VOLUME 1

KentuckyTRAIL TOWNS Where the Outdoors and Amenities Meet GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL TABLE OF CONTENTS

DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN BEING 5 Kentucky Trail Towns 26 Jamestown Overview IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. 28 Manchester 6 Kentucky Trails State Map 30 Harlan Tri-Cities Kentucky’s designated Trail Towns put you near the best outdoor action in the 8 Explore More of the state – including hundreds of miles of trails, woods and waters – but keep you in Outdoors in Kentucky 32 Berea cities and towns offering hotels, restaurants, attractions, entertainment and other 34 Columbia conveniences to round out your stay. TRAIL TOWNS 36 Royalton To be a certified Kentucky Trail Town, these popular destinations have made a 12 Dawson Springs Slade commitment to share their area’s outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories 38 to visitors hungry for adventure. Since its inception, this program under the state’s 14 Livingston 40 McKee Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet has designated 20 communities across Kentucky 16 Morehead 42 Munfordville to serve as official gateways to the state’s great outdoors. 18 Olive Hill 44 Cave City/Horse Cave Here’s just a taste of what awaits! 20 London 46 Campbellsville 22 Stearns 48 Estill Twin Cities 24 Elkhorn City 50 Hazard

Explore Kentucky’s Trail Towns! kentuckytourism.com/ky-outdoors/trail-towns

Dawson Springs KENTUCKY TRAIL TOWNS OVERVIEW

Located in Western Kentucky, Dawson Known as Harlan Tri-Cities, the towns of Springs was the state’s first official Trail Cumberland, Benham and Lynch combine Town and is home to scenic trails, a beautiful to deliver attractions like Pine Mountain lake and lots of adventure at Pennyrile Scenic Trail and Kingdom Come State Park, Forest State Resort Park. South of Louisville, both tucked between two mountain ranges. sister cities Cave City and Horse Cave Nearby Hazard offers exciting ATV trails are perfect bases to explore the state’s vast and elk tours. network of caves. Adventure in Eastern Kentucky means a trip Not far away, Munfordville offers easy near the Virginia border to Elkhorn City, access to great paddling trails while visiting a regional hotspot for rushing whitewater Kentucky’s own Stonehenge. Columbia and more in an area known as the “Grand sits on the banks of Russell Creek – which Canyon of the South.” The Estill Twin connects to the Green River and Green Cities of Ravenna and Irvine add scenic River State Park – and neighboring views and paddling along the Kentucky River, Campbellsville offers great fishing on the while Slade is home to the striking Natural river. Jamestown is widely known as one Bridge in the Red River Gorge and endless of the key gateways to Lake Cumberland fun adventures as well. and Stearns, famous for its scenic train rides, And did we mention how these Trail Towns also sits near Big South Fork National River provide easy access to outdoor fun? and Recreation Area. The Dawkins Line Rail Trail cuts right through After spending time in Berea’s charming Royalton, Sheltowee Trace National downtown, hit the Pinnacle Trail for stunning Recreation Trail passes just outside the town views. Moving southeast, London offers of Livingston and through downtown full-on family fun at Levi Jackson State Park Morehead, which is also home to and serene McKee in the foothills of Daniel outstanding fishing at Cave Run Lake. Boone National Forest is especially popular A trail in Olive Hill takes you directly for horse riders. Manchester offers some of to Carter Caves State Resort Park. the state’s most popular ATV and water trails.

Stearns

4 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 5 TRAIL TOWNS PUBLIC LANDS

Berea Elkhorn City Livingston Munfordville 1. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park 6. Mammoth Cave National Park Campbellsville Estill Twin Cities London Olive Hill 2. Breaks Interstate Park 7. Land Between the Lakes Cave City/ Harlan Tri-Cities Manchester Royalton 3. Daniel Boone National Forest 8. Pennyrile State Forest Horse Cave Hazard McKee Slade 4. Big South Fork National River 9. Tygarts State Forest Columbia & Recreation Area Jamestown Morehead Stearns 10. Red Bird District Dawson Springs 5. Red River Gorge

LAKES RIVERS US BIKE ROUTES

1. Kentucky/Barkley 5. Cave Run Lake Big Sandy Cumberland USBR 76 TransAmerica 2. Lake Cumberland 6. Nolin River Lake Big South Fork Rockcastle USBR 21 Cumberland 3. Green River Lake 7. Barren River Lake Russell Fork USBR 23 Kentucky 4. Laurel River Lake Tradewater Licking Tygart’s Creek Green

Ohio River

Licking River Ohio River Tygarts Creek Big Sandy River 9 Tygarts State Forest

Kentucky River Olive Hill Ohio River Morehead US Bike 5 Route 21 Red River Gorge 5 ll Big Sandy River

