Check out our special events occurring throughout the year.

Cumberland, KY

Kentucky’s highest elevated state park is perched just above Cumberland and offers hiking, mini-golfing, pedal-boating, fishing, event space, and mountain overlooks.

Lynch, KY

Tour an actual coal mine by rail car. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides introduce you to coal and the people who mined it.

Finished in 1920, over a million tons of coal per year, for over 40 years, came through this portal.

Outside Portal #31 stands a black granite monument in tribute to long time president of the United Mine Workers John L. Lewis and a memorial to U.S. Steel District #1 miners who died in mining accidents.

The site also features a 1920s lamphouse, bathhouse, L&N train depot, and loadout system.

Call for tour times and ticket info.

Benham, KY

Housed in the former company store built by International Harvester in the 1920s, this museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of coal memorabilia in the nation.

The museum tells the story of coal in Kentucky and the story of the thousands of workers, most of who came from the Deep South and Eastern Europe to escape poverty and build a better life for their families.

The museum features four stories of exhibits on the history of mining and the life of the coal miner. Visitors can enjoy a step back in time to the coal miner’s workplace, his home and his community. Artifacts, antiques, photographs, and machinery make up the more than 30 exhibits

Benham School was erected in the 1920s to educate the children of the Benham coal camp. Today it has been repurposed as an inn with classrooms transformed into guest rooms and the gymnasium hosting banquets and receptions.

Black Mountain is the highest mountain peak in Kentucky, with a summit elevation of 4,145 feet. The Kentucky-Virginia line is at the top of the mountain, which can be traveled by Hwy 160 (known as the Dragon Slayer), just above the towns of Lynch, Kentucky, and Appalachia, Virginia. On the Kentucky side, you can see a Federal Aviation Administration radar dome near the summit.

Putney, KY

Located minutes from the Tri-Cities, this 7,000 acre adventure area is every outdoor enthusiasts dream. Stay on the ground and ride your off-road vehicles on over 150 miles of easy, moderate, and extreme trails, or fly above the treetops on our 11 line zipline canopy tour. Whichever adventure you seek, you’re sure to have a good time.

Lynch, KY

Visit the welcome center as you embark on the 20-mile destination ride featuring 226 significant curves traversing Kentucky and Virginia.

Cumberland, KY

The Godbey Appalachian Center is located on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Cumberland. The Center is part of SKCTC’s commitment to preserving the region’s culture and heritage. You’ll find extensive Appalachian archives as well as murals by Appalachian artists. The center also houses gallery space and a theater to feature art and performances for the community. The Godbey Appalachian Center is home to the popular Higher Ground community arts organization.

Harlan County's Tri-Cities are officially Kentucky Trail Towns. These three historic mining communities provide access to some of the best recreational offerings in Kentucky. Visitors may access the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, or head up to Kingdom Come State Park and the Little Shepherd Trail. The local Looney Creek Trail System connects each community, and the recently developed Summit Bike Trail takes cyclists to the top of Kentucky's highest point, Black Mountain.

Kentucky Highway 1679, “Little Shepherd Trail,” is a 38-mile narrow road on the crest of Pine Mountain from US 421 east of Harlan to US 119 south of Whitesburg. This route twists through refreshing overlooks and massive, spine-like rock out-croppings. Paved sections are easily traversed, while mountain bikers and hikers enjoy the more remote sections of this route.

The trail welcomes hikers, cyclists, and vehicle traffic along with riders on horseback. ATVs are not permitted.

From US 119 to Kingdom Come State Park is 14 miles.

The Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail is a linear state park still under development. Once completed, the long distance trail designed for primitive camping (in shelters located every 14 miles), backpacking and hiking, will span approximately 120 miles from Breaks Interstate Park to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and pass through many natural areas such as Bad Branch State Nature Preserve, Kingdom Come State Park and Blanton Forest along the Pine Mountain range in eastern Kentucky. The trail is a means for showcasing the wild highlands and conserving the natural and cultural heritage of Appalachia for future generations.

Harlan County boasts the highest elevations in the state with some incredible trails for those looking to reconnect with nature! Below you will find some of the best hikes in Harlan.

Benham, KY

Beautifully decorated historic theater in the heart of Southeastern Kentucky. Shows and activities to serve the community as well as personal and private events.

Cumberland, KY, 606.589.2502

Built more than 60 years ago on the rolling hills and valleys of the Cumberland, this course has provided golfing enthusiasts the opportunity to play on one of the most unique nine-hole courses in the region!

Lynch, KY, 606.848.2142

This is one of the only golf courses in the world that has 7 holes. You will never experience another golf course like this!

Harlan County’s rugged mountains and thick forests are teeming with wildlife. Hunting on private property always requires permission from the land owner but Harlan County offers a variety of public areas for hunting.

State Hwy 510, Bledsoe, KY, 606.558.3571, website

A historic cultural and educational institution in rural Harlan County, Kentucky. Founded in 1913 as a settlement school near Bledsoe, it now focuses on classes related to the culture of Appalachia and environmental education. Check out their website for events and opportunities.