Јohnny Molloy - Kentucky

O VER THE PAST TWO-PLUS DECADES , Kentucky has been a favorite destination for me, whether I was hiking, paddling, or camping. Sometimes it was for outdoor research and writing, at other times it was just to have a good time in a beautiful place. After these experiences, I believed I had a good handle on most of Kentuckys prime outdoor destinations. After taking on the assignment to write this book, I discovered even more beauty in the Bluegrass State. I set forth in my Jeep, with a Eureka! tent and a laptop computer, exploring by day and typing up on-site campground reports by night. The first surprise came at the Civil War site of Columbus-Belmont State Park. I stood atop incredible river bluffs of the states Far West, where Confederate soldiers were once stationed behind fortifications overlooking the Mississippi River and the state of Missouri. And then came Land Between the Lakes. One of Americas newer federally designated national-recreation areas administered by the U.S. Forest Service, LBL is simply a tent campers paradise. Nearly encircled by lakes, laced with trails, and rich with wildlife and a pioneer past, this destination has numerous campgrounds to enjoy.

Kentucky is also blessed with many scenic lakes impounded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These lakes do more than provide much-needed flood controlthe Corps has also developed recreation areas along them. In creating these recreation areas, the Corps spared no expense, building elevated waterfront campsites such as those at Fishing Creek Campground on Lake Cumberland and the walk-in tent sites at Paintsville Lake. Other lake areas of note are Kentucky Lake, Lake Malone, Green River Lake, Nolin River Lake, Laurel River Lake, Cave Run Lake, and Fishtrap Lake. Mammoth Cave National Park is not to be missed, for both its aboveground and belowground beauty. Farther east, Daniel Boone National Forest offers numerous getaways in the deep forests, known in Daniel Boones time as the Great Wilderness. Some areas, like Red River Gorge are famed; others, such as Turkey Foot, are hidden gems. The Big South Fork and Cumberland Gap are destinations special enough to be administered by the National Park Service. Ive also included many fine Kentucky state parks, such as Yatesville Lake State Park, with its state-of-the-art campground, and the scenic paradise that is Cumberland Falls State Park.

With the joy of completing a book and the sadness of an adventure ended, I finished my research. But I continued putting my lessons to work, enjoying more of this underappreciated state, hiking at Pennyrile, fishing the Green River, and relishing the vistas at Breaks Interstate Park. I am very grateful and proud to have written this book, and I will enjoy the best of Kentucky for years to come. I hope you too will come out and make some Bluegrass memories of your own.

Johnny Molloy