You Haven't Lived Until You've Experienced This One Incredible Park In Kentucky

We have some amazing parks and spots within Mother Nature in our state, but one underrated park in Kentucky often gets overlooked. It sits at the foot of the historic Appalachians in Prestonburg, and surrounds the cool, calm waters of Dewey Lake.

Here are 11 reasons to visit this often overlooked, and very underrated park in Kentucky:

The park sits at 75 Theater Court, comfortably nuzzled at the base of the Appalachians.

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The park was named after the renowned pioneer woman, Jenny Wiley. She was taken captive by the Indians in 1789 and watched her own children and her brother be put to death. She escaped her capitivity after 11 months.

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Jenny Wiley’s heroic trek through the Appalachian woodlands is tentatively marked via woodland trails. Visitors can take a walk on what would have been the wild side during Wiley’s day and age. The area is much more maintained and you can feel confident you won’t run into any hostiles.

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Jenny Wiley has cottages, a lodge, RV, and primitive camping spots available. Those looking to stay a day or longer can make reservations to ensure lodging is accessible. Inquiries can be made at 606-889-1790, along with reservations.

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This local restaurant offers up some of the finest breaded catfish you will ever taste. Perfectly spiced and fall apart tender. The Sirloin Steak, Pork Chops and buffalo strips are also very popular and well worth ordering. This is the place to dine on locally raised meats and locally grown grains and vegetables.

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The Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is home to a large outdoor theatre. Local performers host shows for visitors at varying times. Mary Poppins is playing through July, and Mulan starts on July 21st. For aschedule of show times and upcoming events is available at 877-225-5598.

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Dewey Lake has some great fishing. You will find bluegill, catfish, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass and crappie. You can catch them and cook them right on the shoreline. There are grills available in some spots, or you can do it the old fashioned way on a well maintained campfire.

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There are around 199 open slips for boaters. For convenience, there are also 3 different launching ramps offering different access point into the lake. If you don’t have your own boat, they also have pontoon rentals available. Taking a cruise on a pontoon on a sunny afternoon is a beautiful way to spend the day.

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The park added an 18 hole disk golf course for Frisbee lovers. Bring out your discs and see what you score while appreciating the beauty Mother Nature has to offer at the park. If you prefer the old fashioned version of golf, the Stonecrest Golf Course is directly adjacent to Jenny Wiley.

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Jenny Wiley has lots of Appalachian history and entertainment within its borders and surrounding areas. You can find the Kentucky Appalachian Artisan Center, Samuel May House, David Appalachian Crafts, Mountain Home Place, Elkhorn City Railroad Museum, and the Van Lear Historical Coal Camp Museum, all nearby.

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This scenic route takes nature enthusiasts around a 154-mile loop throughout Eastern Kentucky. You will pass around 60 miles of recreational activities, like camp sites and hiking trails. Nature lovers will also find some of the most breathtaking sites in the state. It makes for some beautiful photo memories.

We are blessed with the likes of Cumberland Falls, Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave, and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has some scenic beauty that is just breathtaking. Consider adding this to your summer bucket list and you’ll understand why it is an underrated park in Kentucky.

You can read more about Kentucky spots with breathtaking views and plenty of fun here.