register for future hikes when they are announced.
Have questions about hiking with KNLT? Contact Megan Falce at [email protected].
About Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
KNLT is a nationally accredited nonprofit working to protect biodiverse and climate resilient landscapes in ways that benefit communities. Through partnerships with individuals, nonprofits, government agencies and businesses, KNLT has protected more than 64,000 acres of wildlands throughout Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Projects like these would not be possible without the support of our donors! Join our movement and give today: DONATE NOW
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Photo: First Day Hike group on Pine Mountain ~ Curtis Cox