Share the pride in eastern Kentucky
BEYOND THE LEGACY of coal mining and thick Appalachian accents, eastern Kentucky is becoming known for something else: The Wildlands.
The Kentucky Wildlands is a region that spans 14,000 square miles and 41 counties along the state’s eastern/southeastern border. The idea to rebrand the area as a tourist destination comes from Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment), a nonprofit organization that spent decades cleaning up and restoring eastern and southern Kentucky sites.
Tammie Nazario, president and CEO of Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, is also director of The Kentucky Wildlands. A 2017 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission set the wheels in motion to craft a narrative that would present eastern Kentucky as a tourism hot spot.
“For years we have been plagued with negative stereotypes and this rebranding lets us tell our own positive stories,” Nazario says. “A brand is more than a logo—it’s a story of who you are. It needs to be simple, but real.”
The Wildlands name highlights the landscape of eastern Kentucky. Nature lovers can take in the many waterfalls, mountainous terrain, lakes and gorges that have remained unchanged since the time of Daniel Boone.
A little less wild are the cities and towns within the region, providing an experience steeped in history and culture. Nazario says even she was surprised by all the options within The Wildlands.
“I learned so much about what’s outside my back door,” she says. “Our natural beauty is untouched.”
Max Hammond, executive director of the Warrior’s Path of Kentucky, connected with The Wildlands to promote his project of restoring a 12,000-year-old trail through eastern Kentucky. Hammond believes there are a wealth of reasons to visit the area: it just needed a spotlight.
“There is an authentic experience here and research shows that is what people want in their travels,” Hammond says. “We don’t have to make anything new; we just have to show off what we already have here.”
Different part of Kentucky, different feel
Some of the most notable outdoor destinations in The Wildlands include Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge Geological Area and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. According to Samantha Johnson, executive director of Prestonsburg Tourism, visitors who look beyond those popular sites will be pleasantly surprised.
Kentucky may be known as the Bluegrass State, but Johnson says that moniker doesn’t tell the whole story. “Once you start crossing into eastern Kentucky, it’s less bourbon and horse farms and more moonshine and mountains,” she says.
Whether a family wants to unplug on a camping trip, or an adrenaline junkie wants to go whitewater rafting, The Wildlands can host those trips.
Johnson’s favorite destination in her town is the Prestonsburg Passage, a new rail-to-trail project that spans almost 9 miles. A popular spot for photos on the trail is the unique “School Bus Bridge,” a covered bridge made from the shell of a school bus.
Taking pride in local assets is a theme among those working in The Wildlands. Andy Teasley, park manager of Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site in Barbourville, says he believes Kentucky holds its own among the entire country when it comes to state parks—18 of which are in The Wildlands, along with two other state historic sites.
“I’d put our parks up against any in the nation as the finest,” Teasley says. “Our surroundings are absolutely beautiful and I’m very proud of our parks.”
Thomas Walker has two new primitive camp sites, park shelters, a playground and a mini-golf course. Teasley says whether it’s locals on a day trip or tourists passing through, he is often complimented on the state of the grounds.
“The ‘wow factor’ of the park is in how well-maintained it is,” he says. “The visitor’s guestbook is full of comments about the beauty and cleanliness.”
Pride in the land and the people is another main tenet of The Wildlands project. Nazario says the three pillars of the brand are to elevate eastern Kentucky’s natural assets, embrace local culture and heritage (including accents), and to empower those in the hospitality industry through training programs and marketing assistance.
Investing in tourism is already paying off for eastern Kentucky. Nazario says a study returned in the summer of 2022 showed $428,000 in economic impact in the first year of the marketing push.
For all the visitors and dollars flowing through communities, Johnson says the morale boost tourism brings to The Wildlands is priceless.
“We can see the growth from an economic impact standpoint, but we also want to bring pride to our people,” Johnson says. “That’s what tourism does.”
KATIE SALTZ is an eastern Kentucky native recently transplanted to North Carolina. She brought her accent with her.
FUN FACTS
THE SOUND OF THE WILDLANDS
U.S. Highway 23, known as the Country Music Highway, cuts through eastern Kentucky and has paved the way for many country music superstars. What artists have roots in The Wildlands? Here are just a few:
Loretta Lynn
Crystal Gayle
The Judds
Tom T. Hall
Chris Stapleton
Tyler Childers
Billy Ray Cyrus
Dwight Yoakam
Patty Loveless
Keith Whitley
Noah Thompson
Source: www.paintsvilletourism.com
WILDLAND SUPERLATIVES
The Kentucky Wildlands are the home of many state record-holders. Here are some of the natural winners in the region:
Highest Point: Black Mountain in Harlan County, standing 4,145 feet above sea level.
Longest Trail: Sheltowee Trace Trail, approximately 325 miles long.
Tallest Waterfall: Yahoo Falls in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 113 feet tall.
Largest Tree: A red hickory tree in McCreary County, 144 feet tall and 121 inches in circumference.
