Harlan County spans over 468 square miles, and has an abundance of tall mountains, ‘hollers’, businesses, parks, and more. It was founded in 1819, and is filled with over 200 years of culture and history. Because of this, exploring all that there is to do here can be a challenging feat, even for the most experienced Harlan Countians. So, we did the work so you don’t have to! Here is a list of *almost* every local business, attraction, restaurant, lodging availability, and event that Harlan County has to offer.
Attractions and Activities
- Kingdom Come State Park: From black bears to paddle boating, and from overlooks to mini golf, Kingdom Come State Park has everything you need to have a blast while reconnecting with nature.
- Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area: Since opening in 2005, Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area has become a top off-road destination in the United States. Trails are rated by difficulty and signed for easy navigation while offroading. This trail system is the highest elevated offroading trails in the state of Kentucky with some of the most rugged and satisfying climbs.
- Pine Mountain Settlement School: Founded in 1913, this 800 acre campus features 26 historic buildings. Pine Mountain Settlement School originally served as a boarding school for mountain children and later as a day school. Today, Pine Mountain Settlement School presents cultural & environmental education, hosts retreats, preserves the historic campus, maintains collections & archives, operates a farm, and welcomes visitors.
- Black Mountain Thunder Zip Line: Did you know that Harlan County is home to the longest, tallest, and fastest zipline in the state of Kentucky? Racing at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and towering over lush green forests, the Black Mountain Thunder Zip Line is one of our most thrilling attractions.
- Martin’s Fork Lake: Martins Fork Lake is a 340 acre reservoir in the Smith area of Harlan.Boat engines are limited to 10 hp which make the lake waters calm for canoeing and kayaking. Paddlers can also take advantage of the sandy beach, pavilions, camping, hiking, and playgrounds available on the shores surrounding the lake.
- Portal 31: Harlan County is the only place in the world with an interactive coal mine tour. At Portal 31, a rail car carries you into the mine where interactive exhibits along the way give insight into the life of a coal miner but inside and outside of the mines.
- Blanton Forest: Home to more than 3,124 acres of old-growth and second-growth tracts, Blanton Forest is home to an extremely diverse ecosystem. Between its countless trails and ancient trees, it is no surprise that Blanton Forest is one of our favorite attractions here in Harlan County.
- Coal Monument: The Coal Monument in Harlan County is located in Baxter, Kentucky, and is made of blocks of coal contributed by each coal mine operating in the county at the time of its construction. It’s an obelisk honoring the coal industry and is located on Hwy 72. The monument was built during the Depression era with WPA labor and the backing of the Harlan Kiwanis Club.
- Little Shepherd Trail: Kentucky Highway 1679, “Little Shepherd Trail”, is a 38-mile narrow road on the crest of Pine Mountain from US 421 east of Harlan to US 119 south of Whitesburg.
- English Creek Stables: English Creek Stables is an 11 stall boarding facility located on highway 119 across from Harlan County High School. Aside from stalls and boarding, English Creek Stables also offers pony rides for those beginning horseback riders, horseback riding lessons, and they also have event rentals for weddings, birthday parties, and other events.
- Murals: Our beautiful murals in Downtown Harlan and Cumberland are the perfect place for you to snap a photo to remember your visit to Harlan County by!
- Dragon Slayer HWY 160: Nestled between Kentucky and Virginia snakes the Dragon Slayer Hwy 160, a 20 mile destination ride with more than 226 significant curves. Coupled with those curves are breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains as well as the highest point in Kentucky atop Black Mountain.
- Kentucky Coal Museum: Visitors can enjoy a step back in time to the coal miner’s workplace, his home and his community. Artifacts, antiques, photographs, and machinery make up the more than 30 exhibits. Spanning 4 floors of exhibit space, the Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts exploring the early years of industrial coal mining in Kentucky.Continuous featured exhibits include the Loretta Lynn Exhibit as well as a Mock Mine Exhibit.
Dining
- Moonbow Tipple: Located in Downtown Harlan, Moonbow Tipple offers a cozy atmosphere, wonderful service, and a selection of carefully crafted coffee, delicious desserts, and mouth watering food, among other items.
- Harlan County Beer Company: As one of the gems of Downtown Harlan, the Harlan County Beer Company opened in 2022, and became the first legal brewery in Harlan County. Since its opening, it has quickly become one a fan favorite for Harlan Countians. Between their delicious burgers, drinks, desserts, and more, the Harlan County Beer Company is the perfect place to either bring your family, spend time with friends, or have some quality time with some good food.
- Portal: Located in the heart of Downtown Harlan, the Portal offers a full assortment of pizzas, entrees, sandwiches, calzones, salads, and appetizers that are perfect for a night out to feed you, family, and friends.
- Frosty Flamingo: If you’re looking for something to fill your sweet tooth, look no further than the Frosty Flamingo. From their delicious selection of snow cones, to their rich menu of coffees, energy drinks, and more, you can never go wrong by choosing the Frosty Flamingo!
- El Charrito: Mexico is 1,770 miles away from Harlan, Kentucky. But when you step into El Charrito, you get a feel for the beautiful culture and food of Mexico. Between their drinks, divine food, and incredible service, we are proud to be home to such an incredible establishment.
- Sazon: No passport is needed to experience beautiful Mexican culture when you step into Sazon! Located in Harlan, Sazon Steakhouse offers Mexican dishes, steak, potatoes, drinks, and more! Do yourself a favor and stop by Sazon during your next trip to Harlan.
