Nothing beats autumn in Appalachia! We’ve made a list of 10 things you must do to make the most out of fall in Harlan County!

-Visit The Apple Tree– High near the summit of Kentucky’s tallest peak, the Creech family’s orchard produces beautiful produce. Their store along Hwy 119 in Cumberland sells apples as well as products made from the apples. Their cider a famous fall treat! Find all the produce you’ll need for fall baking and put a little Harlan County goodness into those apple crisps, apple stack cakes, and apple butter!

-Buy a Fall Shirt- You’ll need something festive to layer under your flannel! Pick up the classic Hollerween shirt from Hill & Holler or order something custom from Mountain Merch. You’ll be pumpkin patch perfect in your fall fashion!

-Enjoy a Fall Festival- There’s no shortage of celebration in Harlan County this fall. From long established traditions like The Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ and the Pine Mountain Settlement School Fair Day & Sorghum Stir Off to new favorites like PossumFest and the Downtown Harlan Vintage Fall Festival, you have lots of events to choose from. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Fall Events in Harlan County for more information and more festivals to choose from.

-Friendly Fall Competition- Several fall festivals offer opportunities for visitors to compete in a variety of categories. Join the hot dog eating contest at the Dog Days of Kentucky festival. Bake your way to victory at the Evarts Hometown Pumpkin Patch baking contest. Check out each festival for more information.

-Drive Pine Mountain- Pine Mountain really shows off in the fall. For a casual drive through lovely fall foliage, take Laden Trail. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Little Shepherd Trail follows the crest of Pine Mountain. Take your time and enjoy the fall colors!

-Take a Hike- Fall is the reward for surviving a long hot summer. The mild weather makes it the perfect time to hit the hiking trails. See an old growth forest glow in fall colors like it has for hundreds of years at Blanton Forest. Climb soaring rock formations for views from Kingdom Come State Park. The memories of your fall hikes will get you through the cold winter days ahead!

-Taste Fall- Some of your favorite restaurants will be revamping their menus to reflect seasonal flavor. Pick up a Jack-O-Frappe or a Harvest Sandwich at Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets. For something stronger, sip a Cranberry Whisky Sour at the Harlan County Beer Company. Order up something hot on a cool morning from Lamp House Coffee. At Raven Rock Coffee, Tea, & Curiosities, you’ll find fresh baked fall flavors sold alongside a shop of curiosities including cryptid and ghostly gear! Fall foods abound across the county!

-Take Home the Hand Made- With festivals taking place almost every weekend in September and October, you’ll have so many opportunities to browse booths set up by local artisans. Don’t miss the Festival of the Mountain Masters where every item is handmade, handcrafted, or home baked. In addition to these weekend opportunities, you’ll always find local artisan work at places like Sassy Trash and Roper’s Market. Soon we’ll all be spending more time indoors but you can surround yourself with one of a kind items that will remind you of mild fall days when you explored local merchants and festival vendors!

-Do Something Spooky- Fall is also spooky season and Harlan County offers some scary ways to mark the days! Work up your courage to visit a haunted house at Butcher Holler Spook House or Fright Nights at Kingdom Come State Park. Is local lore more your style? Tour historic Lynch Kentucky with “spirits” at each stop telling their own haunting stories. If your schedule doesn’t work with these special events, try booking your own tour of paranormal and true crime in Downtown Harlan with Bloody Harlan Tours.

-Trick or Treat- Little goblins have multiple opportunities to collect Halloween candy. In addition to the door to door trick or treating on Halloween night, both Harlan and Cumberland host trick or treat events in their downtowns. You’ll also find churches, organizations, and others hosting trunk or treat events around the county!

Every season in Harlan County is beautiful in its own way and we hope you’ll do everything you can to live fall to the fullest this season!

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-Locked in Appalachia- Summer of 2023 brought the opening of downtown Harlan’s escape room! Gather your team and head to Central St. You’ll be challenged by puzzles, clues, and the clock as you race to escape within an hour. With two rooms available, you can double your fun by taking on both rooms!

