We were looking to head south to tie in a hike with a visit to our youngest daughter and son-in-law. I found Cove Spring Park included on the Kentucky State Nature Preserves website. Although it is a Frankfort city park, the department had funded some land acquisition through a Kentucky Heritage Land Grant. The property had been home to the original waterworks for Frankfort, which was the first waterworks west of the Alleghenies, and was chartered in 1804.

When we opened the van door we were greeted by the roar of falling water. It had rained two inches the day before so the streams were flowing. The Penitentiary Branch creek, which soon will empty into the Kentucky River, runs just off the parking area.

Nearby Hurst Waterfall, which is seen in the title photo, added water to the stream.

An asphalt path leaves the parking area and takes one to a central trailhead. As it does so it passes through a breach in the old reservoir’s stone dam,

and we found ourselves at the base of the overflow pipe.

From further up the path one can look back to see the two structures. We were standing on the bottom of the former reservoir, which would have been under 25 foot of water.

Leaving the asphalt, the trail crosses the stream that was once lost beneath the reservoir. Signage reported that when the reservoir was emptied in 1980 this stream was buried beneath 30 feet of silt. After restoration it is again beautiful and healthy.

After crossing the bridge the Holly Trail ran alongside a smaller creek. With the abundance of waterways, the sound of rushing water was the background music for two-thirds of the hike.

It was a steady climb,

but we were rewarded with sites like this – a stairstep waterfall.

Once atop the hill we found ourselves in a mixed forest of mature Redcedars and Oaks.

We saw some small American Holly but nothing over 5 feet, leaving us somewhat perplexed by the trail’s name.

My presumption is that we were in the Heritage Land part of the park, that was funded by the Kentucky Office of Nature Preserves, as we saw signs of its agricultural past including this rock wall segment,

and this farm spring.

After a long descent we found ourselves back at the base of the old reservoir where the stream was alive with energy. This spot is a few hundreds yards downstream on the restored creek.

Odds and Ends:

After a 5 month long drought in the region a couple days of heavy rain allowed the fungi to come to life. There were clusters of mushrooms across the meadow.

This is something we have seen on previous fall hikes – Redcedar twigs that have been cut away from the tree. Naturalist generally agree that this is the work of squirrels, but there is no consensus as to why. Some theories include cuttings for nest building, to sharpen their teeth, to harvest Juniper berries, and boredom.

Late fall and winter is a great time to hike as different things can be appreciated. This is especially true of the mosses, one of the few things remaining green in the deciduous forest. Like insects, the detail is fascinating.

This moss and fern grouping at the base of a tree was interesting.

When we look closely I think that we see three different fern species in this cluster: Ebony Spleenwort, Maidenhair Spleenwort, and Christmas Fern.

Cove Spring is the appropriate name for this place as water seemed to be seeping out of every crevice. While we frequently see Duck Weed on standing water,

I’m not sure that I have ever seen it growing on the face of a rock bluff.

And lastly, New Plant of the Day – Crossvine. I initially noted it growing near a log alongside the trail, almost as a ground cover.

But later found it growing up a couple of smaller trees.

It is called Crossvine because if you cut its stem there is a cross-shaped pattern to the tissues.

Its native range is across the southern U.S. and lower midwest so I’m quite surprised that we have never noted it before, especially when one considers its dramatic floral display, which occurs from mid-spring to late summer. I will definitely look to add it to our native garden.

In summary, our hike at Cove Spring Park was time well spent and worth the drive. It was a nice mix of history, challenging terrain, falling water, and the beauty of nature. We look forward to a later visit to take in the wetland section of the park. The trails were well utilized and locals seem to use them for their cardio fitness program. As a reward, treat yourself to a post hike visit to Goodwood Brewery in historic Frankfort – nice grub, good beers, and a deck that overlooks the Kentucky River.

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Photo credits to Peggy Juengling Burns, with the exception of the Crossvine flower image which was from Clemson University’s Home and Garden Information Centers website, and the Crossvine stem image that is from the U.S. Forest Service. Videos by Patrick Burns.

Overview:

Location – 100 Cove Spring Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601. It is 78 miles south of downtown Cincinnati.

Parking – large asphalt lot.

Facilities – at the parking area.

Trail Conditions – initially we were on asphalt until we reached the shared trailhead for the Holly and Upland Trails. Those trails are exposed dirt. The Holly Trail is 1.3 miles.

Print Map Link – none. Photograph the map at the trailhead.

Benches – some noted at various sites on the campus but none noted on the Holly Trail itself.

Picnic Tables – several noted at the parking area overlooking the creek.

Kids – kids 6 and over should do well.

Dogs – allowed on a leash.

Suggested Paired Hikes – There are several other trails offering a range of challenges. All total there are 6 miles of trails including one through a wetland that was closed at the time of our visit due road construction.

Links:

https://www.frankfort.ky.gov/751/Cove-Spring-Park