Grand Depart – Bikepacking is scheduled for October 24, 2020 at the Breaks Interstate Park. Presented by Oveja Negra, this free bikepacking adventure will begin at the Breaks Interstate Park, with meet up at the picnic shelter across from the lodge, and roll-out at sunrise (8:00 a.m.). A get-together is also scheduled the Friday night before, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Meet up at the Picnic Shelter across from the Lodge and we’ll all say howdy.
This route explores the vastness of the Pine Mountain region starting at Breaks Interstate Park and heading off west towards the sunset and the infamous Wardaddy Loop. Traversing the Grand Canyon of the South, it is a showcase of the best these rugged and historic Appalachian Mountains has to offer. Superb mountain-line scenery tracing the Kentucky/Virginia border and a tradition of pure, hard adventure – this course is truly breathtaking (literally and metaphorically).
Pikeville-Pike County, Kentucky is one of Kentucky’s most beautiful and interesting destinations. Home to the feuding Hatfields and McCoys, visitors can explore the historic feud sites from this storied past, while taking in breathtaking views and tasting some of our region’s unique flavors.
The Pikeville-Pike County Kentucky Visitors Guide includes details on Pike County attractions, annual events and lodging, and is the perfect first step to planning your trip.
We here at Pike County Tourism CVB are optimistic that, when the COVID-19 pandemic breaks, people are going to be more than ready to get out and travel again. As you probably could imagine, the tourism industry is taking a massive hit due to the coronavirus, and when the tourism industry hurts, everyone hurts. Because of the hard work that Pike County Tourism CVB has done over the past several years, and the partnerships that we have been blessed to be involved in, 2020 was poised to be another record-breaking year for tourist spending in Pike County. But, the world can be unpredictable at times, and we are staying positive during all of this. As our governor says, “we will get through this together”. So, while we are in quarantine, awaiting this day to come, let’s go over some interesting attractions to plan for. What else do you have to do?
When COVID-19 Breaks, Let’s Head for the Breaks
Photo by Chuck Summers
Despite healthcare professionals urging people to go outside for some sunshine and fresh air (but still maintaining social distancing), the fear surrounding this pandemic is keeping many people locked indoors. So, we predict that once COVID-19 breaks, people will flock to one of our many beautiful outdoor attractions. Pike County has no shortage of them, with places like Grants Branch Park in Stone, Kentucky, to the Lick Creek Horse Trail, and one of our most prized gems, Breaks Interstate Park.
Breaks Park features everything an outdoor enthusiast loves, from rustic hiking trails, to biking, rock climbing, and more sight seeing than you can shake a stick at. Known as “the Grand Canyon of the South”, everyone who visits the Breaks should check out their Rhododendron restaurant for dining that overlooks this 5-mile, 1650 feet deep gorge. The Breaks also offers Elk Viewing Tours, and boasts of a 100% success rate in seeing Elk. We’ll all need to reconnect with nature after being cooped up for so long.
Let’s Get Back Together with Pike County Cruise-Ins
Our Pike County commissioners have been very active in supporting tourism in our county, and have provided invaluable support for us to do what we do best. One tourism initiative that has came about over the past year is the establishment of Pike County Cruise-ins. Although independent car clubs have been hosting amazing cruise-ins for years, it was the desire of the commission, as well as Pike County Tourism CVB, to promote a series of Pike County Cruise-ins that bring folks together from different clubs, and to attract car enthusiasts from all over. Cruise-ins give us the opportunity to not only check out killer hot rods and classic cars, but also to reconnect with one another. Each Pike County Cruisers event features food vendors, ice cream, a swap meet (no yard sale items please), and free dash plaques for the first 100 visitors. This event is normally scheduled for the 3rd Sunday of each month, April through September, but as is true with every event, we will have to wait and see when the first Cruisers meet will happen this year.
Catch a Show at our Local Theatres
Photo by Larry Epling
One thing we all miss is going to the theatre. Whether it’s a movie theatre, or a theatre for the performing arts, being without such experiences is excruciating for many of us. Whenever this thing breaks, our local theatres will be ready to entertain, with a variety of shows for all walks of life to enjoy.
Pike County is blessed to have two amazing theatres for the performing arts, Artists Collaborative Theatre and The Appalachian Center for the Arts, or “The App” for short. Artists Collaborative Theatre has suffered its own setbacks as of late, with their building burning down not too long ago. However, the show must go on, and they will be showcasing productions at the Breaks Interstate Park until a new facility is built.
The App will be hosting several productions later this year, beginning with The Cleverlys, which has been rescheduled from their May 1st date to June 4th. Later this year, more amazing productions are scheduled for the App, such as The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Kevin Prater Band, Sleep in Safety: The Legend of Octavia Hatcher (their highly anticipated October production), and so much more. Check out the Appalachian Center for the Arts page for details.
Let’s not forget the Appalachian Wireless Arena, which has several great shows planned for the second half of the year. Steve Miller Band with special guest Marty Stuart is scheduled for July 22nd, The Price is Right is scheduled for July 26, with Poison performing on August 8th, Toby Keith performing August 14th and Lynyrd Skynyrd performing September 10th.