Slade Royalton 76 TransAmerica Estill Twin Cities

76 TransAmerica Berea McKee Russell Breaks Ohio River 2 Fork Interstate Mammoth Cave Mundfordville Rockcastle River Green River Park National Park Mississippi Campbellsville Livingston Laurel 76 TransAmerica Elkhorn City River Tradewater River River 6 6

Green River 10 Red Bird Hazard 3 3 District Dawson Springs Manchester Cave City / Horse Cave Columbia London Daniel Boone 8 Pennyrile State Forest National Forest Jamestown Cumberland River US Bike 4 Route 23 7 2 Harlan Tri-Cities 1 Stearns 1 7 Land Between the Lakes Cumberland River Big South Fork National Cumberland Gap River & Recreation Area 4 National Historical Park Slade

Photo Caption

PhotoElkhorn Caption City London

Cumberland Gap National Park in Area sits between Lake Barkley and EXPLORE MORE OF THE the Appalachian Mountains was a Kentucky Lake – two of the largest man- passageway for Native Americans and made lakes in the country – whose vast OUTDOORS IN KENTUCKY westbound American settlers that now waters offer a combined 3,000 miles If you are looking for an escape, Kentucky is the place to play with abundant preserves the area’s flora, fauna and of shoreline for fishing, water-skiing, wilderness and waters to explore, including the world’s longest cave and three natural beauty for plenty of fun – and boating, tubing and swimming. Kentucky of Kentuckys largest lakes. relaxation! Also in the south-central part Lake is lined with properties that lend of the state, Cumberland Falls State themselves to lazy weekends on the Resort Park frames a rushing waterfall in water. Lakeview Cottages, pitched on Trek through some of the 400 miles of and stunning scenery. It’s also home Daniel Boone National Forest with cozy the side-channel of Cypress Bay, offer passages at Mammoth Cave, the longest to the spectacular sandstone arch accommodations at its DuPont Lodge a handful of fully furnished family-sized cave system on the planet, then explore Natural Bridge, countless trails and with 51 rooms and a riverside retreats. Finally, whether you want to do it the area’s trails, rivers, zip lines and more campsites, high-flying zip lines and observation deck. all or get away from it all, Kentucky State in and around Mammoth Cave National Parks offer adventures aplenty – from off-road adventures. Further southeast, Visitors can also trek through countless Park. When your day of play comes to an shorelines and mountains to caves and where Kentucky borders Virginia, Black trails that wind through the state, including end, check into the on site lodge, where a trails – with accommodations ranging Mountain is the state’s highest peak Sheltowee Trace National Recreational variety of cottages and rooms await. from rustic to refined. Full-service resorts, reaching 4,145 feet. Black Mountain Trail, the state’s longest, stretching cozy cottages and scenic campsites, plus From deep below ground to high above Cabins offers 11 cabins in the shadow of nearly 260 miles through Daniel Boone top-rated golf and breathtaking lakes, it, the Red River Gorge in southeastern the peak, providing ideal bases for a day National Forest. await in scenic locations around the state. Kentucky is a mecca for rock climbing or three of exploration. Kentucky is an angler’s paradise. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation

8 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 9 Jamestown EXPLORE THE TRAIL TOWNS OF Kentucky Campbellsville Harlan Tri-Cities Morehead Cave City / Horse Cave FEATURES RIDE • Pennyrile State Forest PUBLIC LAND Equine Trail System • Pennyrile Forest State • West Kentucky ATV Recreation Area Resort Park CAMP • Pennyrile State Forest • Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park • Tradewater River • Lake Beshear OUTFITTERS HIKE • Tradewater Canoes & Kayaks • Pennyrile Nature Trail CAN’T MISS! • Jones-Keeney Trail System • Tradewater Pirates Baseball BIKE • Dawson Springs Museum & Art Center • Pennyrile State Forest • Ms. Becky’s Place Mountain • Trail Town Spirits Bike System (mountain) • Mule Days, May • Pennyrile Area Cyclists PAC Challenge Routes (road) DAWSON SPRINGS PADDLE • Tradewater River (class I) 37°10’02.4”N 87°41’34.1”W • Lake Beshear (flat)

The state’s first certified Trail Town offers a host of outdoor adventures in the heart of DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS Western Kentucky. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, the 13-mile Pennyrile Nature • Dawson Springs was the first certified Kentucky Trail Town. Trial and Pennyrile Lake join Lake Beshear, Tradewater River and Jones Keeney • Dawson Springs was built on tourism, as it was once home to popular mineral spring bath houses. Wildlife Management Area to create plenty of places to play just outside of town. Restaurants, hotels and outfitters in the city provide everything you need to complete your stay.

