Agritourism is a popular means for
travelers to truly have an authentic
experience in a region.
Travelers are increasingly interested in visiting working
farms today. Southern and Eastern Kentucky is rich in
opportunity for farms to take advantage of this trend. When
successfully managed, farms may utilize agritourism to
increase profits and expand their business operations.
Agritourism calls for farms to offer
things for visitors to see, activities for them to enjoy, and
an opportunity for shopping. Festivals, pick-your-own,
hayrides, and food and drinks are but a few examples of the
many choices available to farms wishing to draw in travelers.
Southern
and Eastern Kentucky Tourism has published to date three Agri-tourism
brochures.
For a copy of one of
these brochures call the SETKDA office at 606-677-6099.
Tourseky.com provides a useful source of information on
regional agritourism. Click
here to visit the agritourism page on tourseky.com.
Eco-tourism
is another popular venue to the traveler. Over one and a
half million wild life watchers were attracted to Watchable
Wildlife in Kentucky in 2001.
Some
of the trails in the area:
Lake
Cumberland Trail
Enjoy the beauty of the beech, oak and hickory forests and
scenic lake overlooks on two hiking trails at Lake Cumberland
State Resort Park. There is a 4-mile loop trail around the
Lure Lodge area, and a 1.5-mile trail (one-way, 3 miles total
distance including return) with a lake overlook near the park
entrance (parking available).
Cumberland
River Trail
This 5-mile hiking trail follows the river upstream for two
miles, follows an old logging road, then winds down to the
river. It ends at the falls parking area. Horses, biking and
motorized vehicles are prohibited. Stay on designated trails.
Trails close at dusk.
Wilderness
Road Trail
Athawominee, later known as the Wilderness Road, meandered
through dense primeval forests from the foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains, crossed Cumberland Mountain and continued
northward into the vastness of Kentucky. The buffalo, the
Native Americans, the longhunters and the settlers tread upon
this path. Some travelers came as traders seeking the richness
of game while others came seeking a new life in the Promised
Land. For centuries, the Wilderness Road played an important
role in Americas expansion. Walk in the footsteps of Cherokee
Chief Attakullaculla, Shawnee Chief Big Jim, Daniel Boone and
thousands of men, women and children who braved the journey
along this foreboding path into the unknown. Stand in
Cumberland Gap and feel the solitude. Experience this American
treasure along a moderate two-mile trail.
Pine Mountain
Trail
Enjoy hiking and horseback riding on Pine Mountain Trail on
the border of Kentucky and Virginia, where 120 miles are
planned to run along the Breaks Interstate Park to Cumberland
Gap National Park. There are breathtaking views of the 28
miles that have been completed. The foot-traffic portion of
the trail will be only several feet wide.
Buckhorn Loop
Trail
There are two old roads, which follow the lakeshore, but
primary access is by boat. The terrain is mountainous and is
primarily forested with some open land in bottoms. Bird Walks,
nature hikes, and a variety of games give you a chance to get
away from it all.
Natural
Bridge Original Trail
Built in the 1890's, this is the shortest, easiest and most
popular hiking trail to the bridge. The 3/4 mile trail climbs
over 500 feet, ending beneath Natural Bridge. Access to the
top of the bridge is through a natural fracture. Trails close
at sunset. Pets, horses, biking and motorized vehicles are
prohibited.
Jenny Wiley
Trail
This trail is 4.5 miles total, 3 miles to the Jenny Wiley
State Resort Park Campground, and another 1.5 miles to KY 302
and KY 3051. The trail is difficult, so don't hike alone and
stay on designated trails. Camping, biking, horses and
motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Trails close at
dusk.
Levisa Fork
Trail
This area consists of very steep, rough terrain with narrow
ridges and valleys that are completely forested, primarily in
hardwoods.
ETHICS:
View
from a safe distance:
-
Use binoculars,
spotting scopes and viewing blinds for a close look
-
Be quiet and
move slowly
-
Avoid nests and
dens
-
Do not take or
touch young wildlife
-
Learn animal
alarm behaviors. Know when you are too close
-
Safeguard the
health of wildlife and yourself
-
Don’t take
chances
Resist
the urge to offer handouts:
Be a
mentor:
-
Help others to
become responsible wildlife watchers
-
Share your
knowledge and skills
-
Report
unethical/illegal activities to local Wildlife Agency or
property owners
For
a Watchable Wildlife brochure call the SETKDA office at
606-677-6099.
