A program to promote Eastern Kentucky recreational opportunities and trail town access points in Rockcastle and Jackson counties was planned and implemented in collaboration with Creenna Bocksnick, University of Arkansas 4-H camping coordinator, the last week of June 2019.  This program was part of a yearly program called Arkansas High Adventure Group, that offers hiking and horseback riding adventures for 4-H participants.  

The participants were educated on many subjects of outdoor recreation as part of the program.   Topics included map reading, trail etiquette for horseback riders, hikers, and ATV traffic, outdoor cooking, food safety, plant identification, care of horses on overnight camping trips, leave no trace camping practices, and many other skills related to packing with horses and backpack hiking.

Also, as part of the program, Kentucky tourism was promoted through trail town access points in Rockcastle and Jackson Counties.  The hiking portion of the program utilized the Sheltowee Trace trail system for their hiking activities.  The Horselick Creek area of Rockcastle and Jackson counties was used as the trail system and camping area for the horseback riding portion of the program.   The designated trail towns of Livingston and Mckee were used as reference points and drop and pick up points during the program.  In addition, businesses such as equestrian facilities, local restaurants, local hiking and horse supply stores, and other local businesses were utilized for supplies, as well as overnight hosts for the program.  

A total of 29 participants, 19 youth, 6 volunteers, and 4 extension employees participated in the program. This was a very successful program for teaching outdoor skills to youth, as well as highlighting local businesses, Kentucky trail towns, and Kentucky tourism in general.  One of the youth participants is interested in working with outfitters and, because of this program, was connected to opportunities in that field.  One the adult volunteers has already scheduled a return trip to the area for the fall as a vacation.  All participants enjoyed the area and said they would like to make return trips for further outdoor adventures in the future.   

It is my hope that in the future the program can be expanded to include 4-h participants, youth and adult leaders, from Kentucky to collaborate with the Arkansas High Adventure Group and implement a similar program for our state.