Pikeville–Pike County, KY Tourism recently presented before the Kentucky State Interim Joint Committee on Tourism in Pike County, Kentucky. The presentation highlighted the tremendous growth of heritage tourism in our region and the importance of improving visitor navigation along the Hatfield–McCoy Feud Trail.
The discussion focused on the surge in interest around feud sites, the economic value of cultural tourism, and the need for strategic investments, especially signage, to help visitors explore our mountainous region safely and confidently.
Navigating the Mountains: The Challenge of Signage
(Discussion begins at 3:09)
One of the biggest challenges for visitors driving the Hatfield–McCoy Feud Trail is simply finding the sites. Because of our rugged Appalachian terrain, cell service can be unreliable, and GPS directions often fail along rural routes such as 319, 1056, and 292. The Hatfield McCoy Feud Driving Tour Brochure is the primary resource for visitors to navigate the region, providing GPS coordinates, Google directional QR Codes, and 911 addresses where applicable.
Visitors frequently miss historic locations not because of a lack of interest, but because there is not enough signage to guide them. The Hatfield–McCoy Feud Trail winds through rural mountain roads, and many of the most significant sites are tucked away on hollers, side roads, and areas where cell service is unreliable. When GPS drops, visitors often have no visual markers to reassure them that they are on the right path, which can lead to frustration or even travelers turning around before reaching their destination.
Clear, consistent signage would solve many of these challenges. Improving wayfinding is critical for visitor satisfaction and safety, because it helps ensure that guests do not become lost on unfamiliar mountain roads. It also encourages visitors to explore more confidently and stay longer at each stop. In addition, improved signage is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase tourism engagement. A few well-placed signs can transform the visitor experience, guide travelers deeper into Pike County, and help local businesses benefit from increased traffic along the trail.
Proposed Solution: Clear, Branded Route Signage
To enhance the visitor experience, Pike County and Pikeville Tourism proposed a straightforward and high-impact solution:
Clear and consistent signage on all major Hatfield–McCoy routes.
Ideas discussed include naming interpretive routes, such as the “Feud Randall McCoy Footprints Path,” to give guests an easy-to-follow storyline as they move from site to site.
Branded routes offer multiple benefits:
- Better navigational clarity
- Increased historic engagement
- Additional marketing opportunities
- Stronger regional identity
- More time spent at local businesses along the way
This type of signage would make a dramatic difference for the thousands of heritage travelers who visit Pike County each year.
Tourism Growth: A Strong Economic Impact
(Discussion begins at 8:30)
Tourism continues to play an important role in diversifying Pike County’s economy, particularly as the region transitions away from coal dependence. Numbers presented to the committee show remarkable growth:
- 72.93 million dollars in tourism spending in 2017
- 114.6 million dollars in tourism spending in 2024
This represents a major increase in just seven years and strong proof that heritage tourism works.
Visitors come for our history, our mountains, our music, and our stories. They stay for our restaurants, lodging, shops, and outdoor recreation. Every one of those dollars supports local jobs and helps strengthen Pike County’s future.
Need a brochure? We can mail you one!
Engagement: Feud Tourism Interest at an All-Time High
(Discussion begins at 11:11)
Interest in the Hatfield–McCoy story continues to grow nationally and internationally.
This year alone:
- The Hatfield–McCoy Feud Tour website surpassed 160,000 views
- The tourism office distributed more than 25,000 feud-related brochures by request
The feud remains one of Appalachia’s most recognizable stories, and visitors are eager to explore it authentically here in the region.
The popular Hatfield cabin at the corner of 319 and 1056 in Blackberry, KY
Strengthening Partnerships Across Appalachia
(Discussion begins at 17:05)
Pikeville–Pike County Tourism also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration.
We actively partner with:
- Hatfield–McCoy attractions in West Virginia, including the Matewan Massacre Museum
- Butcher Holler and other heritage destinations
- Local museums, tour guides, and historical societies
These partnerships help extend visits, encourage overnight stays, and create seamless itineraries that benefit the entire region.
Heritage travelers do not think in terms of county borders. They follow the story. By working together, we give them more reasons to stay longer and experience more.
Need help finding where you are going? We’re your first stop.
Pikeville-Pike County Tourism CVB Welcome Center
Welcome to the Pikeville-Pike County Welcome Center, your starting point for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Appalachia. Whether you’re headed to the Hatfield McCoy Feud Sites, seeking outdoor thrills, or exploring live entertainment venues, our staff is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you make the most of your journey in Pikeville and beyond.
Located on the 3rd floor of the Pikeville Historic Flatiron Building, accessible by the side elevator.
Investing in Local Culture and Future Growth
(Discussion begins at 23:25)
The presentation also explored long-term tourism development ideas, including the potential for a Hatfield–McCoy dinner show in Kentucky. A similar show in Tennessee has proven to be a major attraction. A Kentucky-based version would require local investment and community participation, but it could become a strong tourism draw.
Another key point was the importance of teaching local history, including the Hatfield–McCoy feud, in area schools. When young people understand the significance of their heritage, they become powerful advocates for tourism, preservation, and civic pride.
Moving Forward Together
The message to the committee was clear. Strategic investments in signage, storytelling, and regional partnerships will keep tourism growing in Pike County.
The Hatfield–McCoy Feud Trail is already one of Eastern Kentucky’s strongest tourism assets. With improved navigation and continued collaboration, it has the potential to become one of the most engaging heritage trails in the Appalachian region.
Pikeville–Pike County Tourism will continue working with local officials, state partners, and community members to ensure visitors can experience the feud story, and all of Appalachian Kentucky, more easily than ever before.
Owned by tourism board member Bob Scott and his wife Rita, The McCoy Well is a staple for tourism in the Hardy community of Pike County, Kentucky.
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