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Appalshop started as a film workshop in 1969, and 50 years later we're still documenting and revitalizing the traditions and creativity of Appalachia.
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
Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve is a 2639 acres nature preserve in Whitesburg , Kentucky. Originally dedicated by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission on September 26, 1985, the preserve originally covered 435 acres and included Bad Branch Gorge, a forested gorge with a 60 ft waterfall tumbling over sandstone cliffs on the south face of Pine Mountain. Subsequent acquisitions have expanded the preserve west into the Presley House Branch watershed, northeast into the upper reaches of the Bad Branch watershed and a small portion of the north face of Pine Mountain. The preserve also protects Kentucky's only known nesting pair of common ravens. Bad Branch has been designated a Kentucky Wild River. There are 7.4 mi of foot trails and bridges over uneven strenuous terrain.
Tourist attraction in Letcher County, Kentucky. Make sure to watch the amazing sunset as you travel along this destination also known as The Slingshot trail.
Cliffside Overlook- Cliffside overlook is located in the curve before the summit of the mountain. Its elevation is at 2,315 feet and it offers visitors a nice concrete landing to enjoy the view.
This is the lowest of five roadside overlooks on the northwest slope of Pine Mountain on US-119. It has a viewing platform and picnic tables making for a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the views.
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.
Make sure to check the sunset while you are at Comb's Overlook.
Combs Overlook (Jenkins) - Located off of Hwy US 23 N, immediately past the VA / KY line, Combs overlook offers guests a welcome respite with a gorgeous view of Jenkins KY. This is a picture-perfect place for family gatherings or meetings with a beautifully built covered shelter, several picnic tables and a concrete path leading to the observation deck encircled by custom railing. There is also a large parking area, allowing for multiple visitors at one time.
Combs Overlook(Jenkins), named for well-known Kentucky State Police Trooper Bennett David Combs, who died in August 2014 after a long illness. He was 55. The overlook gives views of Jenkins' beautiful mountains, Raven Rock Golf Course and one of the most beautiful place to watch a sunset in the Appalachian mountains.
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.
Lovely creek-side cottage with view of Pine Mountain down a long gravel driveway. Quiet neighborhood. Large front yard. Wrap around porch with porch swing. Fire pit and charcoal grill available.
Falcon Overlook- Located where the old Falcon Inn used to be, this overlook is dedicated to Community Trust Bank. The elevation at Falcon Overlook is 2,557 feet. Etched in the concrete is the date 1948 and the name Doyle. This location was an overgrown building foundation with only a chimney standing.
Fish Pond Lake is a gorgeous vista. Nestled in the woods of the Central Appalachian mountains this park provides beautiful scenery, good fishing, camping, photo ops hiking and more
Bring the friends and family out to Fish Pond Lake. Campground site and lake friendly.
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.
Hemlock Overlook- Standing at an elevation of 2,377 feet, this overlook gives guests an overwhelming 180-degree view of Letcher County’s mountain range. Hemlock Overlook provides guests with custom railing and an observation deck. It also has picnic tables, where those passing through can rest, eat and enjoy the view.