MORE INFORMATION

Dawson Springs City Hall 270-797-4248 www.dawsonspringsky.com

12 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 13 FEATURES RIDE •Climax Horse Camp PUBLIC LANDS •Just-Kik-N-It Ranch •Daniel Boone National Forest •Red Hill Horse Camp •Rockcastle River CAMP HIKE •Daniel Boone National Forest •Sheltowee Trace National •Red Hill Horse Camp Recreational Trail •Rockcastle River Campground •Daniel Boone National Forest OUTFITTERS Trail Systems •Climax Horse Camp BIKE •Just Kik-N-It Ranch •Sheltowee Trace National •Red Hill Horse Camp Recreational Trail (sections •Rockcastle Outdoor Company only/mountain) CAN’T MISS! PADDLE • Renfro Valley & the Kentucky Music •Rockcastle River (class I-IV) Hall of Fame •Lake Linville (flat) • Rockcastle River Trading Company LIVINGSTON • Saltpetre Cave Open House, May CLIMB • Wildcat Mountain Challenge, July 37°17’53.4”N 84°12’53.9”W •Daniel Boone National Forest Bouldering

The first Trail Town in Eastern Kentucky is nestled inRockcastle County inside DESTINATION Daniel Boone National Forest. After enjoying Sheltowee Trace National HIGHLIGHTS Recreation Trail, Red Hill Horse Camp, numerous mountain bike trails, kayaking, • The Sheltowee Trace fishing, camping and float trips, visitors can explore the historicLivingston School Association is located within the Livingston Trail Town Visitor Center. or make a short trip to soak up authentic local entertainment at Renfro Valley • Renewed purpose was given Entertainment Center. to the Livingston School as it was transformed into the Trail Town Visitor Center after decades of being closed. MORE INFORMATION • A short drive from the school is Rockcastle River Trading Livingston Visitor Center Company and the family home 606-453-2710 of world-renowned garden designer www.rockcastletourism.com Jon Carloftis. “Country Music Capital of Kentucky” • Just up the road is Renfro Valley has seen some of the biggest acts in and the Kentucky Music Hall the music world play on its stage. of Fame. Beginning in 1939, the

14 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 15 FEATURES RIDE • Cave Run Lake Trail System (horse) PUBLIC LANDS CAMP • Daniel Boone National Forest • Twin Knobs Campground • Cave Run Lake • Zilpo Campground

HIKE OUTFITTERS • Sheltowee Trace National • Cave Run Bicycle Shop Recreation Trail • Switchback Cycling and Outdoors • Eagle Lake Trail • Morehead Cycle • Cave Run Lake Trail System • The Ole Cornfield • Log Cabin Kayaks BIKE • Cave Run Lake Trail System CAN’T MISS! (mountain) • Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop • Bike Morehead Routes (road) • Bakery on Main • Kentucky Folk Art Centre PADDLE • Rowan County Art Center • Licking River (class I) • Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery MOREHEAD • Cave Run Lake (flat) • Bike Morehead, June • Eagle Lake (flat) • Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival, 38°10’51.6”N 83°26’1.2”W September

A true hub for outdoor adventure, Morehead offers easy access to many recreational DESTINATION pursuits. Kentucky’s longest trail, Sheltowee Trace, travels through the heart of HIGHLIGHTS downtown. Cave Run Lake – known as the “Musky Capital of the South” – sits just outside of town, along with a system of 100 miles of trails popular with mountain bikers • Approximately 30 miles from the northern terminus of the Sheltowee and equestrians. Restaurants, shopping and a visit to the Rowan County Arts Center Trace, Morehead is a popular stop will round out your stay. for thru-hikers or day hikers since the trail travels through the center of town. • Cave Run Lake has earned the moniker of “Musky Capital of the South,” but fishing is good for MORE INFORMATION several species. • Morehead has a rich cultural scene, Morehead Tourism anchored by the Kentucky Folk 606-780-4342 Art Center and Rowan County Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery, www.moreheadtourism.com Art Center. operated by the Kentucky Department • For a behind-the-scenes look at of Fish and Wildlife Resources and what it takes to keep Kentucky’s located near Cave Run Lake. fisheries thriving, stop by the

16 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 17 FEATURES RIDE • Olive Hill Trail System (horse) PUBLIC LANDS • Smokey Valley Farm • Carter Caves State Resort Park CAMP • Tygarts State Forest • Olive Hill Depot Trail Head • Tygarts Creek • Carter Caves State Resort Park HIKE OUTFITTERS • Carter Caves State Resort Park • Smokey Valley Farm Trail System • Grigsby Outdoor Adventures BIKE CAN’T MISS! • Olive Hill Cycling Routes (road) • Walker’s Family Restaurant PADDLE • Tyler’s Pizza • Tygarts Creek (class I-II) • Olive Hill Center for Arts & Education • Smoky Valley Lake at Carter • Fraley Festival of Traditional Music, Caves State Resort Park (flat) September CLIMB OLIVE HILL • Carter Caves State Resort Park 38°18’00.3”N 83°10’29.7”W

Overflowing with small-town charm,Olive Hill offers big opportunities to explore Kentucky’s great outdoors. Flowing right through downtown, Tygarts Creek carves a DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS natural gorge on both sides of the city, while Carter Caves State Resort Park, one of • Olive Hill is home to country music legend Tom T. Hall. Kentucky’s oldest, offers 30 miles of hiking trails over its 1,800 acres. Full of rich history, • Carter Caves is the only Kentucky State Park where visitors can rock climb and the town is today known for music, community events and its historic depot offering a rappel within the park. glimpse of the past.

MORE INFORMATION

Carter County Tourism 606-474-5366 www.cartercountytourism.com

18 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 19 FEATURES PADDLE • Rockcastle River (class I-IV) PUBLIC LANDS • Laurel River below Dam • Daniel Boone National Forest (class III-IV) • Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park • Laurel River Lake (flat) • Laurel River Lake • Wood Creek Lake (flat) HIKE RIDE • Sheltowee Trace National • Wildcat Adventure Off-Road Park Recreation Trail CAMP • Daniel Boone National Forest • Daniel Boone National Forest Trail System • Laurel River Lake campgrounds • Levi Jackson Trail System • Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park BIKE CAN’T MISS! • Laurel River Lake Trails (mountain) • Treetop Adventures at Levi Jackson • London Laurel County Cycling Wilderness Road Park Routes (road) • Camp Wildcat Civil War Battlefield • U.S. Bike Route 21 LONDON & Reenactment • Redbud Ride, April 37°08’55.4”N 84°06’48.3”W

Sitting between the Trail Towns of Livingston and Stearns, London makes a name for itself thanks to top-notch cycling routes drawing thousands each year for the nationally recognized Redbud Ride. This is also the home of Levi Jackson Wilderness Road DESTINATION Park, a trio of waterways (Rockcastle River, Laurel River and Laurel River Lake), HIGHLIGHTS Wildcat ATV park, and popular hunting and fishing spots. The town’s vibrant farmers market serves as one of its trail heads. • London is the self-proclaimed “Cycling Capital of Kentucky.” • The Redbud Ride was named “Century Ride of the Year” by Active.com. MORE INFORMATION • Fishing in Laurel River Lake is excellent for both small mouth Laurel County Tourism bass and walleye, plus it is also 800-348-0095 becoming a popular spot for stand-up paddle boarding. www.visitlondonky.com

20 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 21 FEATURES CLIMB • Big South Fork National River PUBLIC LANDS & Recreation Area • Big South Fork National RIDE River & Recreation Area • Barren Fork Horse Camp • Daniel Boone National Forest • Bell Farm Horse Camp • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park • Bear Creek Horse Camp • Big South Fork of Cumberland River CAMP HIKE • Big South Fork National River • Sheltowee Trace National & Recreation Area Recreational Trail • Daniel Boone National Forest • Big South Fork Trail System • Daniel Boone National Forest OUTFITTERS Trail System • Sheltowee Trace Outfitters

BIKE CAN’T MISS • Big South Fork Trail System (mountain) • Stearns Depot • Daniel Boone National • Big South Fork Scenic Railway Forest Trail System (mountain) • Blue Heron Historic Mining Camp STEARNS • Big South Fork Outdoors PADDLE • The Dairy Bar • Big South Fork Cumberland River 36°41’56.5”N 84°28’37.8”W • No Business 100 Trail Race, October (Class I-IV) • Run Yamacraw, April

With abundant history and recreation, Stearns is a great place to learn and play. The town provides easy access to countless outdoor opportunities in Big South Fork DESTINATION National River & Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest and Sheltowee HIGHLIGHTS Trace National Recreation Trail. The historic Stearns Depot serves as the town’s • The Run Yamacraw and trail head, where you can hop on Stearns Historic Railway for an exciting excursion No Business 100 trail races are through the past in Big South Fork. the fastest-growing trail races in Kentucky, drawing racers from around the world. • The historic Stearns Depot and Big South Fork Scenic MORE INFORMATION Railway provide a truly unique journey into the heart of McCreary County Tourism the Big South Fork, terminating 606-376-3008 at Blue Heron Mining Camp. www.mccrearytourism.com It is a seven-mile journey taking about an hour, with special themed trips throughout the year – most notably at Halloween.

22 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 23 FEATURES

PUBLIC LANDS • Breaks Interstate Park • Russell Fork Big Sandy River HIKE • Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail • Breaks Interstate Park Trail System BIKE • Breaks Interstate Park Trail System (mountain) OUTFITTERS • Transamerica U.S. Bike • Kentucky Whitewater Route 76 (road) CAN’T MISS! PADDLE • Zip Lining and Elk Tours at Breaks • Russell Fork Big Sandy River Interstate Park (class II-V+) • Time Out Pizza & Grill CLIMB • Artist Collaborative Theatre ELKHORN CITY • 361 Adventures Breakdown • Breaks Interstate Park 37°18’14.4”N 82°21’05.8”W Adventure Race, April

The 16-mile section of Kentucky’s Russell Fork River between Haysi, Virginia, and Elkhorn City, Kentucky, is known as the place to go for the area’s best whitewater and is home to one of the country’s classic creek runs. While the upper section runs between DESTINATION class II-IV, an October dam release pumps up the fun to class V rapids in the stunning HIGHLIGHTS 1,600-foot Breaks Gorge section, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” • Every October, whitewater paddlers flock to Elkhorn City and Breaks Interstate Park to float the Russell Fork for annual whitewater releases. • Split between the MORE INFORMATION commonwealths of Virginia and Kentucky, Breaks Interstate Pike County Tourism Park is one of only two Interstate 606-432-5063 Parks in the nation. www.tourpikecounty.com • Elkhorn City is home to country music star Patty Loveless.

24 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 25 FEATURES CAMP • Lake Cumberland State Resort Park PUBLIC LANDS • Kendall Campground • Lake Cumberland State OUTFITTERS Resort Park • Captain Jake’s on the River • Lake Cumberland • Kentucky Pedal and Paddle HIKE • The State Dock • Lake Cumberland State Resort • Wolf Creek Marina Park Trail System • Jamestown Marina PADDLE CAN’T MISS! • Cumberland River (class I) • Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery • Lake Cumberland (flat) & Hatchery Creek • Wolf Creek Dam BIKE • Creelsboro Historic Country Store • Lake Cumberland Area Cycling & Restaurant Routes (road) • World’s Largest Raft Up, August JAMESTOWN 36°59’03.8”N 85°03’46.2”W

Jamestown’s claim to fame may be Lake Cumberland – known as the “Houseboat Capital of the World” – and at 101 miles long, it is one of the largest man-made DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS lakes in the nation. But the town also offers easy access to premier trout fishing on • Lake Cumberland is the “Houseboat Capital of the World.” the Cumberland River, great flat water canoeing and kayaking from the dam to • Lake Cumberland is known for world-class striped bass fishing, with numerous Winfrey’s Ferry, and an abundance of marinas, lakeside accommodations, fishing guides available. • Hatchery Creek at Wolf Creek Dam is a haven for fishing trout. boat rentals, extensive trails and more.

MORE INFORMATION

Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission 270-866-4333 www.lakecumberlandvacation.com

26 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 27 FEATURES CAMP • Daniel Boone National Forest PUBLIC LAND Redbird District • Daniel Boone National Forest • Bert T. Combs Park Redbird District CAN’T MISS! • Y-Hollow • Clay County Swinging Bridges • Goose Creek • Historic Salt Works HIKE • Redbird River Petroglyphs • Daniel Boone National Forest • Farmers Market Trail System PADDLE • Goose Creek River (class I) • Redbird River (class I) • South Fork River (class I) RIDE • Daniel Boone National Forest MANCHESTER Redbird Crest Trails (ATV) • Y-Hollow Trail System (ATV) 37°08’44.8”N 83°45’39.5”W

Home to historic swinging bridges and top-notch canoeing, Manchester also boasts 30-plus miles of mild whitewater along Goose Creek River, relaxing floats on the DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS South Fork of the Kentucky River and some of the best muskie fishing in the state. • Fishing in local creeks and rivers is excellent for small mouth and the elusive muskie. The area is also home to Daniel Boone National Forest and Redbird Crest ATV and • Manchester and Clay County are home to numerous historical feuds. hiking trails. After your day of play, explore the town’s Appalachian heritage at the restored Salt Works Pioneer Village.

MORE INFORMATION

Stay in Clay 606-391-6161 www.claycountykentucky.org

28 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 29 FEATURES

PUBLIC LANDS • Kingdom Come State Park HIKE • Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail • Kingdom Come State Park Trail System • Looney Creek Trail BIKE CAN’T MISS! • Portal 31 Mine Tours • Black Mountain Madness Routes • Benham School House Inn (road) • Kentucky Coal Mining Museum RIDE • Lamp House Coffee • The Stables at Creekside Glen • Hoagie Shop (horse) • Black Mountain Madness Ride to the Summit, July CAMP • Farmers Market HARLAN TRI-CITIES • Kingdom Come State Park 36°58’21.1”N 82°58’19.9”W

