I traveled for the first time to Greenbo Lake State Resort Park which is north of Grayson in Eastern Kentucky. A trip to Greenbo offers a range of attractions and possible activities with more novel side trips nearby.
This area holds many fascinating discoveries including Carter Caves State Park and the many points of interest in Ashland, Ky. Greenbo Resort perches on steep hills over looking a 225-acre mountain lake, and the parkland surrounding the lake includes over 3,000 acres. The name Greenbo represents a combination of the names of Greenup and Boyd Counties. The park became part of the Kentucky Parks system in 1955.
I drove downhill past the 1800-era Buffalo Iron Furnace on the left with the picnic and community swimming pool with water slide on the right. Back up the hill and turning right leads to the Jesse Stuart Lodge where I checked in to stay for several nights. The lodge lobby is large with easy chairs, sofas and a big screen TV back toward the windows. There is a large fireplace and a display of signed guitars and a portrait of African-American blues musician Bill Williams, who hails from Greenup County. Following stairs to the second level I found an electric-mechanical scale model of the Buffalo Iron Furnace. A quarter placed in the slot brought the model to life with sounds and lights and a roof which lifted upwards to allow a bird's eye view of the foundry.
The lodge's namesake was notable Kentucky author and Greenup County native Jesse Stuart. There is a glass display case both in the entranceway and in the Jesse Stuart Library, which is stocked with a range of titles from Stuart and other authors. There are farm implements from the Jesse Stuart family, letters and his old electric typewriter.
I looked over the park map and chose a few hiking trails to explore before dinnertime. Greenbo has over 25 miles of amazing and educational trails which follow the varied terrain of woods, mountaintop or creek valley. The Michael Tygart Loop Trail leaves from the east end of the lodge parking lot. It's well marked with up to seven miles of path for hikers only (no horse or mountain bikes allowed on Tygart). I took a shorter walk uphill to turn right onto the one-mile Fern Valley Trail. You can pick up a guidebook to the self-guided trail at the lodge desk to read about 16 stations from hillside to valley. This shorter combination of trails worked best for me as rain clouds loomed low and I wanted to keep close to the lodge.
Despite the rain which closed in on me, I found myself in hiker's paradise with pine trees above, dull-orange pine needles cushioning my seat and a peaceful lake scene with raindrops making little pop-up circles in the green water. I enjoyed peace and quiet, let my thoughts wander and then walked around the hill back to the lodge. Other trails include Claylick Loop (seven miles) and Carpenter's Run (10 miles).
Hungry for supper I showered and changed and walked down to the first floor Angler's Cove Restaurant. I enjoyed prompt and friendly service with a nice variety of country style entrees. My overnight stay was lovely. I found the private balcony on my second-floor room perfect for finishing my "communing with nature."
Exploring the nearby community on my second day led me to Nanna's Gift Shop, located right near the intersection of KY 1711 and Highway 1. Nanna's offers arts and crafts and friendly chat about local lore. I bought a tin wall candle sconce, and owners Cheryl Skeen and James Green Jr. were nice enough to let me visit them at their home to learn some history. Later I walked their fields looking for arrowheads. You can't beat country hospitality.
Other nearby sites of interest include Bennett's Mill and Old Town Covered Bridges, the Old Fort Earthworks, Historic McConnell House and more. Greenbo Resort has live music and theatrical performances in season at the outdoor amphitheatre.
By the way, for those who like peace and quiet know that the entire Greenbo Lake is idle only with no jet skis permitted. I enjoyed looking at the big old stone blocks of the furnace, walking along the creeks and talking with staff and other guests. Greenbo Lake is a good place, anytime, for rest and relaxation.
To Get There
To get to Greenbo Lake State Resort Park from Lexington, take Interstate 64 East past Morehead and to exit No. 172 in Grayson. The exit ramp slides to the right and you will turn left to go over I-64, north for 18 miles to turn left on KY 1711 which leads to the park entrance. The park is located at 965 Lodge Rd., Greenup, Ky. For more information about special events, lodge rates and particulars for fishing or overnight stays call 1-800-325-0083. Or visit the Greenbo Web site at parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/go/.
The one-way drive takes over an hour and a half from Lexington to Greenbo.