-The Harlan Mural- 2nd St in Downtown Harlan got a facelift with the addition of a mural on the west side of Kentucky Family Dentistry’s building. The mural depicts a mountain scene with Harlan Kentucky on proud display. It’s a great spot to grab a quick photo for your Instagram as you capture your visit to Harlan!

-Southern Ruckus- This new boutique on 2nd St in Downtown Harlan offers women’s clothing including plus sizes, bags, hats, accessories, and footwear! With fresh items hitting the shelves with each season, you can follow fashion year round in one of Harlan’s newest shops!

-Raven Rock Coffee, Tea, & Curiosities- Main St in Downtown Cumberland recently welcomed the addition of Raven Rock Coffee, Tea, & Curiosities! Named for the famous rock formation in nearby Kingdom Come State Park, the shop offers custom drinks as well as home cooking, cafe menu, and baked goods. While you’re there, browse the expertly curated shop where you’ll find gift items celebrating the mystical and mysterious!

While you visit these new spots in Harlan County, take time to enjoy the tried and true restaurants, businesses, and attractions that have made Harlan County what it is for generations!

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-Go back to the future with the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club of Harlan County!: This year’s Annual Dinner & Reverse Raffle on May 6 is 80s themed. Tease your hair, pop your collar, & jump in your DeLorean. Tickets are $100 each and get you dinner for two as well as one chance at the $5,000 grand prize! https://www.facebook.com/events/527394835357204

-Harlan County Jeep Crawl ’22: On May 6th & 7th, Jeeps will descend on Downtown Harlan for the Jeep Crawl. Enjoy rides guided by locals to some of Harlan County’s most picturesque spots. In between rides, enjoy music, vendors, food, inflatables, and a Mountain Market at the Harlan Center! https://fb.me/e/28AUBNHyX

-Make a trip to the Mountain Market!: On May 7th, the Harlan Center will be filled with vendors selling everything from crafts and baked goods to second hand treasures. You never know what you’ll find!

-Make Mom Feel Special!: Downtown Harlan shops have what you need to win Mother’s Day this year. Create a gift basket from the local items offered at Sassy TRASH LLC. Send her flowers from Coming Up Roses or Angelia’s Florists and Gifts. Pick up items any proud Kentuckian would want from Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets. Shop for apparel and accessories at Sonwood’s or Sweet southern Peach Boutique. . Pick up a gift certificate from Harlan Yoga Studio. The perfect gift awaits you in downtown!

-Celebrate the Class of 2022!: It’s time to celebrate our seniors. Pick up some school spirit gear from The Shirt Shack Screen Printing. Look for the perfect graduation outfit at Sonwood’s or Sweet southern Peach Boutique. . Find funky dorm decor at Sassy TRASH LLC. Book a private party at Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets, 606 Gaming Lounge, or The Portal. Downtown Harlan can help you send off your senior in style!

–Headwaters Arts Festival!: Downtown Harlan will come alive with art and celebration for the first ever Headwaters Arts Festival on May 21. Visit the Headwaters page for more information on how you can be involved as an artist!

-Buy a Musical Instrument Day!: Each May, we celebrate Buy A Musical Instrument Day. We are so fortunate to have Brad Abraham’s Music and Sanctuary Sound in downtown Harlan with a full line of instruments, sound equipment, and accessories. Get the gear you need close to home!

-Summer at the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club of Harlan County!: Each week, the Boys & Girls Club offers a themed camp for kids to dig deeper on the topics that interest them. Campers enjoy meals, activities, field trips, guest speakers, and more! Camps will kick off around the end of May so keep a watch on their page for a full list of summer opportunities.

-Summer Under The Stars!: The Harlan Christian Church is kicking off their 6th Annual Summer Under the Stars Movie series on May 27th with Encanto. Movies begin around 9 p.m. on the Courthouse Lawn with free snacks for everyone!

For more information on events and businesses in Downtown Harlan, follow our page. For more information on events and businesses in the Tri-Cities, follow Hello Tri-Cities! For information on events taking place throughout Harlan County, follow Visit Harlan County!

