Nearby Attractions

Looking for recreational activities in a scenic location? Look no further. You'll find both in Pike County.

Pike County is definitely a place for all seasons. Blessed with a temperate climate and protected from extremes of weather by the surrounding mountains, the rugged landscape and rich soil promotes lush growth and spectacular scenery, with every season bestowing its own separate beauty.

Native redbud and dogwood trees announce the end of winter as their fuschia and white blossoms dapple the hillsides. Wildflowers such as trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and lady's slipper bloom almost hidden beneath the lush canopies of green nurtured by summer's warmth. Then, as crisp autumn air slides in, the mountains reflect with the blazing colors of gold, copper, and bronze. Even winter provides a special beauty when soft blankets of white snow cover the sleeping landscape.

Pike County and the surrounding areas provide unique opportunities to view and participate in a wealth of scenic environments and adventurous activities. The Breaks Interstate Park, with its entrance just above Elkhorn City, is known as the "Grand Canyon of the South." The park land was donated by the local Potter family to the Commonwealths of Kentucky and Virginia for use as a recreational area and is one of only two interstate parks in the nation. Encompassing 4,500 acres of woodlands, The Breaks is home of the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River and gives sanctuary to the golden eagles who inhabit its more lofty heights. A unique attraction, the Breaks is open year round for hikers and backpackers and can accommodate overnight visitors at its lodge, cabins or campsites during the tourism season. The variety of recreational activities that can be enjoyed within the Park include horseback riding, picnicking, and paddleboats. An amphitheatre is the scene of weekly Bluegrass and gospel sings during the summer, and occasional dramatic performances are sponsored by a local theatre arts group. A modern conference center and full-service restaurant is open April through December. History, legend and local folklore combine with its scenic beauty to entice visitors to return often to re-experience The Breaks.

Built as a means of flood control for Pike and other Kentucky and Virginia counties, Fishtrap Lake and Wildlife Center also provides a unique setting to enjoy the area's beauty and outdoor activities. The lake and dam were dedicated in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Presently under the auspices of the Army Corp of Engineers, the entire reserve is slated to become a Kentucky State Park. Boating, swimming, water sports, and great fishing can be enjoyed on the lake and throughout the center are picnic shelters and recreational areas for children.

In addition to the large designated recreational areas, county and city governments have established smaller local recreation spots throughout Pike County. Residents and visitors can enjoy walking tracks, swimming pools, tennis courts, softball and little league fields, and a variety of fun on playground equipment such as slides and swing sets. Many also provide picnic tables, shelters, and small grills for family and church get-togethers. Almost every district has at least one area which allows for planned or impromptu performances by amateur musicians and which often entice some audience members to demonstrate their talents performing a traditional Appalachian dance called “clogging” or “flatfooting.”

A somewhat less traditional activity but one enjoyed just as much throughout the County is golf. Pike County has one public golf course, Mountain Pub-Links located at Johns Creek, and several private courses for members and their guests. They all offer a challenging game in a picturesque mountain setting and have golf carts available.

The Pikeville Area Family YMCA, established in Pikeville through a concerted effort of community members and city government, is recognized as a major asset to the area's quality of life. Centers are now open in Belfry/South Williamson and in Phelps. The Pikeville location was the site of Kentucky's first Skate Park for skaters, bikers, and skateboarders. The "Y" offers programs such as soccer, volleyball, basketball and tennis, and a full range of fitness programs, including aerobics, yoga, and kickboxing is available at all the centers. The main location has facilities for racquetball, indoor tennis and basketball courts, and a walking track, batting cages, driving range, and weight room. Child care opportunities vary but are available. An after-school program for youngsters as well as teens make the 'Y' a place for development of "spirit, mind, and body."

FESTIVALS

Hillbilly Days

A variety of festivals held throughout the year provide entertaining break from daily activities. Nationally known through coverage in the New York Times, Atlanta Constitution, Wall Street Journal and other metropolitan publications, Pike County's Hillbilly Days Festival is held annually on the third Thursday through Saturday of April. Begun in 1976 by local Shriners Howard “Dirty Ear" Stratton and the late "Shady" Grady Kinney, the event is now second in attendance only to the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville. At its roots, Hillbilly Days is a joint effort of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the local Shriners Hillbilly Clan to raise money for the Shriners Children's Hospital and Burn Center. Over $150,000.00 has been given to the hospitals in just the last four years.

