You’ll Never Want To Leave These 9 Mountain Towns In Kentucky

Discover nine charming mountain towns in Kentucky perfect for enjoying the beauty of autumn.

It's finally starting to feel like fall in the Bluegrass State. The leaves are changing colors, the temperature is cooling off, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It's the perfect weather to escape to the mountains, sit by a campfire, or get cozy in a cabin. Check out these 9 mountain towns in Kentucky where you can fully embrace the beauty of autumn in Kentucky. You'll never want to leave.

1. Pineville

Nestled in between the Cumberland River and Pine Mountain, Pineville has plenty of natural beauty to see. Be sure to hike to the top of Pine Mountain to see magnificent views of the town below.

2. Irvine

Irvine is located right next to the Kentucky River. Every year during the last weekend of April, the town hosts the Mountain Mushroom Festival, which celebrates the cultural heritage of eastern Kentucky, which includes the gathering of morel mushrooms.

3. Cumberland

Cumberland is home to Kingdom Come State Park, which has some interesting natural rock formations such as Raven Rock and Log Rock. Hike around and enjoy being surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains.

4. Elkhorn City

Elkhorn City is very close to Breaks Interstate Park, which makes for some great hiking and stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River runs through Elkhorn City, which makes it a popular whitewater rafting destination.

5. Middlesboro

Middlesboro is located just west of the famous Cumberland Gap, in between Pine Mountain and the Cumberland Mountains. It's located in the Middlesboro Basin, which is believed to be a giant meteor crater.

6. Morehead

Surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, Morehead is an official Kentucky Trail Town. There are more than 100 miles of trails around Morehead, including the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Morehead is also home to Morehead State University.

7. Prestonsburg

Prestonsburg is close to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, which has numerous hiking trails and tranquil lakes to cast a line. The Country Music Highway runs through Prestonsburg, which is a scenic drive that celebrates the rich country music heritage in that region of Kentucky.

8. Corbin

Corbin is close to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Check out the magnificent Cumberland Falls, and if you're there on a full moon, go at night to see the moonbow. There are several great hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls throughout the area.

9. Olive Hill

Olive Hill is home to Carter Caves State Resort Park. Explore this gorgeous natural area that features unique sandstone arches and caves.

Head to these quaint mountain towns in Kentucky while it's still autumn to see some truly stunning scenery and hit the reset button. Has anyone been to these towns? Which ones are we missing?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories