Dedicated Dec. 16, 1981, Blue Licks State Park Nature Preserve consists of 53 acres located in Robertson County within Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. This area was dedicated into the nature preserves system for the protection of Short's goldenrod (Solidago shortii), a species of plant that is a near-endemic to Kentucky (one site in Indiana) and one of the rarest worldwide. Short's goldenrod is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
- Features - globally rare plant, relict bison trail, glade
- Access - 0.25 mile foot path along buffalo trace, easy
- Facilities - state park
- Parking - abundant
- Activities - hiking, birding, nature study, etc.
- Directions - Robertson County just north of the Licking River on US 68. From Maysville, take US 68 south 25 miles to park entrance; from Paris, take US 68 north 23 miles to park entrance; from Cynthiana take KY 32/36 east 14 miles to US 68, take US 68 north 9 miles to park entrance.
State nature preserves located within Kentucky state parks are special places with different management priorities. While the parks are there primarily for public recreation, the acreage that has been dedicated as a nature preserve is set aside for the rare, threatened or endangered species and communities that occur there. KSNPC is focused on management for these species and communities while providing opportunities for scientific research and nonconsumptive recreation. For information concerning use of state park facilities, programs, recreation opportunities and lodging visit the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Web site.
Upcoming events at Blue Licks SPNP
Licking River Overnight Canoe Trip
When: Saturday-Sunday: May 31-June 1; June 28-29; July 19-20.
Cost: $75
An all-inclusive 23-mile excursion on the Licking River. Participants will canoe 20 miles on the first day and an additional eight miles the second day returning to the park by 1 p.m. EST. Park will supply canoes, life jackets, transportation for 12, tents, sleeping bags, bed rolls, snacks, evening meal and breakfast. For more information contact Blue Licks' Park Naturalist Paul Tierney at 1-800-443-7008.
Short's Goldenrod Festival at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
The Short's Goldenrod Festival is a celebration of one of the rarest plants in Kentucky and the United States. The festival is held annually each fall at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park in Robertson County. All-day events include nature hikes, canoe trips, free workshops,
Kentucky Proud lunch, local market, live music and activities for children including storytelling.
For more information: Visit the festival Web site or contact Alice Mandt at 502-573-2886 or alice.mandt@ky.gov