The historic mining communities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch combine to DESTINATION offer a cornucopia of outdoor fun. Enjoy beautiful mountains, scenic overlooks, HIGHLIGHTS nature trails and wildlife at attractions like Kingdom Come State Park, or along the Little Shepherd or Pine Mountain State Scenic Trails. Bike trails are popular here, • Black Mountain is the tallest including the Summit Bike Trail that takes you to the top of Black Mountain, the state’s peak in Kentucky at 4,145 feet. • The 1903 novel by John Fox Jr. highest point. titled “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” is set in this area. • Cumberland, Lynch and Benham were once “company towns” built by MORE INFORMATION companies such as U.S. Steel Cumberland Tourism (Lynch) and International Harvester (Benham). 606-589-5812 • The Benham School House Inn www.harlancountytrails.com was built in 1926 as a K-12 school and attracted some of the best teachers of the time, due to high salaries supplemented by International Harvester. 30 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 31 FEATURES

PUBLIC LANDS • Berea College Forest HIKE • Pinnacle Trails at Berea College Forest (Indian Mountain Fort Trails) • Anglin Falls John B. Stephenson Trail BIKE • TransAmerica U.S. Bike Route 76 (road) • U.S. Bike Route 21 PADDLE CAN’T MISS! • Owsley Fork Reservoir (flat) • Boone Trace and Boone Gap • Historic Boone Tavern CAMP • Kentucky Artisan Center • HomeGrown HideAways • Artisan Village BEREA • Berea Geocaching Trail OUTFITTERS • Berea Craft Festival, October 37°34’17.8”N 84°17’19.7”W • Boone Gap Outfitters

Most know Berea at the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky” – and the arts DESTINATION scene is internationally known here – but just as popular is the city’s location near tons HIGHLIGHTS of outdoor fun. You’ll be close to Berea College Forest, where you can spend a few • Boone Gap on the Madison days discovering peaceful natural surroundings. Lodging options include and Rockcastle county lines is a Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant, one-of-a-kind cottages and B&Bs, centerpiece of Boone Trace, as well as eclectic dining. and the location where Daniel Boone himself once stood and surveyed the Kentucky Bluegrass Region for the first time. • Berea Craft Festival is one of MORE INFORMATION the most popular arts and craft shows in Kentucky. Berea Tourism • The Kentucky Artisan Center 859-986-2540 at Berea serves as both a www.visitberea.com popular rest area on Interstate 75, as well as a marketplace offering an extensive collection of Kentucky-made goods.

32 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 33 FEATURES

PUBLIC LAND • Green River Lake State Park • Russell Creek HIKE • Green River Lake State Park Trail System BIKE • Green River Lake State Park Trail System (mountain) OUTFITTERS PADDLE • Longhunter Outfitters • Russell Creek (class I) • Green River (class I) CAN’T MISS! • Farmers Market on the Square CAMP • Lindsey Wilson College COLUMBIA • Green River Lake State Park 37°06’09.5”N 85°18’21.2”W

Located in scenic southern Kentucky along the banks of Russell Creek, Columbia DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS gets its beauty and outdoor appeal from Green River Lake, a paradise for fisherman, • Local Lindsey Wilson College fields one of the country’s best cycling teams and paddlers and boaters offering 25 miles of scenic waterways to explore. The lake’s regularly competes for national championships. Holmes Bend Marina hosts the Annual USA Crappie Tournament each year. Rich in history, local artisans and rolling countryside, the area is a popular place for biking as well.

MORE INFORMATION

Columbia-Adair County Tourism 270-384-6020 www.tourismcolumbiaky.com

34 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 35 FEATURES

PUBLIC LAND • Dawkins Line Rail Trail HIKE • Dawkins Line Rail Trail BIKE • Dawkins Line Rail Trail RIDE • Dawkins Line Rail Trail (horse) OUTFITTERS • Royalton Cycle Center CAN’T MISS! • Hornet’s Nest Pizza & Grill ROYALTON • Honeysuckle & Horse Patty Half Marathon 37°40’50.1”N 83°01’53.7”W • The Cheesecake Lady

The rural community of Royalton features Kentucky’s longest Rails to Trails Project, the DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS Dawkins Line Rail Trail, cutting right through the center of town. It’s popular among • Royalton is the halfway point of Kentucky’s Longest Rail to Trail Project, the Dawkins Line. hikers, bikers and equestrians, and a bike store right next to the trail head offers rentals, • Royalton was built as a company town for Dawkins Lumber Company in 1920. gear, shuttle service and everything you need to hit the trail. For added convenience, a local restaurant, gas station and retail store are located at the trail head as well.

