There’s something magical about the forests of the Bluegrass State: lush and verdant green, home to hidden caverns and trickling waterfalls (and even moonbows!), teeming with lovely wildflowers and whimsical woodland creatures, Kentucky is the stuff of fairy tales. And there’s a park in Kentucky that’s quite literally like something out of the pages of a fairy tale; a place that’s home to a big twig family hiding in plain sight.
Nestled in western Kentucky, Lake Malone State Park is one of the most beautiful, underrated state parks in Kentucky.
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Folks come here for the water recreation, which is unrivaled – boating, jet skiing, and fishing are all popular activities at Lake Malone!
Kentucky State Parks
Lake Malone is also a wonderful place for camping, boasting over 30 tent sites, 25 of which are equipped with electric and water hookups to accommodate recreational vehicles.
Kentucky State Parks
The rest of the park is equally extraordinary, boasting beautiful hiking trails that traipse through wondrous woodlands and lush landscapes. The spring and summer wildflowers are especially marvelous!
Kentucky State Parks
While on the trails, you’re sure to encounter some of Kentucky’s most winsome wildlife, too, including owls, foxes, deer, rabbits, and…
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…forest giants?!?
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That’s right – Lake Malone State Park in Kentucky is home to a family of woodland giants, aptly named the Big Twigs. In 2021, the Big Twigs Family of larger-than-life characters – Happy, Bobber, and Oakley – set up camp at Lake Malone, and the trio has since become a beloved feature of the park.
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These three, larger-than-life forest giants range from 14- to 17-feet tall, and were designed to make the park more welcoming for guests. Each family member models an activity that can be done at the park, such as hiking and roasting s’mores.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook (We’d love a s’more that large, by the way!)
Because while Lake Malone has long been a favorite spot for water recreation and camping, the rest of the park is criminally overlooked. And in fact, the hiking at Lake Malone State Park is amazing: the trails wind through some seriously spectacular scenery, including several waterfalls and intriguing rock formations. With these giants now hanging out the trails of this Kentucky State Park, the hiking here has undoubtedly gotten more exciting.
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So if you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip in Kentucky that’s straight out of a fairy tale, a visit to a state park should top the list. Come and say hello to these gentle giants, and get lost in your very own story book fantasy – right here in the Bluegrass State!
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Have you seen the Big Twig Family at Lake Malone State Park in Kentucky before? What a wonderful addition to this beautiful Kentucky park!
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Kentucky State Parks
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(We’d love a s’more that large, by the way!)
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Address: 331 State Rte 8001, Belton, KY 42324, USA