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BEST LOCATIONS FOR A RUN IN DOWNTOWN HARLAN: 

1. Five mile run: Begin at the Harlan County Courthouse in Downtown Harlan. From here, run along the bypass to the left and head toward the direction of Wendys. Be careful along the way, you will have to run through a couple of intersections. Be sure to watch for oncoming traffic. Once you reach Wendys, you will be at approximately 2.5 miles. From here, you can retrace your steps and head back to the courthouse for a total of 5 miles, or you can keep running toward Cawood, KY and turn at your desired distance.
   
2. 3.1 Mile Run: Begin at the Harlan County Courthouse in Downtown Harlan. This time, instead of heading to the bypass, run down to the intersection of The Portal and Coming Up Roses. Turn right and continue straight on this road until you reach the Coal Monument located in front of Donell’s Pharmacy. Once you reach the Coal Monument, you will be at approximately 1.5 miles. Retrace your steps and head back to the Courthouse for a total of 3 miles.
   

Tip: For an even longer run, run the coal monument route, then run to Wendys. This will give you a total of 8 miles.

3. 3.1 mile run: Begin at the Harlan County Courthouse in Downtown Harlan. Again, run to the intersection of The Portal and Coming Up Roses. Turn right here and head to the intersection with Monticello Banking Company on the right. Turn right here and head straight on East Mound Street. Follow this road until you reach Ivy Street. Cross Ivy Hill by following this road. Don’t take any side roads, follow the main road. Once you cross Ivy Hill, you will turn left and head back toward Downtown Harlan. Turn left once you get back to Monticello Banking Company and then turn right onto Third Street. Turn right at the end of the block. You will now be back at the Harlan County Courthouse, and you have ran 3.1 difficult miles.
   
4. One mile run: Start at McDonald’s. To the right of the parking lot is a walking trail with parking available. Start on this trail and run until you reach the entrance to the Food City parking lot. At this point, you will be at 0.5 miles. Return back to where you started at McDonald’s, and you will be at 1 mile.
   
5. 5 mile run: Start at the Harlan Center in Downtown Harlan. Run down Clover Street and turn right at The Commissary. Follow this road, Cumberland Avenue, until you reach Farm Bureau Insurance Company. Turn right here and then take a left at the next intersection. Run straight until you reach the Coal Monument. Keep running straight until you hit the bypass, US 421. Turn to the right and follow the road straight. Do not take any side roads. You will eventually reach Harlan County High School on your left. Cross the road and take the shortest route to the track. You have reached your destination! You have ran 5 miles.
   
6. Choose your own mileage: Start at Huff Park, located to the left of the parking lot at the Harlan Center in Downtown Harlan. One lap around the track at Huff Park is a third of a mile. This is a great spot for beginners to start their running journey as you can choose your distance and stop whenever you need.
   
   
   

BEST LOCATIONS TO RUN OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN HARLAN:

7. Harlan County High School Cross Country Course – 3.1 mile run: Remember, this route is on the property of the Harlan County High School and is subject to rules put forth by the school.  The Harlan County Cross Country Team has a beautiful course that is mainly grass that goes all the way around the campus of the high school. Before beginning your run on this course, please be respectful of the grounds as the team and parents keep up and maintain the course for their meets and practices. Begin at the lower end of campus beside the baseball fields. Run straight until you reach a left turn. Turn here and follow the road in the grass until you reach an area where you can run next to the river. Next, you will run up a steep, short hill. Run straight and circle the high school. Head back down to the area in which you started and enter the lower loop through a gate to your left. Follow the course up a larger hill and go back to the trail next to the river. Climb the steep, but short, hill and continue straight again. However, this time, cross the bridge and head up the hill to your right. Follow the loop on the hill, head back down, and cross the bridge again. Follow the trail next to the river one more time, and head back to where you started from. You have finally reached the finish line! The course is a total of 3.1 miles.
   
