According to the CDC, 32.5% of Kentucky adults in 2020 self-reported they had not participated in any physical activity. The CDC states that the leading cause of death in Kentucky is heart disease and according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, two of the major risk factors for developing heart disease are obesity and lack of physical activity. The CDC states that 36.6% of Kentucky adults self-report as overweight/obese and 43% of McCreary county residents report lack of physical activity according to Kentuckyhealthfacts.org.

The Get Healthy McCreary Adult Hiking Group was started in collaboration with the McCreary County Health Department prior to the pandemic. Due to restrictions, no hikes were held during the majority of 2020 nor 2021. In March of 2022, hikes were resumed on a monthly basis, with the first being held at the McCreary County Campus trail beside the McCreary County Somerset Community College Campus and the McCreary County Extension office. The hike was led by the McCreary County ANR and FCS agents. The Campus trail hike included short lessons on how hiking can be beneficial to health, the importance of hydration by the FCS agent, and information on the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid by the ANR agent as well as pointing out trees along the trail that had been treated for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. There were 18 people that participated in the 1^st hike.  The second hike was to Lick Creek Falls. Lessons for this hike included information on tick species found in Kentucky presented by ANR agent and common tick diseases presented by FCS agent. There was a total of 20 participants for the 2^nd hike. The 3^rd hike of the series was to Buzzard Rock; 10 McCreary County residents participated. The lessons provided were related to the importance of staying physically active as well as the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Information was also provided by the ANR agent related to hiking safety and snake identification.

All participants completed a pre-test at the beginning of their involvement in the hiking group. All participants stated an interest in learning more about the location of trails in McCreary County, benefits of hiking for mental and physical health, the importance of healthy eating habits, hiking safety, and hiking preparation. Participants were also asked what they hoped to gain by being a part of this program; majority of participants listed socialization and physical activity/health as being their main reasons for taking part in the program. One participant stated that “I have not been walking/hiking as much lately due to an injury so I want to get back into hiking. I enjoy getting out and spending time with other people who enjoy hiking.” Another stated “I'd like to get in shape by hiking. I enjoy being outside, seeing nature, and enjoying others company.” All participants have stated they look forward to continuing the program in the fall and have enjoyed the hikes so far. Many of the participants have also begun hiking with others from the group in between the large group hikes. Several participants have made the comment that they have lived their whole lives in the county and these hikes have been their first time visiting some of the trails and landmarks.