Jenny Wiley State Resort Park opened in 1962. The lodge is named for Andrew Jackson May, a local native and Congressman for many years. The park has 49 lodge rooms, 18 one and two-bedroom cottages, a dining area that seats 244 people, a convention center, hiking trails, picturesque Dewey Lake, disc golf, and a 121 site campground. From June through August the Jenny Wiley Theatre Company performs Broadway Musicals. Also located in the park is Josie Harkins School. This one-room country schoolhouse operated from 1924 to 1987, making it the last one-room country schoolhouse in Kentucky. The building was moved from Daniels Creek in Floyd County to the park as a part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's bicentennial celebration.
Biking
There are three mountain biking trails of varying difficulty that offer 3.0-miles of riding pleasure. They include the Short-Loop (.8) the Switchback (1.9) and the Beginners Trail (.75). Mountain biking trail regulations and signage are posted at the entrance.
Birding
The biggest attraction at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is the Spring Warblers and migration. You will be able to add numerous warblers to your list along with many sightings of American Redstarts. One of the most overlooked areas for birdwatching is the asphalt road leading from the May Lodge to the two-bedroom cottages. You will find many species of birds year round in this area. Another area, especially for eastern bluebirds, would be the Jenny Wiley Executive Golf Course.
Boating
Fun-filled days await you on Dewey Lake! The boat dock offers 153 open slips, four launching ramps, and pontoon boat rental. Fee charged for boat rental. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day of paddling, an afternoon of fishing, or you want to explore all Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has to offer, you can do all of this from a canoe! Stop by the Nature Center 8am to 4pm any day of the week, Memorial Day through Labor Day for rental ($).
Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors in the 121-site campground. Utility hookups, two central service buildings with showers and rest rooms, a grocery store, and a dump station are available for your convenience. Pets are allowed if restrained. Closed for season from November 1 to March 31. For the adventure seeker, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park also has a paddle/boat-in ONLY campsite. Cost is $10 per night. Call (606) 889-1790 for more information.
Canoeing
Whether you are looking for a relaxing day of paddling, an afternoon of fishing, or you want to explore all Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has to offer, you can do all of this from a canoe! Stop by the Nature Center 8am to 4pm any day of the week, Memorial Day through Labor Day for rental ($).
Elk Watching
Elk have been introduced to Kentucky as a wildlife re-introduction program. Before the release in 1997, elk had been gone from Kentucky for nearly 150 years. Check our event listing for a list of upcoming Elk Tour dates.
Fishing
For "reel" excitement, Jenny Wiley is the place to be! Dewey Lake has largemouth and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie.
Hiking
Acquaint yourself with the natural beauty of Jenny Wiley State Resort Park on the trails. The trails provide over ten miles of hiking for all ability levels, as well as a three-mile mountain bike loop. The Jenny Wiley Trail Heritage Byway embraces a 154-mile loop drive in eastern Kentucky. The park provides easy access to more than 60 miles of existing recreational facilities, such as hiking trails.
Nature Center
Located just at the bottom of the hill from the May Lodge, you will find the interpretive center with displays discussing natural, cultural, and historic facts of the area. Take a look into a Beech Forest where you can learn about some of the animals that call Jenny Wiley State Resort Park home. Plus, take a step back in time as you learn about our namesake, the courageous pioneer lady whose story still rings loudly through the mountains, or view a replica of an actual coal mine and learn of the many benefits that come from coal. Open Tuesday through Saturday 8am to 4pm.
Outdoor Theater
Jenny Wiley is a showplace for the performing arts! • Evening outdoor performance begins at 8:15 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm. • Luncheon Matinees begin at 1:00 pm, doors open at 11:30 am and lunch buffet is served at noon. • Dinner theatre performances begin at 8:15 pm, doors open at 7:00 pm, and dinner is served at 7:15 pm. All performances, times and prices are subject to change without notice.
Picnicking
Picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds are located throughout the park for the perfect family outing. Picnic shelters are located at the campground.
Playgrounds
Picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds are located throughout the park for the perfect family outing. Picnic shelters are located at the campground.
Swimming
The lodge pool is for the exclusive use of overnight guests. Open Memorial Day through mid-August.
