Hike McCreary County

Importance: In a recent health related report McCreary County was in the top tier of health related problems such as diabetes (18% of population), smoking (33.1%, highest in the state), hypertension rate is 52% of adult population, heart related issues (heart disease deaths are 30% than state average), and weight related issues (32% of adults are obese. These reports state that a number of these health related problems are directly related to lack of exercise.   

            The program also has an effect on our local tourist related businesses.  The program bring participants into the county from other communities. While here they eat, buy gas, and some spend the night.

             This program has a two fold purpose, tourism promotion and health improvement. 

Educational Programs:   12 hikes, totaling 46 miles were taken over the past year. Included in these was a Hiking Weekend at Pickett State Park.  The hikes averaged 14 people per hike and 4 miles in length.

Extension Role: Extension Agent worked with a committee in planning, implementing the hikes and secured transportation when needed. The agent lead a number of the hikes, recruited hike leaders for the others,  kept participants informed via a web site, Facebook, e-mail distribution list, and local news media.  

 Impact:  

* 46 miles of trials were hiked for a total of 606 total miles hiked

* The program has 62 participants from 3 states and 20 different cities in Kentucky.  

Other Comments: 

    List some of your most memorable experiences.

·     Blue Herron Loop

·     Seeing people cooperate, seeing people learn to be on time. 

·     Three Forks of Beaver, Pogue Canyon, Cumberland Gap, Blue Heron Loop.

·     Photo opportunities while hiking all of the scheduled hikes.

·     I did not realize the variety of species that show themselves in the forest during the cooler months of the year.

·     Eating at Rugby

·     Standing on top of a waterfall when water was down. 

·     Beautiful falls and amphitheater. 

·     Picnic at end of hiking.

·      Pickett State Park weekend

·      Year end gatherings. Love when the rest of the family comes!!!

Other Comments:

                        Great Program

                        Thank you!!!

                       The hiking program is beneficial in so many ways. 

                        It's one of the best programs I've ever been involved with.

Evaluation:  A written year end electronic evaluation was e-mailed/Face Booked to participants.  Participants went on line and completed the evaluation.