On July 9, 1954, Pennyrile State Resort Park became included in the state parks system. In the 2005 “Master Tourism Plan” of the Dawson Springs Economic Development Group, it is stated that “Pennyrile Forest and the State Resort Park are commonly referred to as the ‘best kept secrets’ in western Kentucky. While the Kentucky Parks System produces marketing materials and videos to promote the area, it remains underutilized due to a lack of focus in marketing efforts.”
The Kentucky States Parks website notes that this location “is surrounded by perhaps the most beautiful woods in western Kentucky,” and that “the park is the perfect back-to-nature hideaway in the midst of a secluded, lush 
forest.” Pennyrile State Resort Park is named for the tiny “pennyroyal plant” found in the region, used medicinally by the early settlers, and commonly called “pennyrile” by the locals.
In the book Hiking Kentucky, Brook Elliot states, “The area now occupied by the park was settled in 1808, when John Thompson, the first settler traveled here looking for wild game. He took up residence in a fair-sized rock shelter, which can still be visited. Within a few years, a thriving community grew called Concord. Numerous remains of the settlement and human occupation can be found in the park and surrounding state forest” (p. 189).
In the 1930’s the National Park Service and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) developed a 300 acre tract for 
recreational purposes. The WPA continued its work in the area until 1937 when the Kentucky Division of State Parks took responsibility for the land on an annual agreement basis. The state constructed a rustic lodge for visitors and made a number of improvements to the site. This continued until 1954 when the Kentucky Parks System took final oversight of the Pennyrile site.
There are about five miles of hiking trails located within the state park boundary; trails such as Lake Trail, Indian Bluff Trail, Pennyroyal Trail, Cane Trail, Clifty Creek Trail and Thompson’s Hollow Trail. There is also a short section of the Pennyrile Nature Trail, which begins on Indian Bluff Trail and continues 13.5 miles to the nearby town of Dawson Springs. Should you require further trail information, the best person to contact is Rebecca Clark, the park Naturalist and Recreation Supervisor.
While hiking through Pennyrile State Resort Park one will encounter tall bluffs, rock shelters, a waterfall, unique rock formations, stair steps carved straight from the sandstone, and magnificent lake views. Please be respectful of the natural features as you visit this state park, and remember to “take only pictures” and “leave only footprints.” Also, be certain to tell others about this amazing state park. Increased tourism dollars should lead to better trail maintenance and development.
