Friends of the pennyrile
Our story
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008, Friends of the Pennyrile works to preserve, promote, and enhance the recreational, educational, and natural resources of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
It marked the first time a collaborative group of this kind came together to support the growth and development of Pennyrile State Forest and Resort Park.
Since its founding, the Friends of the Pennyrile has brought together a diverse membership—including park officials, county leaders from Hopkins, Christian, and Caldwell counties, chambers of commerce, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts—all united by a shared commitment to strengthening the Pennyrile region.
Through organized committees focused on key areas such as trails, camping, education, tourism promotion, and special venues, the Friends of Pennyrile continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of outdoor recreation in Western Kentucky.
Mission Statement
The Friends of Pennyrile supports and enhances outdoor recreation at Pennyrile State Forest and Resort Park while promoting tourism throughout Western Kentucky. Through partnerships, volunteer efforts, and community support, we work to develop and maintain trails, facilities, and experiences that benefit both visitors and local communities.
Meet our officers
Jenny Beshear Sewell, President
Rick Morgan, Vice President
Tana Roberts, Secretary & Treasurer
Committees include: Equestrian Trails Committee, Golf Committee, Mountain Biking Committee/Hiking Committee, and Decorating Committee.
Current Active Committees
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The Equestrian Trails Committee oversees the development, planning, and ongoing maintenance of more than 40 miles of equestrian trails throughout the Pennyrile Forest. The committee has played a key role in coordinating the Day Parking Equestrian Trailhead, including the trail access points, gathering pavilion, restroom facilities, and connector trail linking riders to the Pennyrile State Resort Park equestrian campground. Working in partnership with Christian, Hopkins, and Caldwell counties, as well as the Department for Local Government, the committee helped secure Trails Grant funding to support construction of the trailhead amenities. Their advocacy and continued efforts also contributed to the addition of equestrian campground sites and a new bath house within the Pennyrile Resort State Park campground.
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The Mountain Bike and Hiking Committee focuses on the development, enhancement, and promotion of outdoor recreation opportunities within the Pennyrile Forest and surrounding region. The committee oversees a combined 26 miles of mountain biking and multi-use trails, including 13 miles of dedicated mountain bike trails located across Hwy 398 from the Pennyrile Campground and the 13-mile Pennyrile Nature Trail, which now serves both hikers and mountain bikers as it connects Dawson Springs to the Pennyrile Resort State Park through the 15,000-acre forest. The committee has also secured a Trails Grant through the Department for Local Government, administered by Christian County Fiscal Court, to construct a dedicated Mountain Bike Skills Training Area at the intersection of KY Hwy 398 and Campground/Lake Road. This facility is intended to enhance rider development, support organized training events, and attract regional tourism and trail-based recreation. Through trail improvements, expanded access, and event planning, the committee continues to position the Pennyrile trail system as a premier destination for hiking and mountain biking in western Kentucky.
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The Friends of the Pennyrile in 2025 saw the addition of a Golf Committee. The Golf Committee is committed to assisting with the preservation and betterment of the Pennyrile Resort State Park Golf Course as an 18 Hole Golf Course which will remain open to the public and attracting tourism dollars to the Pennyrile Park for various tournaments and golf scrambles. As the result of the cooperative efforts of the City of Dawson Springs, the Dawson Springs School District, and the Friends of the Pennyrile Golf Course Committee and public at large, the Pennyrile Golf Course remains open after a scare of closure was voiced by Kentucky State Parks in 2025. Immediately, the Golf Committee held several local meetings with parks, legislators and citizens regarding the existing condition of the golf course and the needed improvements. As a result a “Golf Scramble” was planned and executed during June of 2025 and all monies received are to be utilized toward the upkeep of the golf course.
