Just in time for fall, this southern Kentucky locale is state’s newest ‘trail town’
In celebration of all the recreational opportunities the Bluegrass State has to offer, Kentucky tourism officials have designated a new Kentucky Trail Town – Burkesville.
Located in southern Cumberland County, north of the state line with Tennessee, Burkesville is the state’s 26th trail town. The designation is aimed as a tourism and economic driver to capitalize on the outdoor opportunities, culture and history of the various towns.
“We’re excited to see the Trail Town program continue to grow in Kentucky,” Russ Meyer, commissioner of the state Department of Parks, stated in a Tuesday release announcing the Burkesville certification. “Along with our 45 State Parks there are thousands of miles of trails and waterways in Kentucky. Trail Towns are ideal destinations for outdoor recreation lovers. The program helps drive local and state economies and is an ever-increasing component of the nation’s economic impact. It also brings about more healthy activities and vibrant communities and parks.”
A little about Burkesville, Kentucky
Burkesville was founded in 1810 and incorporated in 1846. During the American Civil War, it was a border town with a busy port along the Cumberland River. The Burkesville Ferry is home to a historical marker noting the city was the launching site of a Civil War raid in July 1863 by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan.
The city also has ties to 16th President Abraham Lincoln, via his father Thomas Lincoln, who served as a constable there.
According to the 2020 Census, Burkesville is home to fewer than 1,400 residents.
Along with fishing and water sports, Burkesville offers recreation enthusiasts the opportunity to get outdoors for a hike on foot, horseback and more. The local tourism agency advertises the Burkesville and Alpine Hill Trail, Cumberland River Trail and Cumberland County Trail among its offerings in the Appalachian foothills.
Kentucky Trail Towns
Burkesville is the 26th and latest of the Kentucky Trail Town program, which is now managed by the state Department of Parks, according to the Tuesday release.
The others are:
- Dawson Springs
- Livingston
- Morehead
- Olive Hill
- London
- Stearns
- Elkhorn City
- Jamestown
- Manchester
- Berea
- Columbia
- Royalton
- Harlan County’s Cumberland, Benham and Lynch
- McKee
- Slade
- Munfordville
- Cave City/Horse Cave
- Campbellsville
- Irvine
- Ravenna
- Hazard
- Elizabethtown
- Morgantown
- Park City
- Livermore
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