It’s officially summer, the ultimate season for fun and relaxation. On bright days, the season calls to you like the cheerful song of a Carolina wren, inviting you outdoors to connect with nature. You might even hear birds singing from your own backyard. The sun does its part too, streaming through your windows and hinting at the adventures waiting outside.

Of course, summer fun comes with a caveat. Heat and humidity are part and parcel with living in the Bluegrass. So if you answer the call of the outdoors—whether for exploration, play, or relaxation—it’s important to plan ahead.

A little preparation goes a long, beautiful way

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve gathered a few tips for staying safe, comfortable, and ready for summer fun:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
• Bring your water bottle and refill it at our main trailheads. Pack a water bowl for pets.
• If possible, visit during the early morning hours to avoid peak sunlight and midday heat. This is also a perfect time to catch wildlife in action!
• Take frequent breaks and try to avoid strenuous activity.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion (excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, clammy skin, muscle cramps).
• Check for hot surfaces on playground equipment and benches before allowing young children to play or sit.
• Explore the parks with a partner or friends. If you’re interested in a guided exploration, join a session of The Parklands Walking Club or Wee Walking Club.
• Use the heat as an excuse to partake in a creekside excursion—paddling, fishing, or searching for fossils along Floyds Fork. If you decide to go paddling, bring your own equipment, including a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• For family water fun, our spraygrounds in Beckley Creek and Broad Run Parks are both great places to be on a hot summer day.
  

Enjoy the shade of a wooded trail

For a refuge from the sun, consider exploring one of our more shaded areas and trails:

• The Paw Paw and Hickory natural-surface trails in Turkey Run Park offer opportunities for hiking and biking under the canopy of Turkey Run Forest. Check out the Wild Hyacinth for a hike-only option.
• The Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden in Broad Run Park offers beautiful, shaded stone pathways lined with towering trees, including the breathtaking Venerable Oak.
• The Riparian Ramble natural-surface trail in Broad Run Park offers a shaded experience for hiking and biking along Floyds Fork. In Beckley Creek Park, the Sycamore trail offers a similar experience. For a hike-only option, venture out along the new Echo Rim Trail.
• If you take the paved Louisville Loop, park at the North Beckley Paddling Access in the bottomland off Beckley Creek Parkway and head south to see one of the most scenic and peaceful sections of the trail, with plenty of tree shade to start off your adventure.

Visit our website to plan your adventure

Before heading out on any summer day, especially when the sun is out in full force, check the forecast so you’re not caught off guard by rising temperatures or unexpected storms. You can also visit our website to see whether any alerts are in place that may affect your plans. If you’re planning a paddling adventure, current CFS information is available by clicking the paddling icon at the top of our homepage.

With the right warm-weather strategy and timing, answering summer’s call can lead to a wondrous experience filled with native wildflowers, tree-lined pathways, dew-tipped grasses, and the cooling jets of sprayground water, depending on the route or destination you choose.

Home to more than 80 miles of trails and a wide variety of amenities, The Parklands offers countless ways to enjoy the summer season outdoors.