Bad Branch Falls – High Rock Trail

Bad Branch Falls Nature Preserve

  • address KY-932, Eolia, KY 4082637.0692269-82.7608634

Bad Branch Falls, with it’s beautiful trail and enchanting 60 ft. waterfall, is a Letcher County treasure. It is a must see for visitors wanting to explore our area. The hike to Bad Branch Falls is a little over a mile (one way) and takes close to 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The trail will take you through an old timber haul road that was built in the 30’s or 40’s.
This hike is a categorized as a moderate hike because it requires climbing over rocks and walking around small ledges. During the winter, there is usually ice along the trail which can also make hiking somewhat dangerous. Most people that can walk one mile should not have any trouble. 
The scenery to the falls is breathtaking, including high sandstone cliffs, giant hemlock pines and many different types of rock formations. If you want something a little more challenging, there is an option to take the High Rock Loop Trail, a little over 2 mile hike to the crest of Pine Mountain. This trail joins in with the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail - which will stretch over 110 miles when completed.

Photo credit- Letcher County Tourism www.discoverletcher.com

Coal City Coffee & Heavenly Donuts

SmileFaith Appalachia

  • address 9599 Hwy 805, Jenkins, KY 4153737.1728664-82.63266399999999

SmileFaith delivers free dental care, health screenings, and other services in Eastern Kentucky. The store in Jenkins, KY (Coal City Coffee) features a fantastic Coffee Shop with home made treats, gift shop, dental charity services, and more, along with being a community/recreational center where free goods are distributed to those in need.

Cowan Creek Cottage

Air Bnb

Cowan Creek Cottage is close to the Cowan Community Center and only 5½ miles outside the city limits of Whitesburg. The cottage is located at the foothills of Pine Mountain. You’ll love the cottage and enjoy the feel of having your own little home in the mountains. Enjoy a clean and comfortable home away from home while visiting friends and family and enjoying our community. Cowan Creek Cottage is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, and families.

Jenkins Lake

Little Elkhorn Lake

  • address KY-3086, Jenkins, KY 4153737.1734372-82.6309892

Man-made lake in Jenkins, KY stocked with Catfish, Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Grasscarp, Walleye. Beautiful Mountain views and Lakeside dr.

Kentucky Mist Distillery

KY Mist Moonshine Distillery

  • address 128 East Main Street, Whitesburg, KY 4185837.11745579999999-82.822363

Kentucky Mist Moonshine Distillery was established by Appalachian Native, Colin Fultz, in the late 2010's in a Historic Building in downtown, Whitesburg. This distillery offers pure 100% authentic Appalachian Moonshine and Liquors, unmatched in quality and taste. Coming from a long line of moonshiners, this recipe has been perfected over the ages, and is now distributed all over the United States. KY Mist has 3 more stores, one in Lexington, KY, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Mobile, AL. Come in for a free tasting, tour of the original style moonshine stills, amazing local merchandise, and of course, the world class moonshine.

Kingdom Come State Park

Kingdom Come State Park

  • address 502 Park Rd, Cumberland, Kentucky 4082336.9896573-82.9846548

Kingdom Come State Park, Cumberland, Kentucky. Where nature's grandeur meets outdoor adventure! Nestled within the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, this breathtaking park offers an abundance of natural beauty and exciting recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Explore the Great Outdoors:
Get ready to embark on a journey through stunning landscapes, dense forests, and lush greenery on the park's well-maintained hiking trails. Whether you're a novice hiker or an experienced trekker, Kingdom Come State Park has trails suitable for everyone, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience.

Discover Peace at the Lake:
The heart of Kingdom Come State Park lies in its massive lake, a tranquil oasis perfect for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy kayaking, Paddle boating or fishing on the pristine waters.

Awe-Inspiring Overlooks:
For those seeking jaw-dropping panoramic views, Kingdom Come State Park has several well-positioned overlooks that offer awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whether you visit during sunrise or sunset, these vantage points promise to take your breath away and provide perfect settings for capturing memorable photos.

Treat Yourself at the Gift Shop:
Don't forget to stop by the park's charming gift shop, where you can find a delightful selection of souvenirs, local crafts, and nature-inspired gifts. Take home a piece of Kingdom Come State Park to cherish the memories of your unforgettable visit.

Experience the unparalleled beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the wealth of outdoor activities awaiting you at Kingdom Come State Park. Come and immerse yourself in the splendor of Kingdom Come State Park – a hidden gem in Cumberland, Kentucky, that promises to leave you captivated and rejuvenated. Nature's wonders and unforgettable experiences await! Book your trip now and be ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Appalachia.

Little Shepherd Trail Trailhead

  • address 236-898 Little Shepherd Trail, Baxter, KY 4080636.89885626772126-83.30928823293165

Navigate to the trailhead to begin the Little Shepherd Trail.

Mars Rock

Mars Rock Overlook

  • address Tower Hill Rd, Eolia, Kentucky 4082637.0775097-82.8079348

Mars Rock is a true anomaly of the Appalachian Mountains. Experience the other worldly terrain right in the heart of the Central Appalachian Mountains. Nestled on top of Pine Mountain, US119 (the Slingshot) Mars rock is truly an unforgettable visit. 

Pine Mountain Grill & Gifts

Pine Mountain Grill

  • address 45 US-119 S, Whitesburg, Kentucky 4185837.1101723-82.8012299

The Pine Mountain grill is a country style home-cooked from scratch restaurant nestled at the bottom of "the slingshot" trail right in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. Nearby town of Whitesburg, KY offers wonderful gas stations, numerous restaurants, distillery, bars, etc.

Sassy TRASH LLC

Shopping

  • address 108 N Main St, Harlan, KY 4083136.847245-83.32260300000002
From Sassy TRASH
"We offer repurposed "junk", our own handmade crafts along with handmade crafts from local artisans, antiques, and any kind of funky junk we can find! Come get you a little Sassy TRASH!!"

The Dragon Slayer Welcome Center

Backroads of Appalachia Welcome Center

  • address 7 East Main, Lynch, Ky 4085536.9649618-82.9159818

Backroads of Appalachia is a non-profit organization with a passion and empathy for the Appalachian Region, driving economic development, job training and opportunity to the poverty stricken areas of Appalachia through tourism and motor sports.

This is where it all began, the Dragon Slayer Welcome Center. The beating heart of Backroads of Appalachia, this building has served as the trailhead for HWY160 since the Non-profits conception. Be sure to stop in and say hello, get your pictures taken, sign the wall, and get some merch from the very building that started everything you see today. Thank you all for your continued support.

 

The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing

  • address 7181 US-119, Eolia, KY 4082637.06427499999999-82.796114

The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing will take you back to the days of long ago where customer service and quality meet, to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

The Stone Studio BnB

Air bnb

A historic two-room studio cottage built from Kentucky River rock.

Entire cottage rented for your privacy. Recently renovated with the modern conveniences of a kitchenette, outdoor smoking area, Wi-Fi, DirectTV, and blackout curtains. High ceilings create a bright and spacious feel.

Conveniently located close to downtown. Off street parking by your front door. Walk to Main Street, Appalshop, and Kentucky Mist Distillery as well as many other small businesses and restaurants