Cave Country Trails announces public workshops on future John Muir trail

SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY – In 1867, John Muir, the father of the national park system, decided to go on a journey from Kentucky all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Park Service, Cave Country Trails and several counties throughout came together and plan to honor him with a trail. Now, the community can get involved using upcoming workshops this January and February focused on the Kentucky segment of the historic John Muir 1000-Mile Walk to the Gulf.

Rachelle Wright, the Cave Country Trails project director, says, “This first walkabout, he is really inspired. Everything that came after. So we like to think that Kentucky had him first. Kentucky inspired all the adventure that he ended up going on. That ended up being a catalyst for the preservation of so many national parks.”

The idea to remember this historic event didn’t just happen, it took support from the community. The new multi-use trail will connect trails and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of south-central Kentucky. However, the groups want the public’s input.

Wright also tells us, “It’s when we look back at our history and we go, ‘wow, someone is instrumental.’ Nationally important is John Muir came through here and helps us as locals to go, ‘oh, well. Well, yes, we probably should elevate our appreciation for what’s around us, too. And and go on a little bit of a discovery for ourselves.'”

Cave Country Trails is having a meeting on Jan. 7 to gain community interest. The meeting will be at 4 p.m. held at the Rotunda Room at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.

For more information, visit the group’s website.