Pike Lake State Park Naturalist Matt Minter will be leading his annual “Spring Wildflower Trilogy” of hikes on Saturday, May 4. Minter has led the wildflower hike at Pike Lake State Park since 1977.
Once again, Minter will lead a series of three hikes. While on the hikes, visitors will also hear stories of local folklore — some Native American and some based on local events since the time of the white settlers in the 1790s and Civil War era.
The first hike is set for 10 a.m. at Lake White State Park. Participants should meet at the Lake White Boater Education Building. It is an easy hike on a paved trail for about a quarter mile.
The second hike will start at 2 p.m. at Pike Lake State Park, located in the hills of the Appalachian Plateau. Participants should meet at the nature center. This is also an easy hike on a level trail which is about a half mile.
The third hike will begin at 4 p.m. at Miller Nature Preserve on Barrett Mill Road off state Route 41 in Cynthiana (near Cave Road). Participants should meet at the Miller parking lot. The hike winds through level to moderate terrain along Rocky Fork Creek amongst Dolomite cliffs and boulders and features a different assemblage of wildflowers. This area once was under glacial ice, unlike Pike Lake. Another notable landmark at Miller is a large Natural Bridge located on the trail. This is a longer hike, which is about a mile.
Minter says he has noticed a change in the times of the appearance of different wildflower species since he began leading the hikes in 1977. The flowers are blooming two to three weeks earlier since he began the series, most likely due to global warming.
Depending upon weather conditions, all activities are subject to change. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For more information, contact Pike Lake State Park by calling (740) 493-2212.
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