I recently joined the Casey County Explorers, a women’s only hiking group who gather every Tuesday to concur different hiking trails across Kentucky and surrounding states. They have explored the Great Smokey Mountains at Tremont, Pine Mountain, Bad Branch Falls, and even Mammoth Cave. About seven years ago, two sisters, Barbara Jeffries and Connie Cundiff, began hiking with two others and now each weekly hike consists of about 10-15 women, ages ranging from 20’s to 80’s+. From the age range, you can imagine that this group accommodates a variety of physical abilities.

Although they are called the Casey County Explorers, participants from as many as seven surrounding counties regularly participate. I absolutely LOVED my first hike with these ladies this past Tuesday morning and hope to join again next week. If you are interested in joining this weekly hiking group, just send me an email. I’ll help connect you with the organizers.  Along with hiking, the group enjoys eating a delicious meal together afterwards. They made sure to tell me that the goal of this group is not necessarily weight loss! They enjoy hiking, eating, and making new friends!

My first hike with the group was to Eagle Falls at Cumberland Falls State Park. It has been a few years since I had been to Cumberland Falls, also called the Niagara of the South.   It spans 125 feet across the Cumberland River and falls approximately  68 feet. If you are lucky enough to go to the falls on a night with a full moon, you might see a Moonbow (Lunar Rainbow), formed by the mist of the falls! I am adding Cumberland Falls to my Top 10: Local Allure-KY list. Make sure to check out the rest of the Kentucky treasures that have made my countdown so far!

Toni Mink

Cumberland Falls

Barbara Jeffries
Connie Cundiff

Eagle Falls

If you want more info about the Casey County Explorers, just send me an email!

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