Hank Williams Jr., a concert that was scheduled to headline the now cancelled (but may be rescheduled) Hillbilly Days, is now scheduled for October 23.
Part of what helps us cope with the current circumstances is knowing that we are doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our community, and looking forward to the day that we can again welcome visitors to our beautiful region to enjoy the many great things our community has to offer. Until then, making travel plans is certainly a good way to pass the time. If you have questions, or need help planning your Pike County getaway, feel free to reach out to us here.
Photo taken by Mary Reed Runyon near Nolan WV at the Martin County/Pike County, KY border.
Due to increased regulations concerning COVID-19, Pike County Parks has been temporarily shut down.
Given our current situation in dealing with COVID-19,
community members and visitors are becoming increasingly more afraid of going
outside, let alone traveling. While Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has been
adamant that Kentuckians and our visitors take the utmost precautions in
limiting contact with others, small groups gatherings, and so forth, he, along
with the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism also realize the potential
ramifications of total seclusion. Complete quarantine (locking yourself in your
house) is not advisable for those who show no signs of illness, and can, in
fact, have negative mental health consequences.
So what can you do for recreation while also being
responsible? Here are five suggestions for “social distancing” friendly things
to do in Pikeville/Pike County, Kentucky. Keep in mind that these suggestions
are subject to any mandates made by the local, state and federal government concerning
COVID-19.
Way back in the day, Crusin’ was a highlight for families on
a Sunday afternoon, or love birds who just wanted to enjoy some alone time
together. With gas prices being at an all-time low, it’s time to load up the
family, or take your special someone on a cruise through the winding, beautiful
mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Just about anywhere you go in Pike County, there
is roads that go through breathtaking scenery. Parks such as Breaks Interstate
Park, Jenny Wiley State Park, or Grants Branch Park in Stone, Kentucky make
perfect stopping points for lunch or dinner.
2) Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Our Lakes and Parks
Photo by Chuck Summers
Speaking of Lakes and Parks, the great outdoors gives you plenty of social distancing and alone time to gather your thoughts. There are a wealth of stress relieving activities that you can do in our beautiful parks, such as hiking, biking, fishing, sight-seeing and more. As mentioned above, Breaks Interstate Park, Jenny Wiley State Park, and Grants Branch Park are all excellent choices for going on an adventure.
3) Take A Stroll Down Historic Downtown Pikeville
Sometimes you just need to take a calm, peaceful walk. Historic Downtown Pikeville is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, featuring the Pikeville City Park, the Pikeville Lake (also a perfect spot for fishing), a swinging bridge, and several mom-and-pop restaurants that offer take out and curb-side. While in the City Park, remember to practice social distancing (6 feet), and take the opportunity to wash your hands thoroughly in the restroom facilities. Downtown Pikeville and the nearby bypass road are very popular locations for 5k runs, so instead of barring yourself in your house, maybe some exercise is just what you need.
Fallen Officers Memorial, Downtown Pikeville, KY
4) Dine out with Curb Side & Carry Out
During this difficult time, it is important that we support
our locally owned restaurants. It can be easy to get caught up in all these
headlines and forget to support the businesses that enrich our community. Many
of our locally owned restaurants offer take-out and curb side delivery of lunch
and dinner. Our mom-and-pops are counting on us, and who doesn’t love the
unique and delicious flavor they bring?
5) Horseback Riding at the Pike County Horse Trail
Pike County Horse Trail in Lick Creek, KY
Have a horse? We have the trail for you. Located in Lick Creek, the Pike County Horse Trail provides you all the social distancing you need with a relaxing ride through the ruggedly gorgeous mountains of Pike County. With a rustic camping area for parking your hauler, as well as a public restroom for keeping those hands washed, the Pike County Horse Trail has everything that you need to enjoy a ride through the Appalachian mountains.
We here at Pike County Tourism CVB are optimistic that the
COVID-19 pandemic will pass, and many of our cancelled events will be
rescheduled for a later date. In the meantime, we encourage you to do all you
can to be safe and responsible, and to be sure to get the exercise your mind,
body and soul needs during this stressful time.
Note: Please follow local, state and federal guidelines for travel before participating in any of the above suggested activities.
Sponsored by the Pike County Fiscal Court, the Pike County Horse Trail Ride at Lick Creek is held June 1st and Sept. 14, 2019 at the South Lake Horse Trail system. This is a free event for horse enthusiasts who wish to enjoy a scenic ride through some of America’s most beautiful back country. Featuring 68 miles of individual trails, and 1800 acres.
Directions
Take KY. Highway 1373 off US 460 and proceed 2.7 miles to marked campground and parking.
Ride Schedule
Trail ride begins @ 8:00 a.m.
Dinner is served @ 3:00 p.m.
Trail System Details
No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails at any time.
Limited traditional and primitive camping is available at Grapevine and Lick Creek area (first come, first serve). Visitors can occupy campgrounds for up to 14 days. Once 30 days have passed, visitors may again occupy the campgrounds.
