The Haunted Hike In Kentucky That Will Send You Running For The Hills
By Andrea Limke|Published May 16, 2017
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Every piece of land in Kentucky has its own history. For most of them, you’ll never know the stories and previous happenings, but there is a state park in Kentucky that has a very mysterious past. Once a farm, and then a mental hospital, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a beautiful place—with a frightening past.
Perhaps you've spent a delightful spring afternoon, walking the trails at the popular E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park in Louisville. The park offers swimming, events, playgrounds, archery and much more. And it also offers something else. Something that may make you run for the hills, because this land used to house an insane asylum and some say the previous residents enjoy the park just as much as you do.
In 1969, Kentucky purchased this land from the Kentucky Department of Mental Health, as the property was used for a mental hospital. Since the late 1800's, the hospital was called a number of different names, but is mostly known as Central State Hospital or Lakeland Asylum. The hospital was always surrounded by controversy, dealing with little funding, overcrowding and accusations of patient abuse.
Eventually, in the 1980's, a new facility was built and the building near the park was demolished in 1996. The photo below was taken during demolition. The land then became part of the current park.
Today, you can hike through the park and see remnants of the former happenings of this property. Most notably, behind the archery section of the park, you'll find the entrance to "Sauerkraut Cave," which sits below the former asylum. This tunnel was originally used by farmers, but then as cold storage for the hospital.
The walls are marked with graffiti and it is in disrepair, so approach the area with caution. You'll also want to keep your eyes and ears open, as there are tales of ghostly patients and screams from a child yelling, "Mommy!"
The ceiling is only about four feet tall and sections are filled with mud and water. There are many stories telling possible other uses for this cave, which may just explain the supposed presence of unsettled spirits.
If you decide to hike though more of the park, search for the graveyards used by the hospital. Many markers have sunk into the ground, but there are still a few visible, dating from the late 1800's. Whether or not you believe in ghost stories, you must admit that a hike through this Kentucky park is full of history. And if you do experience any of these tales firsthand, well, we won't blame you if you run for the hills.
Do you spend time in this lovely state park? Did you know about its creepy background? Share your stories with us in the comments! For more info on the park and to check for upcoming events (some feature its history!), visit their website here. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is located at 3000 Freys Hill Rd. Louisville, KY 40241.
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