8. Your choice of mileage: Remember, this route is on the property of the Harlan County High School and is subject to rules put forth by the school.  Harlan County High School has a state of the art track and field facility located across the bridge behind the school. Each lap around this track is 0.25 of a mile. Four laps make one mile. This track is also a great place for beginners as you can pick the distance you would like to run and stop whenever you feel necessary. Try to do another lap each time you run here!
   
9. Make your own run at HCHS: Remember, this route is on the property of the Harlan County High School and is subject to rules put forth by the school.

• From the track around the school and back is one mile
• From the track down to the baseball fields and back is one mile
• One complete lap around the school in the grass is 0.5 of a mile.
• One complete lap around the lower loop of the cross country course is 0.5 of a mile.
• Down to the end and back on the JROTC course located on the flat road to the right when you cross the bridge is one mile.
  

10. 3.1 mile run: Start in the park behind the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum in Benham, KY. Follow the gravel Benham Walking Track until you reach a bridge located 1.5 miles out. Once you get to this bridge, turn around and run back the same way that you came. Once you arrive back at the park, you have run a 5K!
    

Remember to always wear reflective gear when running at night, run facing traffic, and always look both ways before crossing the road! 

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Harlan County has a rich history. This history has made the county into what it is today. Because of this, we have compiled a list of 25 historic places to visit in Harlan County!

1. Benham Historic District

This district is composed of ten buildings and a park in Benham. These houses were the center of the coal camp between 1919 and 1928. The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum is located in this historic district.

2. Kentucky Coal Mining Museum

The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum is located in Benham, KY. Here, you can experience the history of coal mining in Eastern Kentucky for yourself. They even have a Loretta Lynn exhibit!

3. Rebel Rock and Little Shepherd Trail

Little Shepherd Trail is a 38-mile road that is now part of the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. This trail has numerous overlooks and wildlife sightings throughout. One can’t miss spot is Rebel Rock. Rebel Rock was home to a camp and observation post that was used by the rebel army.

4. Harlan County Extension Depot

The Louisville & Nashville Railroad Depot was the first depot in Harlan County and it sparked growth throughout the county.  When the original Depot was demolished, all was not lost.  The Harlan County Extension Service constructed a multipurpose building in the footprint of the old depot that closely resembles the original depot.  It’s a glimpse into the past with a modern twist.

5. Portal 31

Portal 31 was built in Lynch by the US Coal and Coke Company, a subsidiary of US Steel Corp. The mine used to hold the world record for coal production in a 9 hour shift. Portal 31 is now an underground mine tour where you can ride in a railcar and tour the facilities.

6. Harlan County Coal Monument

The Coal Monument in Harlan, KY. is an obelisk that was constructed in honor of the coal industry in Harlan County.  The monument is built from blocks of coal contributed by each coal mine operating in the county at the time of its construction.  Located in Baxter on Hwy 72, the monument is an iconic piece of Harlan County. 

7. Pine Mountain Settlement School

Pine Mountain Settlement School is a National Historic Landmark, and was opened in 1913 in Bledsoe, KY. It was originally opened as a boarding school for mountain children. Now it serves as a cultural and educational center that welcomes visitors from around the world to experience Appalachian culture, learn more about our natural environment, and celebrate together at festivals and events.

8. Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve

Blanton Forest is the largest old growth forest in the state of Kentucky. The land was purchased in 1928 and was passed on with the understanding that the land would never be logged. The preserve is located near Loyall, KY and is home to many hiking trails as well as the oldest boy scout camp in the state of Kentucky.

9. Harlan County Coal Miners Memorial Monument

This memorial is located in downtown Harlan near the courthouse. The monument honors those who have lost their lives in the mines in Harlan County.

10. Harlan Doughboy

The Harlan Doughboy is located in front of the courthouse in downtown Harlan. The Harlan Doughboy was unveiled in 1930 to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country in WWI.