The festival is also the opportunity for local folk to celebrate their mountain heritage and laugh at the old and outdated stereotypes of mountain people. Festival attendees often dress in extravagant garb and cover themselves with souvenir buttons, badges, and memorabilia of past festivals. Food vendors line Pikeville's streets in the central business district and on Hambley Boulevard, the main thoroughfare. All who come near are tempted to indulge in traditional mountain foods, such as funnel cakes, catfish, apple dumplings, and pork skins, or to sample other delicious festival fare such as gyros, egg rolls, pasta and tacos.

Pikeville City Park's gazebo is filled with tents displaying the workmanship of artisans and craftsmen, as well as souvenirs. Both the Park and the County Courthouse Square are venues for continuous traditional mountain music performed by local and visiting artists. Clogging, flat-footing, and square dancing performed by anyone who feels so inclined often take place at the same time. Led by the Shriners, a parade featuring local groups and occasional visitors such as the Budwiser Clydesdales tops off the Festival on Saturday afternoon.

Apple Blossom Festival

Elkhorn City is host for the Apple Blossom Festival, traditionally held the second weekend of May to celebrate the arrival and breathtaking beauty of springtime in the mountains. Festival attendees enjoy vending booths of crafts and delicious foods, and are entertained by a carnival and a parade. Locals as well as former residents and visitors enjoy the warmth and welcome of Elkhorn City during this time of "getting together."

Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival

One month after the Apple Blossom Festival, on the second weekend of June, Pike County is host to the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival. For readers unaware: Pike County, KY, and Mingo County, WV, located just across the Big Sandy River, was the scene of the world's most famous interfamily dispute, the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. Occurring during the late 1800's, the news reports of the time were largely inaccurate and did much to damage the image of the genuinely peaceful, industrious people of the era. Currently, the Hatfield-McCoy Historic District, covering parts of both Kentucky and West Virginia, is the only non-contiguous geographic area listed in the National Register for Historic Places.

Originally promoted as a peacemaking get-together for the descendents of the original "feuders," Randolph McCoy and "Devil" Anse Hatfield, the festival quickly gained national attention and was the subject of a feature article in People magazine. It has now evolved into an occasion for good-natured competition between the two families and the counties of Pike and Mingo, and is the perfect time for many families with Eastern Kentucky connections to reunite for a few days to relate stories of their past and to share plans for their futures. The Pikeville/Pike County Tourism Commission coordinates the Kentucky-side festivities.

In addition to the spring Festivals, weekends throughout the year are full of activities in Pike County. Every weekend in October is part of the annual Russell Fork whitewater rafting season. Russell Fork, part of the Big Sandy River, creates a gorge as it cuts through the Breaks Interstate Park. Whitewater churns through the valley as Flanagan Dam in Virginia releases water to the winter pool level. The resulting rapids range from Class I to Class VI and provide excitement for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced adventurer. Visitors come from as far away as Japan, Australia and New Zealand to enjoy Pike County's famous whitewater adventures.

For those who enjoy a little less physical excitement, Pike County's colorful history can be explored in a variety of ways. Both the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pikeville/Pike County Tourism Commission provide visitors with directions for a Hatfield/McCoy Driving Tour, a Downtown Pikeville Walking Tour, and visits to the Elkhorn City Railroad Museum and Dils Cemetery. Dils Cemetery, located in downtown Pikeville, is believed to be the first integrated cemetery in Kentucky and is the final resting place of Randolph McCoy.

Traveling throughout the region, you will invariably find yourself on US 23, designated the Country Music Highway from Boyd County through Letcher County to honor the many well-known country music musicians who were born or grew up in close proximity to the highway. The Pikeville Cut-through is also part of the highway's appeal.

Recreation, adventure, or history - whatever your interests, Pike County has something to offer that you won't find anywhere else.