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At the time of the inception of the “Friends Group” park management voiced their inability to provide appropriate décor for the various seasons and for special events. Therefore, a Decorating Committee was formed. Several holidays and events were selected by management and the Decorating Committee to decorate the interior and exterior of the Pennyrile Lodge including Christmas, Easter, July 4th, Memorial and Labor Day, and the Barbeque Celebration in Dawson Springs. For many years the décor of the Pennyrile was wonderfully prepared. Presently, the Pennyrile Park employees are decorating the park along with a Master Gardner. Additionally, to add a wonderful splash of Christmas holiday flair, large “Snowflake” (26) lights were prepared and annually installed in the parking lot area of the lodge and areas near the entrance to the lodge road to remain lit during the early winter months. Additionally, plants were installed in front of the Lodge and near the signage of the park. Additionally, the Decorating Committee and Friends Group helped with the provision of pictures for the lodge rooms. As a result of the many years of decorating many decorations were collected and the group ran out of storage space. Consequently, the committee attracted a 53’ tractor trailer in which to store the many items of décor. The decorating committee is not actively involved with decorating at this time.
OUR HISTORY
Since its founding, Friends of the Pennyrile has played a vital role in enhancing and promoting Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park through a variety of volunteer-led initiatives. Working alongside state and local leaders, the organization helped secure funding for major improvements, including the restoration of the park's popular beach area and the expansion of campground facilities to better accommodate modern and equestrian campers. These efforts contributed to the Beach becoming one of Kentucky's most celebrated recreational destinations while improving the overall visitor experience and has been voted #1 Beach in Kentucky for numerous years.
Beyond infrastructure projects, Friends of the Pennyrile has supported the park through beautification, tourism promotion, and special events. Volunteers helped establish Pennyrile as a wedding destination by advocating for and supporting the construction of an overlook gazebo, coordinated seasonal decorations and landscaping throughout the park, and organized educational programs, holiday celebrations, and heritage tours that highlighted the region's natural and cultural history. Through these efforts, the organization has strengthened Pennyrile's reputation as a premier destination for recreation, tourism, and community engagement.
accomplishments
OUR Top 5 Legacy Projects
Beach Restoration & Revitalization
Secured funding to dredge Pennyrile Lake's beach area and install new sand, transforming a deteriorated shoreline into one of Kentucky's most recognized and celebrated public beaches.Campground Expansion & Equestrian Facilities
Helped modernize and expand the campground, including the addition of equestrian campsites, upgraded amenities, and a dedicated bathhouse to better serve visitors and trail riders.Development of 40+ Miles of Equestrian Trails
Led the development and ongoing maintenance of an extensive equestrian trail system, including the creation of the Day-Use Equestrian Trailhead, pavilion, trail connections, and supporting infrastructure.Creation of a Regional Hiking & Mountain Biking Destination
Supported the development and enhancement of more than 26 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, helping establish Pennyrile as a premier outdoor recreation destination and laying the groundwork for future trail expansion.Tourism, Events & Park Promotion
Increased visitation and awareness through heritage tours, holiday celebrations, educational programs, wedding venue enhancements, and special events that showcased the park's natural beauty and cultural history while generating tourism for the region.
During the administration of Governor Steve Beshear, the Friends of the Pennyrile was honored with the Spirit Award at the Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Department of Local Government.
Vision for the Future
The Friends of the Pennyrile continues working toward a multi-phase bicycle trail connecting Dawson Springs to Pennyrile Forest along Highway 109.
The Friends of the Pennyrile continues partnering with Kentucky Trail Town and the City of Dawson Springs to promote the Pennyrile region as a destination for outdoor recreation and trail tourism.
Upcoming Events
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Golf Scrabble
🏌️ Date: June 27, 2026
🏌️ Shotgun Start: 8:00 AM (Registration begins at 7:30 AM)
🏌️ Entry Fee: $320 per team
🏌️ Lunch ProvidedPlayers will have the chance to compete for:
🏆 1st & 2nd Place Prizes
🎁 Door Prizes
📍 Closest-to-the-Pin Contest
💥 Longest Drive Contest
🎲 Random Place PrizesImportant Update: Registration has been extended! Teams may sign up through June 26th (not June 6th as listed on the flyer).
To register, contact:
📞 Joe Roberts – 270-875-3109
📞 Rick Bowles – 270-836-2344
📞 Pro Shop – 270-797-7888
Interested in Joining?
Click here for more information.