Attractions

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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

Benham School House Inn

  • address 100 Central Avenue Benham, Benham, KY 4080736.9628935-82.951206

Our promise is to provide you with an experience that reflects the spirit and hospitality of the people of the Appalachian Mountains.

The resort flows gracefully along the Eastern Kentucky Mountains, canopied by a wide array of museums and activities and caressed by mountain breezes. It is a setting made for total relaxation.

We welcome you to use our Schoolhouse Inn for all of your events. Whether it’s a professional conference, a dinner party, wedding, retreat, or any other type of activity. We want to help you bring your vision to life. Our excellent staff and full-service restaurant and bar are excellent additions to any event. Our rooms are always available for reservation so that your event can extend well into the night. 

Camp Blanton

  • address 4294 State Hwy 840 , Wallins Creek, KY 4087336.8593862-83.3819647

Right off The BackBreaker trail is where you can take your next adventure and hike or check into one of our remodeled cabins. This has to go on your next Bucket List with our trails.

Central Drive-In

  • address 5113 Kent Junction, Norton, VA 2427336.920679-82.7032554

We are the oldest continually operating drive in theater in the state of Virginia.

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.

Dragon Slayer Hwy 160 Trailhead

  • address 3411 Gilley Ave E, Big Stone Gap, VA 2421936.862809593445334-82.75655322866189

Navigate to the trailhead to begin the Dragon Slayer Hwy 160.

Finley’s General Store

  • address 23305 Sugar Hill Road, Carrollton, VA 2343036.9308898-76.5222907

Old-fashioned general store with local foods, candles, body products, dog treats and more!

Flag Rock/High Knob Recreational Area

Flag Rock/ High Knob

  • address Flag Rock Road, Norton, Virginia 2427336.915362-82.6313869

Flag Rock Recreation Area is located three miles above downtown Norton on the lower slopes of High Knob. The thousand-acre park includes 25 developed acres and a variety of outdoor adventures. Please note restroom facilities in the park are open seasonally. Restrooms are open when Flag Rock Campground is open during the spring and fall months. Opening dates for the campground and restrooms are dependent on the weather. 

Harlan County Beer Company

  • address 120 Central Street Harlan, Harlan, KY 4083136.8468664-83.3220079

When miners began mining, brewers began brewing. Based in the heart of the Appalachian coalfields of Eastern Kentucky, Harlan County Beer Company’s vision is to bring people together to celebrate historic Harlan County’s past and future. Harlan County’s coal helped build America and win World War II. It’s now time to say thank you to Harlan County and its people by drinking a beer.

We will make that long overdue thank you happen by brewing high-quality beer and serving delicious locally inspired food in a beautifully restored 100-year old historic building on the courthouse square in downtown Harlan, Kentucky. Our mission is to create a growing and sustainable business that strengthens community bonds, builds pride, and contributes to the growing tourism industry in Appalachia.

Harry W. Meador, Jr. Coal Museum

  • address 570 Shawnee Ave East, Big Stone Gap, VA 2421936.8670751-82.777205

*FREE ADMISSION

Coal is to Big Stone Gap and the entire Appalachian region what automobiles are to Detroit, corn is to Kansas and oil is to Texas. Because coal mining, to a large extent, defines the area–how people live, where they work, and how they think and feel. The Coal Museum was put together, bit by bit and piece by piece, from the mini treasure troves and memorabilia of private homes and public buildings from Big Stone Gap and surrounding towns. For natives, the museum attempts to describe a personal heritage as well as provide a peek into the past. For others, it offers a rich educational experience concerning coal and its direct influence on the local lifestyle.

Interstate 101 train car

  • address 155 E 1st Street North, Big Stone Gap, VA 2421936.864784-82.7807851

Step back in time…Visit the 101 Car in Big Stone Gap Virginia, now located at the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park. The car is an excellent example of typical passenger car construction for the late 19th century. As-built, it contained an observation room, two staterooms, a dining area, facilities for the porter, and a kitchen area. Most of the original fixtures are intact, including the lavatories, lighting fixtures, and even the speedometer in the rear observation area. It also serves as a scenic overlook with a commanding view of Bullitt Park, downtown, and the mountain ranges.

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.