MORE INFORMATION

Royalton Trail Town www.royaltontrailtown.org

36 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 37 FEATURES CLIMB • Red River Gorge PUBLIC LANDS • Red River Gorge Climbers • Daniel Boone National Coalition Properties Forest, Red River Gorge CAMP • Natural Bridge State Resort Park • Koomer Ridge HIKE • Natural Bridge State Resort Park • Sheltowee Trace National • Red River Gorge Campground Recreational Trail • Miguel’s Pizza • Daniel Boone National Forest OUTFITTERS Trail System • Fox Mountain Guides • Natural Bridge State Resort Park • Kentucky Rock and Adventure Guides Trail System • Red River Outdoors PADDLE • Torrent Falls Climbing Adventures • Red River (class I-II) CAN’T MISS! • Mill Creek Lake (flat) • Miguel’s Pizza BIKE • Red River Rockhouse SLADE • Red River Rally Routes (road) • Sky Bridge Station • Rocktoberfest, October 37°47’43.9”N 83°42’19.0”W

This gateway to the world-renowned Red River Gorge gets you to some of the best rock climbing in the world, where thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year come to climb the area’s walls, hike its trails, view its landscapes and take in its natural beauty. DESTINATION Slade is also home to one of the most popular state parks in Kentucky, Natural Bridge HIGHLIGHTS State Resort Park, where you can ride the sky lift or hike up to its namesake • Slade and the Red River Gorge sandstone arch. are the epicenter of rock climbing in Kentucky. • Natural Bridge State Resort Park’s namesake natural bridge is MORE INFORMATION 78 feet long and 65 feet high. • Miguel’s Pizza is a mecca for Powell County Tourist Commission climbers visiting the area and 606-663-1161 has become as famous as the www.gopoco.org sandstone cliffs itself.

38 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 39 FEATURES CAMP • Daniel Boone National Forest PUBLIC LANDS • S-Tree • Daniel Boone National Forest • Turkey Foot • Sheltowee Trace Rentals HIKE • Sheltowee Trace National OUTFITTERS Recreation Trail • Triple R Ranch • Flat Lick Falls Trail CAN’T MISS! BIKE • Opal’s Restaurant & Pies • TransAmerica U.S. Bike Route 76 • Warrior’s Path Historic Trail (road) • Flat Lick Falls Waterfall • Sheltowee Trace Artisans Fair, May RIDE • Triple R Ranch (horse) • S-Tree (ATV) • Turkey Foot (ATV) McKEE 37°25’47.9”N 83°59’16.3”W

Nestled in the hills of the middle part of Daniel Boone National Forest, McKee is DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS home to numerous outdoor adventures. Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail • McKee is home to the Battle of Big Hill Civil War reenactment. passes just outside of town and horse lovers giddy-up to Triple R Ranch, run by local • The historic Warriors Path travels through McKee. cowboys who offer guided rides and diverse camp experiences. The TransAmerica Trail travels right through downtown, where several lodging and dining options await.

MORE INFORMATION

Jackson County Tourism 606-287-4712 www.visitjacksoncountyky.org

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PUBLIC LANDS • Green River • Green River Park & Arboretum HIKE • Jenny Wilson Byrd Memorial Trail BIKE • U.S. Bike Route 23 (Road) PADDLE • Green River CAN’T MISS! CAMP • 300 Springs Waterfall • Kentucky Stonehenge • Green River Park & Arboretum • Big Buffalo Crossing BBQ Cook Off, OUTFITTERS October • Big Buffalo Crossing Canoe • Hart County Civil War Days, MUNFORDVILLE & Kayak September 37°16’16.0”N 85°53’23.0”W

With its location right on the banks of Green River, how could Munfordville not be one of the most popular paddling towns in Kentucky? The majestic river flows downstream from town through the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park, while upstream takes paddlers and explorers past waterfalls. Boat rentals are available from local outfitters, and the Green River Park & Arboretum is home to beautifully constructed DESTINATION hiking trails. HIGHLIGHTS • The Big Buffalo BBQ Cook Off has become one of the premier BBQ competitions in Kentucky. MORE INFORMATION • Kentucky Stonehenge was constructed by Munfordville Munfordville Tourism native Chester Fryer and also 270-524-4752 includes rock gardens and traditional gardens. www.visitmunfordville.com

42 Kentucky Trail Town Guide Kentucky Trail Town Guide 43 FEATURES CAMP • Mammoth Cave National Park PUBLIC LANDS • Jellystone Park Yogi Bear’s • Mammoth Cave National Park Camping Retreat • Green River • Jesse James Cabins & Campground HIKE OUTFITTERS • Mammoth Cave Trail System • Cave Country Canoe • Green River Canoeing BIKE • Mammoth Cave Canoe & Kayak • Brier Creek Trail System (mountain) • Double J Stables & Riding Camp • Mammoth Cave Trail System • Jesse James Riding Stables (mountain) • Mammoth Cave Horse Camp • U.S. Bike Route 23 (road) • Mammoth Cave Adventures • Cave Country Pedal Routes (road) CAN’T MISS! PADDLE • Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo • Green River • Dinosaur World • Turtlelini’s Pizza CLIMB • Bucky B’s BBQ • Hidden River Cave Zipline • Dennison’s Roadhouse Market CAVE CITY/HORSE CAVE & Rappel • Mammoth-On, September • Jammin on the Porch, every Thursday 37°08’28.5”N 85°58’00.4”W RIDE • Mammoth Cave Trail System (horse)

