Pike County: Culture, Mountains and Water in Kentucky
Accommodation in Pike County
Pike County in Kentucky combines impressive landscapes with a diverse regional history. Between Fishtrap Lake, the cliffs of Breaks Interstate Park and the museums of Pikeville, you will find a variety of ideas for shared vacation days. When choosing your vacation rental or holiday home, it is therefore worth deciding first what focus you want: water and nature, cultural history or active days on trails and rivers.
Lakes, mountains and trails for a variety of vacation days
Fishtrap Lake is a 1,130-acre reservoir in Pike County, Kentucky. It lies in steep, lushly vegetated mountain country and is considered a refuge for native wildlife, especially deer. At the dam and in the Grapevine and Lick Creek recreation areas, there are boat ramps for launching boats. Grapevine Campground has 36 campsites. For initial orientation, the Breaks Interstate Park visitor center provides directions, maps and hiking trail guides.
At Breaks Interstate Park, the hiking trails range from options for beginners to trails for people with advanced experience. The Canyon Rim Zipline runs along the steep cliffs of the Russell Fork River Gorge and takes you from one viewpoint to another. Bob Amos Park also offers shorter and longer trails: the Bob Amos Trails comprise five routes ranging from 0.25 to 4.7 miles, while the Real McCoy Trail is 4.5 miles long in total. A 3.0-mile multi-use trail begins and ends at the track, which has seven lanes and is suitable for walking and running.
Water Activities and Regional History
At Laurel Lake in Breaks Interstate Park, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes are rented seasonally by the hour or half-hour. The section of the Hatfield-McCoy River Trail on the Levisa Fork features gentle rapids and flowing fords. It is suitable for canoes, kayaks and small one-person pontoon boats; the system is recognized as the Kentucky Blue Water Trail. A two-hour kayak tour passes the Pikeville Cut-Thru Project, an artificial channel for which a mountain and a river were relocated. The Class 1 waters are suitable for beginners and families.
Those who prefer cultural history can view historical exhibits about Pikeville's coal industry at the Big Sandy Heritage Museum. The collections include artifacts, photographs and videos on the development of the local education system, as well as a timeline of events from the American Civil War in Pikeville. The Pike County Heritage Hall presents the county's history through display cases and old photographs; topics include the prehistory of Native Americans, agriculture, industry and commerce, politics and coal mining.
The history of the Hatfield-McCoy feud is also present in the destination. The annual Hatfield-McCoy Festival helps visitors better understand the feud and the history of the region. Dils Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud Historic District. Randolph McCoy, Sarah McCoy, Roseanna McCoy, Sam McCoy and Martha McCoy are buried there. The Dils/York House offers historical exhibits, educational programs on regional history and interactive art. A self-guided Hatfield & McCoy Feud Historic Driving Tour leads through the rugged and scenic mountains of Kentucky and West Virginia.
Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans
For a trip focused on water and nature, Fishtrap Lake, Breaks Interstate Park or the Hatfield-McCoy River Trail can shape your daily itinerary. If you are more interested in regional history and culture, Pikeville, its museums and the venues Appalachian Center for the Arts and Appalachian Wireless Arena offer a different thematic focus. The Pikeville Farmers Market adds to the picture with Appalachia-Proud fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams, honey, preserved goods and herbal teas. Choose your vacation rental in Pike County based on the experiences you want to define your vacation. For further regional searches, you can also visit the pages for Pikeville, Jenkins and Canada.
For the overarching travel overview: Kentucky.
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