Jenkins – History, Lakes and Mountain Views

Jenkins, Kentucky, combines distinctive landscapes, regional history and unusual excursion destinations. Around Pound Gap, geological features meet memories of important events in American history. Fishpond Lake, viewpoints and recreational activities round out the picture with opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor pursuits. Depending on your interests, a trip to Jenkins can therefore be planned as primarily cultural, scenic or varied, with outdoor experiences.

Pound Gap: Geology and History along U.S. Route 23

U.S. Route 23 runs through Pound Gap. The Kentucky Historical Marker No. 510 for Pound Gap is located along U.S. 23/119 in Jenkins. The marker records that Christopher Gist discovered the route through the passage on April 1, 1751. It also recalls the site's military significance: On March 16, 1862, Brigadier General Garfield and 700 Union troops drove 500 Confederate soldiers out of the passage. On June 1, 1864, Morgan's Raiders drove the Union troops out there. Pound Gap is also considered the site of the First Battle of Whitesburg.

The geological history is also part of the destination here. The Pine Mountain Pound Gap Thrust Fault was exposed during construction of the new section of U.S. Route 23 in 1998. On September 26, 1998, Pound Gap was designated Kentucky's first Distinguished Geologic Site. Alongside historical narratives, this gives visitors interested in landforms and the area's formation a second way to explore this part of Kentucky.

Museum, Theater and the History of Jenkins

Another cultural point of interest is the David A. Zegeer Coal-Railroad Museum at 102 Main Street in Jenkins. It is housed in an authentically restored 1911 railway station. The name points to the connection between coal and railroad history, while the building itself provides a tangible historical setting for exploring the city's development.

Jenkins is also connected with the history of The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come. The city was involved in the production, and The Little Shepherd Drama was recognized with membership in the Institute of Outdoor Dramas. For your trip planning, this aspect may be interesting if you would like to explore local history not only through buildings and historical markers, but also through literary, theatrical and film connections.

Fishpond Lake, Recreation and Wide-Ranging Views

Fishpond Lake is an artificial lake in Jenkins. It offers RV sites, basic camping and shelters. Almost 20 miles of ATV trails are located at the lake and are managed and maintained by First Frontier Appalachian Trails. The Roger Breeding Memorial ATV Trail begins at the upper end of Fishpond Lake in Payne Gap, Kentucky. These details open up different possibilities for trip planning: You can focus your stay more heavily on scenery and motorized outdoor activities, or consider the lakeside area as one of several day-trip options.

For other recreational interests, there is Jenkins Pool at 229 Lakeside Drive. The municipal recreation complex includes a water park and a softball field. Viewpoints offer a different emphasis: The Pine Mountain and Jenkins viewpoints have a visibility range of 60 miles. Combs Overlook is located in Jenkins near the state line. Alongside the historical stops, such destinations give the trip a scenic framework without requiring every activity to follow the same daily rhythm.

Raven Rock Golf Course is also among the listed excursion destinations in southeastern Kentucky. The course has 18 holes and is located within a remarkable 2,000-acre reclamation project on a former surface mine. The range of possible travel interests thus extends from geology and history to lake activities, viewpoints and golf.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Jenkins, your personal priorities should guide your choice. If, on the other hand, you mainly want to include Fishpond Lake, ATV trails, viewpoints or the recreation complex, you should compare the location of each accommodation with your desired day-trip destinations.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

For further guidance, you can also visit the pages on Canada, Pikeville.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pike County.