On World Tourism Day, celebrate the beauty of Appalachia and the draw of others to her lands and byways!

 

Welcome to The Kentucky Wildlands. Rich in natural beauty, ancient forests, mist-shrouded mountains, soaring cliffs, lakes, adventurous outdoor recreation, culture, folklore, and tradition, this sprawling 14,000-square-mile region is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. The Kentucky Wildlands, a largely untamed wilderness spanning eastern and southern Kentucky is filled with the same breathtaking natural wonders Daniel Boone first set eyes on when he crossed the Cumberland Gap in 1769. And today, this wide-open playground is still waiting to be explored.

 

 

[Dawkins Line Rail Trail]The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is the largest rail-to-trail in the state and is open year-round.  The entire 36 miles of the trail, stretching from Hagerhill in Johnson County to Evanston in Breathitt County, is now open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The first 25 miles up to Tip Top Tunnel features 24 trestles and the 662-foot Gun Creek Tunnel.

 

[Hillbilly Trails]Hillbilly Trails mission is to be the capitol of Adventure Tourism east of the Mississippi River, offering scenic, rugged, mountainous trails where adults can ride at day or night and enjoy spectacular views of the Appalachian and Pine Mountain ranges.​

 

 

[Appalachian Trail]The Appalachian National Scenic Trail — commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or simply “the A.T.” — is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,190 miles in length. The Trail travels through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range, from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine.  More than 3 million people visit the Trail every year and over 3,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the entire footpath in a single year.

 

 

[Barter Theatre]Barter Theatre is a repertory company of resident artists dedicated to serving others by creating world-class theatre in the heart of Appalachia. Located in Abingdon, Virginia, it opened on June 10, 1933. It is the longest-running professional Equity theatre in the United States.  Famous alumni include Ned Beatty, Frances Fisher, Gregory Peck, and James Burrows. 

 

 

 

[See Rock City]Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See Seven States" panoramic views. Made famous by payment to farmers to paint their barns with the "See Rock City" moniker, Rock City officially opened as a public attraction on May 21, 1932.  Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path.

 

 

[Museum of Appalachia]The Museum of Appalachia, founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with some three dozen historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens and free range farm animals, all set in a picturesque venue and surrounded by split-rail fences. There are over 250,000 artifacts housed in 3 multi-story exhibit buildings; vast collections of folk art, musical instruments, baskets, quilts, Native American artifacts, and much more.