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

Fish Pond Lake

Fish Pond Lake

  • address 475 Fish Pond Dr, Jenkins, KY 4153737.1596623-82.6773092

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

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. 

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.

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.