RIDE the BLACK WIDOW

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

Bears are bulking up! It's the time of year when black bears are on the move and eating a LOT to prepare for their winter "sleep". That means it's extra important to be bear aware and help keep both people and bears safe.

Stay alert and together while out in the park. When hiking, double bag food and anything with a smell. When camping, keep food, food-related items, garbage, and anything with a smell securely stored in a bear-proof container or hard-sided vehicle. Never leave these items, including grills and coolers, unattended.

Protect your pets by always keeping them on a leash. NEVER leave food, food scraps, or trash behind on trails, in fire rings, at picnic tables, or anywhere else in the park.

If you see a black bear, keep your distance and stay calm. If the bear notices you and changes its behavior, it means you are too close - slowly back away. DON'T RUN.

If a black bear approaches you, stand your ground and make yourself look intimidating. Make noise, look big, and throw objects. Don't turn your back on it and don't give it food. If a black bear attacks you, FIGHT BACK!

If a bear starts to associate people with food, it can create a dangerous situation for everyone. By following bear-safe practices, you can help keep the park safe for both people and bears during this beautiful fall season.

NPS photo of a black bear.

10/26/2026

Bear Archery/Crossbow Season starts tomorrow (10/24)!

Zone 3 participated in an early season this year (Sept. 19- Oct. 2), resulting in 27 harvests (12 female and 15 male), which is 16 more harvests than last year’s inaugural early season.

It looks like we are already on a great path this season— let’s keep the ball rolling and add to that number this weekend!

As a reminder, Bear Archery/Crossbow Season dates vary by zone:
•Zone 1: Oct. 24 - 26, 2026
•Zone 2: Oct. 24 - 28, 2026
•Zone 3: Oct. 24 - 28, 2026

Please read over the fall hunting guide and be aware of zones, rules, and regulations for this season. You can access the guide here: https://fw.ky.gov/More/Pages/Guides.aspx

Happy hunting!

10/26/2026

🌕🍂 THE HUNTER’S MOON IS COMING!

Look up on October 25–26, 2026! ✨

October’s stunning full moon will light up the autumn sky, appearing golden-orange as it rises above the horizon. 🌌

🔥 No telescope needed — just look up and enjoy the magic!

Will you be watching? 👀🌕

10/26/2026

Is your trip to experience the Fall Color Run on the calendar yet? 🍂

This is our last week of Fall Color Runs, happening now through October 31! Take in the changing leaves and beautiful Appalachian scenery from the rails before the season comes to an end.

Get your tickets today and make plans to ride with us!

10/26/2026

Gather 'round--Appalachian tales come to life with a special guest storyteller at Blue Heron!

Join us at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:45 AM ET for a special guest performance by a skilled local storyteller, Lounicia Hughett! Come be a part of a tradition passed down through generations on the Cumberland Plateau!

Lounicia Hughett is a long-time educator, having 30+ years in the classroom and has always been interested in literature and folk tales. She became interested in being a storyteller during her service as Teacher Ranger at Big South Fork. Since that time, she has performed at several storytelling events at Big South Fork and other venues. Lounicia is married to Rev. Don Hughett and is active in the church where he is pastor. They have 3 grown children, Micah, Jordan, and Jacob, who are all in the education field in some capacity. Lounicia also enjoys her role as grandmother to three beautiful grandkids. Lounicia loves to tell folk tales and stories that have been passed down through her family. She encourages everyone to be a storyteller and keep oral traditions alive.

This special event is made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation.

For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E8770F99-C405-3060-ACA44E2A1E6AE895.

Photo credit: NPS

10/26/2026

We will never get tired of seeing the Milky Way in The Kentucky Wildlands 😍

📍 Gatliff Bridge
📸 Max Caswell