Date of trip: 09/06/2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Crooked Creek SNP, Lewis Co., KY
Difficulty of hike: Easy – The hike will cover a distance of approximately 1.5 miles on an established trail. The terrain is mostly flat with some small inclines or declines, but attendees should be prepared for hiking trail conditions like navigating occasional spots with rocks, mud, or woody debris. We will leave the trail at one or two spots to view some of the grasslands.
Join KNPS member and OKNP biologist, Devin Rodgers for a hike to Crooked Creek SNP in Lewis Co. The hike will highlight the Bluegrass Cat Prairie, a unique type of grassland that features some of the highest concentrations of rare plants in Kentucky. The ecology and rare plants of this grassland will be discussed along with a focus on morphology and identification of the sunflower family, Asteraceae.
Prairie species such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum var. luciae-brauniae) occur in the barrens areas. This site also protects five rare plant species: starry false Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum stellatum), white rattlesnake root (Prenanthes alba), slender blazing-star (Liatris cylindracea), earleaf foxglove (Agalinis auriculata) and scarlet Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea).
There are no restrooms or facilities at the preserve. There will be some shaded portions of the hike, but attendees should be prepared for being in open areas with full sun. Short water and shade breaks will be taken. Make sure to bring plenty of water and tick protection.
Because of limited parking at Crooked Creek SNP, the group will meet in Maysville and carpool to the preserve. Meet up coordinates will be sent to participants in a separate email.
Due to the sensitivity of the site, registration will be limited to 12 participants.
If you have any questions, send an email to FieldTrips@knps.org.
To register for this field trip, fill out and submit the form below.