When you enter the Appalachian Triangle, adventure awaits you at every turn. From hills that beckon with adventure to hollers that echo with history, you’ll get lost in the natural beauty and untamed spirit of adventure in Southeastern Kentucky. Let’s wander yonder.
Ready to journey through the Appalachian Triangle? Our interactive map is your compass to discovering unforgettable experiences. From must-sees to hidden gems, explore the map to start planning your perfect trip.
Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Visit Kentucky’s country music capital at Historic Renfro Valley! See a live performance in one of the nation’s most storied music venues at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center’s the Old Barn Theatre, where countless legends have performed over the years.
The scenic waterfalls of Kentucky are as majestic as it gets, and Cumberland Falls is the grandest of them all. Measuring approximately 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide, this impressive waterfall has earned its moniker of “the Niagara of the South."
Based in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, Rockcastle Outdoor Company offers unique Kentucky adventures for the whole family. Get out on the water with a stand-up paddle board tour down the Rockcastle River.
Located in and around Manchester, the authentic swinging bridges mark Clay County’s historic past. Enjoy a self-guided tour of these historic suspension bridges and traverse across rivers, creeks, and canyons throughout the backroads of Appalachia.
Have you ever wanted to know the history behind Kentucky Fried Chicken? At Sanders Cafe & Museum you can see the kitchen where Colonel Sanders developed the KFC® secret formula—and even grab a bite to eat there too!
Gain a view of Appalachia unlike any other with Black Mountain Thunder Zipline. This two-hour tour will have you rushing above the canopy as fast as 60mph, soaring at times over 400 feet in the air.
Tour an actual coal mine by rail car! You’ll get the chance to gear up in traditional coal miner protective attire before hopping in a rail car to visit animated exhibits along the tour as you learn how the coal industry shaped Appalachian culture.
BATTLE OF BARBOURVILLE CIVIL WAR INTERPRETIVE PARK
Stand on the site of the first Civil War battle in Kentucky. Informational kiosks are located throughout the park, as well as striking street view murals that help to tell the story of the battle for a captivating learning experience.
See Pineville from a whole new perspective atop Chained Rock! Hike your way through Pine Mountain State Resort Park to the Chain Rock Trail, where you’ll find a boulder formation held by a 101’ chain overlooking the city of Pineville.
Retrace the footsteps of 18th-century pioneers as they traversed westward through Kentucky at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. Visitors can follow three different hiking trails to experience Wilderness Road, as well as visit various sites showcasing Kentucky’s pioneer heritage.
A popular destination for swimming and boating, the clear waters and beautiful scenery of Martins Fork Lake are sure to impress any nature aficionado. Perfect for row boats, kayaks, or canoes, you can tour the lake at a leisurely pace or find a cove to tie up and fish.
There’s a lot to explore in the Appalachian Triangle, so we’ll help you get started! Whether you want scenic views by day and stars by night or plenty of small-town charm packed with family-friendly adventures, we’ll point you in the right direction. Take our quiz to discover which adventure is right for you.
From travel tips to one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll only find in Kentucky, we’ll take you deeper into the heart of the Appalachian Triangle. Find stories, trip suggestions, and quirky excursions—like where to find a cotton candy burrito—from those who know the triangle best.
