Blanton Forest on Pine Mountain in Harlan County was identified by a state ecologist in the early 1990s as one of the most important natural areas in Kentucky. Ancient trees that tower 100 feet above the forest floor are the same ones seen when white people first came through the Cumberland Gap and the Narrows moving westward into Kentucky in the 1700s.
A group of longtime friends and some of Kentucky’s top conservationists formed the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) in 1995 to raise funds for protection of the area. The project was coordinated in partnership with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (now the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves).
Today, the Pine Mountain area is frequented by travelers from across the nation who want to see the largest old-growth forest remaining in the state. KNLT partners with many organizations to lead hikes and educational events in the area.
The Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail is a linear state park being developed along the length of the mountain in southeastern Kentucky. The trail will span approximately 110 miles from Breaks Interstate Park to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. This long-distance backcountry trail will be a link up to the Great Eastern Trail, a 1,800-mile trail stretching from Alabama to New York. The majority of the trail is within the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor, the largest landscape-level project ever undertaken in the state.
Our stunning forested mountains and rich cultural traditions are important assets with tourism potential. Tourism is a fast growing industry in Kentucky, but one that must be very thoughtful in development because it’s a sector well-known for low wages and seasonal jobs, environmental and quality of life impacts, and the commodification of local culture. When local tourism entrepreneurs are given the tools and support they need to develop their own businesses, and if local communities are involved in planning and development decisions, tourism can be a strong building block to a diversified economy.
Though the economic impact of eco-tourism in the Pine Mountain area has not yet been fully assessed, the 2017 Outdoor Industry Association report illustrates the economic impact of outdoor recreation in Kentucky. The industry provides 120,000 direct jobs and $756 million in state and local tax revenue. Additional research by Eastern Kentucky University used the Red River Gorge as a case study for outdoor economies and showed that rock-climber spending supports the presence of 168 jobs in the region and contributes $6.3 million in wages.
County tourism staff, like those in Harlan and Letcher Counties, are promoting hikes and outdoor adventures on Pine Mountain, inviting visitors to enjoy the wonders of the mountain and to spend time and money with local businesses.
The mountains are calling, ringing out Appalachia’s New Day.
About: Appalachia’s New Day is a new storytelling effort offered by MACED to eastern Kentucky communities. We can work with you to help identify, shape and amplify stories about businesses, programs and initiatives in your community that are helping build a new economy in eastern Kentucky. Contact us or sign up here if you would like more details.
