Perry County Park Offers Miles of Trails, Amenities for Local Residents

Tucked along Perry Park Road in Hazard, Perry County Park stands as the largest public park in Perry County, and its breadth of offerings reflects that status. The park at 354 Perry Park Road packs an outdoor pool, a skateboard park, a Horse Park, tennis courts, basketball courts, putt-putt golf, five picnic shelters, baseball and softball fields, a stage built for concerts, a boat ramp connecting to the Kentucky River, a playground, and a walking track onto a single campus. Add more than six miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to very strenuous, and the park functions as something close to a full recreational system in one location.

Getting Out on the Trails

The trail network is one of the park's most distinctive features. According to the Perry County Fiscal Court, the park contains "over 6 miles of hiking trails from easy to very strenuous" within its boundaries, giving casual walkers and serious hikers alike a reason to visit on the same afternoon. The range of difficulty means families with young children can stick to gentler paths while more experienced hikers push into steeper terrain. Anyone planning a longer hike should contact the park at 606-439-1816 to ask about current trail conditions and whether printed maps are available at the park entrance.

On the Water

The boat ramp provides direct access to the Kentucky River, making Perry County Park one of the few public green spaces in the region where a visit can shift from a picnic on land to an afternoon on the water without leaving the property. The ramp is listed consistently across county and local sources as a core amenity of the park. Anyone with questions about permitted watercraft, parking for trailers, or launch hours should call the park directly at 606-439-1816 before loading up.

Courts, Fields, and Active Recreation

Beyond the trails and river access, the park covers a wide range of structured athletic activity. Basketball courts and tennis courts serve those looking for a quick competitive game, while the baseball and softball fields accommodate organized leagues and casual play alike. The skateboard park gives younger residents a dedicated space, and the walking track offers a measured route for daily exercise without venturing onto the trail system. The putt-putt golf course rounds out the options for families looking for something lower-key and accessible to all ages.

Picnic Areas and Gathering Spaces

Five picnic shelters are spread throughout the park, giving families and groups multiple options for outdoor meals and gatherings. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are available, and large grassy areas accommodate the overflow when shelters are occupied. The stage area is designed for concerts and community events, making the park a practical venue for public programming. A playground with slides and swings anchors the family section of the park, and wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking are available for visitors with mobility needs.

Reserving Facilities for Special Events

The park's most in-demand spaces can be secured in advance. The pool, shelters, Senior Citizens Cabin, and stage are all available for special event reservations. To book any of these facilities, call 606-439-1816. No fees for park rentals are published on the county's current web presence, so callers should ask about current pricing when making a reservation inquiry.

The Hazard/Perry Senior Citizens Center

Located within the park's boundaries, the Hazard/Perry Senior Citizens Center, also referred to as the Senior's Log Cabin in county materials, serves as a community anchor for older residents. The building can be reserved for special events through the same phone number used for other park reservations, 606-439-1816. Its presence inside the park reflects a broader design philosophy: Perry County Park is not solely a recreational facility but a civic one, housing services that extend well beyond athletic amenities.

A Note on the Dog Park

User review data suggests the park also includes a dog park with two separate fenced areas, one for smaller dogs and one for larger breeds, along with water fountains and waste bags on site. This feature does not appear in official county web materials, so visitors planning to bring a dog should confirm current availability and any applicable rules by calling 606-439-1816 before arriving.

The Hazard Pavilion: An Indoor Complement

For residents who prefer indoor recreation or want to extend their fitness routine year-round, the Hazard Pavilion at 617 Broadway Street operates as a separate but complementary facility. Built in 1988, the Pavilion is described in local city sources as "one of the most comprehensive indoor recreation centers in Kentucky." Its amenities include a heated 25-meter pool, two tennis courts, three racquetball and handball courts, an aerobics room, a weight room, a sauna, cardiovascular equipment, a sun-deck and patio, locker rooms, and a 1/12-mile indoor track. The Pavilion also hosts private swimming lessons and yoga classes. For general information, call (606) 436-4200.

The Pavilion's party room sits adjacent to the swimming pool and sun-deck, and it is available for reservation in two-hour blocks. Booking the party room includes access to the pool during public swim hours for all attendees. A party room rental for groups of 1 to 50 people costs $75, with each additional 25 people adding $25 to the fee. A fully private pool party, including lifeguard services, is priced at $200. The Pavilion requests at least 24 hours' notice for all reservations.

Other Parks Nearby

Perry County Park is the county's flagship green space, but Hazard maintains additional parks worth knowing. People's Park sits in the heart of downtown Hazard on Main Street, offering a natural setting within the city's urban core. Lothair Park, located in the Lothair section of Hazard, provides a playground, picnic shelters, and open grass. Together, these facilities give residents recreational access across different neighborhoods and needs.

Planning Your Visit

Perry County Park is located at 354 Perry Park Road, Hazard, KY 41701. For reservations, questions about amenities, or current hours, call the park at 606-439-1816. The Perry County Fiscal Court oversees the park, and its county offices are located at 481 Main Street in Hazard. With its combination of trails, river access, athletic courts, event venues, and community services, the park remains the most complete public recreational destination Perry County has to offer.