Everyone has a favorite small town in Kentucky and there’s no point in arguing over which one is the best because there are reasons to love them all! If you love a quaint river town, we have that. If you prefer a larger city that actually feels like a small town, we have that, too. And if you’re looking for a small mountain town in Kentucky, you’ll find just that in the city of Morehead. Nestled in the gentle mountains of Eastern Kentucky, this small town is one of the best in the state, especially if you love the outdoors. Hike, bike, swim, boat, and also enjoy history and small-town charm with a trip to Morehead, Kentucky.

Like other mountain towns in Kentucky, Morehead is filled with natural beauty and has an interesting history.
Photo Courtesy of Joel Cordial / @joelcordial
The landscape in this region of Kentucky is much different than others, so it feels very special to walk along the streets of the town and look up to gently climbing mountains. It's also unique to be in a town that is just minutes from so many outdoor adventures.
This town is best known as home to Morehead State University, which boasts a beautiful campus.
Facebook/Morehead State University
Students are definitely spoiled by this location and many of the locals in town work at the University or have ties to it in some way.
The first settlers from Virginia came to this area in the late 1700s and the town was officially settled in 1854.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Morehead was named after James T. Morehead, a native Kentuckian who served as governor of the state from 1834 to 1836. He had close ties to Henry Clay and his political party.
Morehead has several historic sites throughout the town, including the former Rowan County Courthouse.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This beautiful building is now an arts center and remains an eye-catching part of the community.

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Exploring Morehead is easy to do on foot, as this town has even been declared one of Kentucky's official Trail Towns.
Facebook/Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY
Take a walking trail through downtown and discover other historic sites, shops, restaurants, and other local spots.
But that's not the only walking you'll want to do in this beautiful area.
Alltrails/Leila Mende
The hike to Lockegee Rock is popular for locals and visitors alike and offers sweeping views of the region.
For another outdoor adventure, head to Cave Run Lake while you're visiting Morehead.
Facebook/Cave Run Lake
This is a gorgeous lake with plenty of ways to get out on the water. Learn how you can rent a kayak and explore Cave Run Lake for yourself!
And with all of this exploring, you'll need to visit a favorite local restaurant in Morehead.
Facebook/Pop's Southern Style BBQ
There are several, but don't miss a chance to stop by Pop's Southern Style BBQ. They offer some of the best BBQ in the region and a relaxed atmosphere that's ideal for a casual meal.

Morehead is a lovely small mountain town in Kentucky that offers everything you need for a little getaway trip. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area, as well as many other features of this charming town. Do you have a favorite small town in Kentucky? Have you spent time in Morehead? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out this delightful Vimeo of folks dancing down the city:

Can’t Stop The Feeling (City Of Morehead Lip Sync) from Joe Gagliano on Vimeo.

And if you’d like to camp when visiting the area, it doesn’t get more beautiful than this lakefront campground in Kentucky.

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More to Explore

Morehead, Kentucky

Sarah M. | September 13, 2022

What's another charming town to visit this fall in Kentucky?

Looking for more charming towns like Morehead, Kentucky? Check out these adorable small towns in Kentucky:

  • Cynthiana. If you're into fall foliage and leaf peeping, there's no better town than Cynthiana, Kentucky. This small town in Kentucky goes all out in the fall, with city-wide decorating contests and lots of fun happenings all season long.
  • Bardstown. Another impossibly charming small town to visit during the fall in Kentucky is Bardstown. Hailed as the best and most walkable small town in Kentucky, the streets of Bardstown come alive with color in the fall! Local businesses put up decorations, and town landmarks, like My Old Kentucky Home, become even more beautiful within this glorious landscape.
  • Frankfort. Finally, if you're looking for a spooky adventure this fall, head to Frankfort. Our capital is one of the most haunted towns in the state, and there are numerous spooky tours offered throughout September and October that will put you in the proper Halloween spirit!

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Morehead, KY 40351, USA