This statewide Questing program is designed to help Kentuckians get outdoors and learn about the natural wonders and intriguing history of our Commonwealth. Each "Quest" is actually a short scavenger hunt in which folks solve clues as they move from place to place in a specific natural setting.
Every Quest has a title, directions to the starting point, clues (often in verse) maps or drawings to assist you, an estimate of how long it will take to do the Quest and how much physical exertion is involved. Leaders from the Valley Quest Program in New England were very generous with their time and talent as Kentucky developed its questing program.
Who Can Quest?
Research shows the more time people, especially children, spend outside, the healthier they are both physically and mentally. The research is available at the
Children & Nature Network site.
Questing is designed for everyone. No equipment is needed and most of the quests are easy to moderate walks. Quests are ideal for families to do together. Children can often solve the quest clues on their own but adults can also join in the fun.
Questing is not just for the youngsters. Most quests are perfectly suitable for seniors and many are suitable for those who are physically challenged. Accessible quests are marked as such on the brochure.
- Q: Are all of the quests outside?
- A: The major goal of questing is to get people outdoors to learn about nature and local history. Therefore, many are in rural settings. However, many quests are also in the middle of cities or towns. For example, there are quests to historic sites where the entire trail is paved and quests in city parks as well. There is a quest for everyone.
- Q: Is questing the same thing as geocaching or letter boxing?
- A: No. All three programs are similar, but Kentucky Questing does not require a GPS unit (or any other equipment for that matter)