11. Harlan Courthouse

Downtown Harlan has been home to the county seat of Harlan County since its establishment.  During the county’s history, five courthouses have been constructed including the rebuilding of the courthouse after it had been burned during the Civil War.  The current Harlan County Courthouse was built from 1918-1922 and is made of Indiana limestone.  The Courthouse occupies the center block of downtown Harlan and is part of a complex including the newer Justice Center and a variety of monuments and historical markers.

12. Confederate Cemetery

This Confederate Cemetery is located in Cawood, KY right off of US 421. This area was an important passageway for Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Many soldiers camped in this area while traveling.

13. Hidden Cemetery

Did you know that there is a hidden cemetery in downtown Harlan?  It is the final resting place for members of some of Harlan County’s founding families.  It’s located on Clover St. in Downtown Harlan. 

14. Coal Miner’s Memorial Theater

This theater is located in Benham, KY and was opened in 1923. It has found new life as a theater that shows already released movies for a discounted price. The theater is said by some to be haunted!

15. Wagon Road Tunnel

On top of Stone Mountain in the Cranks Creek and Stone Mountain Wildlife Management Area is an old wagon tunnel. This tunnel is said to have been hand-hewn and was a gateway into Harlan County, the state of Kentucky, and the western frontier beyond the Appalachians!

16. Wallins Baptist Church

This church is home to the oldest congregation in Harlan County. Join this welcoming group for your next church service!

17. Benham Schoolhouse Inn

This school was built in 1926 and served as a school until 1992. The school was transformed into an inn in 1994. The Inn was set to close in June of 2016, but was saved by the Appalachian Hospitality Group in July of 2016. The president of this group now runs the Inn. In addition to the well appointed lodging, the Inn is also home to the Dinner Bucket Restaurant as well as banquet facilities.  The Inn hosts multiple parties and events throughout the year.

18. Hensley Settlement

On Brush Mountain on a wagon road lies Hensley Settlement. This settlement was established in 1904 and was occupied until 1951. Approximately 25 of the original buildings have been restored and are surrounded by mountain pastures.  Access from Harlan County is primitive and can be reached by 4 wheel drive vehicle, foot, or horseback.

19. Wallins Creek

In 1911, Wallins Creek Colliers Company opened the first mines in Harlan County for shipping. On August 25th, they shipped the first car of coal from Harlan County. This mine was located in Terry’s Fork in Wallins Creek.

20. Lamp House No. 2

Lamp House No. 2 is now the location for Lamp House Coffee in Lynch, KY. In the past, this lamp house was used by miners that worked in Portal 31. These miners would come here to get their lamps for their shift.  Now you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and coffee drinks in view of the mine entrance.

21. Putney Ranger Station

The Putney Ranger Station was built in 1937 and was home to those who protected the county from wildfires. A ranger would live there with their family and alert the crews when there was a fire somewhere in the county.  In recent years, it has been the focus of local efforts to restore it to its original condition.

22. Kentenia State Forest

Kentenia is the oldest state-owned forest that was acquired by the KY Division of Forestry in 1919. The forest is comprised of over 4,000 acres on the south face of Pine Mountain and includes features like Little Shepherd Trail and Goss Park.

23. Headwaters of the Cumberland River

Harlan County is home to the headwaters of the Cumberland River. Martins Fork starts near Hensley Settlement, Clover Fork starts in Holmes Mill, and Poor Fork begins on Pine Mountain. All of these waterways converge to form the Cumberland River in Baxter, KY.

24. Godbey Appalachian Cultural and Fine Arts Center

This center is located at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Here, there is an extensive collection of Appalachian artifacts including archives of photographs, oral histories, art collections, pottery, music, and dulcimer making.  It is also home to the nationally acclaimed Higher Ground community performance series.

25. Whitfield Public Library

Whitfield Public Library is located in downtown Harlan. This library has issues of the Harlan Daily Enterprise going back as far as the 20s! The library also has genealogy resources that can be used while in the library.

No matter if you’re from Harlan County or if you’re visiting the county as a tourist, these historic stops are all interesting places to visit. This is just part of Harlan’s historic roots.  Discover these locations and so much more.

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