Saunders Springs provide outdoor experiences for all

Nestled in the heart of Radcliff, Saunders Spring Nature Preserve offers residents and travelers to the area something to do.

The preserve is situated in the rolling hill landscape of Central Kentucky, which offers an abundance of recreation activities for its participants. On the 99 acres there is an abundance of mountain bike and hiking trails. Among the natural beauty of the preserve, you can expect to see waterfalls, wildlife and a cave.

Saunders Springs is open from 8:30 a.m. to sunset daily, with the exception of weather circumstances.

Part of the beauty of Saunders Springs are the four rustic cabins from the 1800s. All of the cabins originated in the city of Radcliff and surrounding areas and were placed on the preserve to protect their structures.

The first cabin that welcomes you into the park is the Raine Cabin (1836), the next two cabins are the Atcher Cabin (1875) and the Stovall Cabin (1873). The last and final cabin is the Stith Cabin (1862).

All of the cabins offer their own uniqueness to the park and make excellent sites for photos at all times of the year. You might be able to catch a Plein Air painting class going on when the weather is just so.

The Raine and Atcher Cabins also are the site of many park events throughout the year, two of those popular events are S’mores and More and Christmas at the Cabins. At S’mores and More, on top of enjoying hand crafted S’mores, participants can expect to find a live demonstration of Kentucky Long Rifles as well as enjoying a presentation about the native wildlife and displays of antique quilts. This event can be enjoyed this year on Nov. 9.

Another popular event, Christmas at the Cabins, participants can take a free picture with Santa inside the Raine Cabin. During the night, participants can enjoy live Christmas carols, S’mores and community togetherness.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Saunders Springs offers over 23 trails. These trails are for hikers and mountain bikers.

The mountain bike only trails include the Star Cluster area, which houses three different sections: Sabot, Hellfire and Misery; the Coffeepot Area; and the Wild Goose Area.

In the Star Cluster section of the trails, bikers can find the longest elevated structure in the state of Kentucky, at 270-foot titled “Hellavator.” This structure tests the abilities of mountain bikers as it curves and loops around the woods in Saunders Springs.

Another popular event held at Saunders Spring is for the runners and bikers, this is the six-hour shoot out and features events for both children and adults and will be held March 22 of this year registration for this event can be found at runsignup.com/Race/KY/Radcliff/RadcliffFortKnoxTourismInvitational.

Whether your new to the outdoors or a veteran, there is something for everyone at Saunders Springs. If you would be interested in scheduling a private field trip or would like more information on programs like our monthly Full Moon Hikes, email the Saunders Springs Naturist at Barbara.baker@radcliffky.gov. For pavilion rentals, go to radcliffrecreation.com.