Tourism & Recreation

Adventure Tourism

Adventure Tourism is thriving in Eastern Kentucky. There are many different things to do from Hiking, Biking, Rock Climbing, River Tours to Horseback Riding, ATV Trails, Fishing, Boating and Canoeing. Perry County has Trail Town Status now which will open even more opportunities for the area. Some of the areas to visit are linked here  

Kentucky’s Elk Country Corridor

Free roaming elk were brought to Southeast Kentucky in December of 1997-98. Since their introduction into the area the herd now has a population of approximately 4,000. You can now view these magnificant animals at many locations in our ADD district. Locations to view the elk include the Star Fire Wildlife Management Area in Perry County, Redbird Wildlife Management Area in Leslie County and in Breathitt County in portions of the Robinson Forest. Kentucky now has the largest Elk population east of the Mississippi with more than 11,000 animals statewide. Click the following links for more info. 

Natural Viewing Areas

There are numerous areas to view the natural beauty of our ADD District such as, the Confluence Recreation Area/Mary Brekenridge Memorial Park, Skyview Park, Blair Lake, Fishpond Lake in Little Laurel Park, Box Rock, Eagle Arch, High Rock, Moonshiner’s Mansion, Skyview Rock Shelter, Staircase Caves, Robinson Forest, Pine Mountain / Hensley Public Wildlife Management Area and the Starfire Wildlife Management Area. Click the following links for more info. 

Arts and Artisans

Traditional Appalachian split-oak baskets, dulcimers, carvings and quilts share the stage with more modern glass, clay and wood as today’s craftspeople interpret their heritage from those who went before them. There are many places to view or purchase items created by our local artisans. Some of them are listed here

There are also schools in our area that teach up and coming artisans about their craft, some are listed here.

Historic Sites and Museums

The history of our ADD district is rich and diverse. There are many places to relive these experiences such as: