Georgetown, Kentucky, will get you outside this spring and summer

With warmer temperatures finally here, there’s no better time to get away and go outdoors. Just two hours south of Dayton, Georgetown, Kentucky, offers visitors plenty of opportunities to do just that.

“Georgetown has an adventure for every pace. Wander through picturesque farms, paddle along peaceful creeks or hunt for hidden treasures around town. With breathtaking scenery, endless activities and nature at your doorstep, it’s the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” says Bailey Gilkerson, associate director of the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission.

At Lytle’s Fork Recreation Area, cyclists can break a sweat. Its Skullbuster Trails features a 11.7-mile backcountry loop.

“Skullbuster is a rugged, multi-use trail system in Scott County, known for its challenging terrain, winding paths and scenic woodland views. Popular among mountain bikers and hikers, it offers a mix of technical climbs, fast descents and natural obstacles for an adrenaline-packed adventure,” says Gilkerson.

Those who want to spend time on the water can head to Elkhorn Creek, which offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Says Gilkerson, “It is a beloved destination for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Surrounded by beautiful Kentucky scenery, its calm waters make it ideal for a relaxing day on the water.”

Georgetown, which calls itself Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters, is also home to attractions that gets guests up close and personal with horses. For riding, make a visit to Whispering Woods Riding Stables, where, in addition to two dozen horses and miles of trails, visitors can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo and more. Reservations are required for trail rides.

To learn more about horses and to see them in action, head over to the Kentucky Horse Park. It has 60 different horses, a working horse farm, the International Museum of the Horse, trail rides and more.

Geocaching, an activity in which participants use GPS or other navigational techniques to find containers called geocaches, is an activity that is growing in popularity in Georgetown. “One of Georgetown/Scott County’s most adventurous programs is our Geocaching initiative, a thrilling countywide experience where people of all ages use GPS devices to uncover hidden caches scattered throughout the area. Each cache offers a unique piece of local history, from iconic landmarks to scenic nature spots, making it a fun and engaging way to explore the area’s rich heritage. Georgetown/Scott County is home to three amazing geocaching trails, each with its own passport to guide you on your adventure,” says Gilkerson.

After all this exploring, Gilkerson also recommends visitors make time for a visit to Yuko-en on the Elkhorn for some serenity. The garden is the official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden and promises visitors a world of color, fragrance, graceful sculptural elements and serenity. “Yuko-en on the Elkhorn is a hidden gem where Japanese garden aesthetics blend seamlessly with Kentucky’s peaceful landscape. Winding pathways, a koi-filled pond and a cascading waterfall create a serene retreat for relaxation and reflection,” she says.