June, 2016
Lexington Public Library sponsored a family friendly Hike & Learn program at Shaker Village as part of their 2016 Summer Reading Program, #DiscoverSummerLex.
We’d been having a spell of extremely hot weather for Kentucky (mid-90s with a heat index of over 100), but I envisioned hiking through shady, wooded areas, which would be somewhat cooler. That didn’t happen. 😉 We hiked up, across and down their open prairie preserve–2 hours in the midday sun. I had my hiking stick and water with me, but could have really used a hat. I stopped by a sporting goods store on the way home from Harrodsburg* and bought one for future outings!
Well, at least I didn’t have “heat stroke”!
While it may not have been as “family friendly” as the organizers had hoped (a few participants dropped out along the way because of the heat), it was, nevertheless, a great chance to take a naturalist-guided hike through the beautiful, historic landscape at Shaker Village:
The Shakers were drawn to this site for its rich natural resources—fertile land, plentiful water sources and strong limestone. Today, The Preserve conserves and shares native prairies, woodlands, watersheds, fields, canebrakes and diverse wildlife—all perfectly framed by miles of hand-laid rock walls. Go on a new adventure every day as you trek through 3,000 acres of streams, forests and wide open spaces. Shaker Village
*Harrodsburg is the oldest city in Kentucky and has been honored as the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Appalachians.
I’ve always wanted to visit a Shaker village. Thanks for the photos. How tidy! But that’s what we’ve been taught to expect from the Shakers, isn’t it? I believe the last living Shaker, a woman, died recently–in Illinois perhaps? Always thought it curious that they demanded celibacy. Especially when children are the great joy of life, don’t you think? That little one in the photo above certainly captured my attention. : )
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I always envied my sister’s visits to Shaker sites in the northeast and never dreamed when I moved to Kentucky that there was a Shaker presence here, too. Besides this one at Pleasant Hill, there’s one called Union Hill south of Bowling Green. I need to plan a day trip to that area. Yes, their views on celibacy are certainly hard to understand!
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I love hiking out there no matter what the weather! I have been out there when my hydropack tube froze and I have been in sweltering weather. I take a lot more water when it is hot. I know all 37 miles of trails and all 3000 acres like th back of my hand. We are so fortunate to have a place so close! I love seeing all the animals and flowers and so much more. I had a turkey follow me 5 minutes down the trail and I have video of deer sparring. I take my 2 year old grandson out there a lot, and I have been doing that since he was small and I took him in a stroller way out on the trails then.
The lady in your picture went to school with my daughter. She probably told you she raises bees and sells honey. Thank you for your lovely blog!
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You sound like a dedicated hiker, Reb! How wonderful to have their huge preserve close enough to go anytime you want. My hiking has been limited following a bad injury on a hike in Jamaica years ago, so I have to scope out the locations to make sure they’re not too rough for walking with a stiff ankle. I can’t do hills at all. 😦 Is your wife a big hiker, too?
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I forgot to mention, I met a gentleman on the trails out there that takes professional pictures of all over Kentucky, including Shaker Village. His website is:
ronalddavidparrottphotography.com
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Thanks, I’ll take a look. I went to a program at McConnell Springs a couple of weeks ago by John Snell, who photographs at Red River Gorge. Stunning photos! http://www.johnsnellphoto.com/
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Such a beautiful and serene place.
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Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.
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Thanks, Maria. I don’t see a problem with this post–were there other posts that you had this problem with?
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It sure is. Did you have any trouble with the links loading?
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My reply showed up below!
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