The town of Horse Cave is centered over Hidden River Cave, whose entrance – and largest natural opening – is located right on Main Street. You can take a mild or wild cave tour, check out the world’s longest underground suspension bridge, zip line across DESTINATION the mouth of the cave or rappel down its limestone face. Nearby Cave City is the HIGHLIGHTS gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park and a host of outdoor adventures as well. • This is the epicenter of Kentucky’s cave region – anchored by Mammoth Cave – but explorers can also visit Hidden River Cave, Cub Run Cave, Diamond MORE INFORMATION Caverns, Crystal Onyx Cave and Lost River Cave. Horse Cave/Hart County Tourism • Visitors to Kentucky Down Under 270-218-0386 will find unique animals like www.kygetaway.com kangaroos, lorries and emus.

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PUBLIC LANDS • Green River Lake State Park • Green River Lake • Green River HIKE • Green River Lake Trail System CAMP • Trace Pitman Greenway • Green River Lake State Park BIKE OUTFITTERS • Green River Lake State Park • The Spoke Easy (bike) Trail System (mountain) • Longhunter Outfitters (paddle) PADDLE • Green River Stables (horse) • Green River (class I) CAN’T MISS! • Green River Lake (flat) • Harden Coffee RIDE • Brothers BBQ CAMPBELLSVILLE • Green River Lake Trail System • Druther’s Restaurant (horse) • Tebb’s Bend Battlefield 37°20’28.9”N 85°20’36.5”W • Green River Stables (horse) • Oak & Axe Southern Art Gallery

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Campbellsville is an oasis for outdoor adventure. DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS Explore Green River Lake State Park’s 8,210 acres, plus lakeside campgrounds and Kentucky’s only floating cabins.Green River Lake is a popular destination for fishing, • Fishing in Green River Lake is very popular, particularly for crappie, and a number of fishing guides operate throughout the year. boating and water skiing, or explore the local terrain by hiking, mountain biking, even • Campbellsville is home to the last remaining Druther’s restaurant. horseback riding. The town is also rich in Civil War history, with attractions offering • Campbellsville’s vibrant downtown offers a variety of charming shops, restaurants a look at that past. and several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

MORE INFORMATION

Taylor County-Campbellsville Tourist Commission 270-465-3786 www.campbellsvilleky.com

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PUBLIC LANDS • Kentucky River HIKE • Fitchburg Furnace Trail • Lily Mountain Nature Preserve PADDLE • Kentucky River (flat-class I) CAN’T MISS! • Historic Steam Engine C&O 2716 at Rail Heritage Center ESTILL TWIN CITIES • Steam Engine Pizza Pub • Mountain Mushroom 37°41’04.7”N 83°57’12.6”W Festival, April

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS The twin cities of Ravenna and Irvine team up to offer a winning mix of natural beauty, frontier history and scenic views of Red Lick Valley, Sweet Lick Knob • Irvine sits along the Kentucky River at Station Camp Creek. • Then known simply as “The Village,” Ravenna was once a popular stop and Estill Springs, once home to Shawnee Indians and now home to great on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. outdoor recreation.

MORE INFORMATION

Estill Action Group www.estillactiongroup.com

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PUBLIC LANDS • Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park • Perry Park • North Fork Kentucky River HIKE • Buckhorn Lake Trail System • Perry Park Trails CAMP BIKE • Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park • TransAmerica U.S. Bike Route 76 • Eagle’s Landing Campground (road) CAN’T MISS! PADDLE • Elk Tours at Buckhorn Lake • North Fork Kentucky River (class I-II) State Resort Park • Buckhorn Lake (flat) • Jabo’s Coal River Grille RIDE • Big Blue Smokehouse HAZARD • Perry County Farmers Market • Perry County ATV Trails • Mother Goose House 37°16’43.9”N 83°12’29.0”W

In the heart of the Appalachian coalfields of Eastern Kentucky, Hazard offers a DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS pleasing mix of natural landscapes, rugged beauty and adventure. A variety of trails are available for walking, hiking, biking or horseback riding, and this is a sought-after • Hazard is in the heart of the Elk Restoration Zone, so opportunities to experience Elk are numerous. destination for ATVs and dirt bikes. When you’re ready to rest after all that play, take a • One of Kentucky’s most remote state parks, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park quilt tour, enjoy specialty shopping, browse arts and crafts – or just relax by a peaceful sits at the site of the lost community of Bowlingtown. lake or stream.

MORE INFORMATION

Perry County Hazard Tourism 606-487-1580 www.hazardperrytourism.com

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