- Dairy Hut: With locations in Harlan and Evarts, Dairy Hut has been a Harlan County staple for as long as we can remember. Between giant hamburgers, footlong hotdogs, delectable desserts, milkshakes, and more, Dairy Hut is truly the perfect place to fulfill your cravings.
- Hungry Goat: If you want a taste of some good, Southern homestyle cooking, the Hungry Goat is the place for you! Located in Harlan, the Hungry Goat is as good as (or better than) any home cooking!
- Rax: Did you know that Harlan County is home to one of the only surviving Rax restaurants in the world? Made famous in the 1980s for their roast beef sandwiches, salad bar, shakes, and more, this restaurant grew to be almost as big as Arby’s (Rax’s main competitor) during this time. Rax Roast Beef has had a storied history rising to over 500 locations in 38 states at one point during its peak. Now, Harlan is home to the only surviving Rax restaurant in Kentucky. Rax is a MUST TRY if you are visiting Harlan!
- Double Kwik: Double Kwik is as vital to Eastern Kentucky culture as our mountains are! You haven’t become a true Harlan Countian unless you’ve made a stop at Double Kwik for a bite to eat at least once. You won’t regret it!
- Commissary: The Commissary has been serving downtown Harlan with convenience for years now. Recently, they opened a food bar, and it is no surprise that it is AMAZING. Be sure to check them out!
- Panda Garden: Panda Garden serves Harlan as its very own little slice of China. Panda Garden’s incredible menu of authentic and delicious Chinese food will not leave you disappointed!
- Sports Cafe: Sports Cafe and Catering, located in downtown Harlan, has served our community with pride and excellence. Their appetizing selection of food, rich desserts, and more is what has made them so special to Harlan County!
- Railhouse Grill: From burgers to hibachi, Railhouse Grill’s menu truly has something for everyone. Located in Totz, Railhouse Grill is one of our favorite spots to grab a bite to eat!
- Verda Grill: Have you really lived unless you’ve tried the famous Grippo Burger from Verda Grill? We don’t think so. Do yourself and your tastebuds a favor by stopping at Verda Grill to try something from their mouth watering menu!
- Roseanne’s Hut: Located in Cumberland, Roseanne’s Hut offers a selection of some of the best food, dessert, and drinks that Harlan County has to offer!
- Hometown Heroes: Enjoy sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more at this local favorite! It is located in Evarts.
- Emma’s Southern Style Cooking: With a menu full of both home cooked favorites and comfort foods, you’ll feel like you’re sitting around the Sunday dinner table.
- Luigi’s: Satisfy your hunger for pizza, subs, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more at this spot in downtown Cumberland.
- Lamp House Coffee Located in Lynch, Lamp House Coffee is a full service gourmet coffee shop serving snacks, baked goods, light breakfast and lunch.
- Raven Rock Coffee, Tea, and Curiosities: Enjoy made to order drinks, home cooked meals, and cafe favorites. While you’re there, browse their collection of unique gifts and items.
- Don’s Super Saver Don’s Super Saver is a locally-owned community supermarket with a hometown touch. They provide both excellent customer service and great deals in all departments. Their deli serves hot and cold meals.
- Granny’s Lunchbox: Granny’s lunchbox will have you feeling like you’re eating Sunday supper at your Mamaw’s. The embodiment of true Appalachian cooking, Granny’s lunchbox is the place to be!
- Loyall Food Mart Deli & Grill: A full menu of grill favorites, salads, steaks, and more!
- Turners Grocery: This rural grocery offers convenience items, hot food, and the occasional locally sourced food items.
Stores and Businesses
- Sassy Trash: At Sassy Trash, you’ll find the repurposed, reused, as well as local art, decorations, crafts, and antiques! It is located in Downtown Harlan.
- Henry’s: Souvenirs of your Harlan County vacation along with gifts for special occasions throughout the year.
- Crazy Daisy: A boutique ready to serve your formal needs!
- Luxe Beauty Bar: Whether you’re in for a haircut, to get your nails done, a spray tan, makeup, botox, a headspa, or more, Luxe Beauty Bar is here to help with all of your cosmetic needs, and will help you feel and look like the
- Southern Ruckus: A hip boutique with apparel, accessories, and more that fits everyone’s budget!
- My Sister’s Closet: Located in Downtown Harlan, My Sister’s Closet is one of our favorite boutiques with some of the CUTEST clothes.
- Moonbow Tipple: Did you know that Harlan’s own Moonbow Tipple is home to the world’s largest collection of Appalachian literature? And even better– they’re all for sale! Don’t miss your chance at finding a one of a kind book.
- Bridge Street Cottage: Bridge Street Cottage is a beautiful boutique located in the Village Center Mall with farmhouse decor, home accents, bibles, and more!
- Belinda Belle’s: Belinda Belle’s is here to serve all of your decorating and floral needs.
- Ink’d Up: If you are looking for professional tattoos, piercings, tanning, or more, Ink’d Up is the store for you!
- Rhonda’s Merle Norman: Jewelry, Women’s Wear, Make-up and so much more await you in one of Harlan’s best women’s stores!
- The Anxious Hippy: Specializing in the mystical and mysterious, you’ll find CBD products, crystals, incense, gifts & more to promote a happier & healthier you.
- Sanctuary Sound: Formerly known as Abraham’s Music, Sanctuary Sound has been providing quality sound and musical instruments to Harlan for many years!
- Commissary: The Commissary is a staple of the downtown Harlan area featuring gas, quick snacks, and now sells beer!
- Harlan Vapors: Harlan Vapors has been serving the people of Harlan and their vaping needs since 2014.
- Ritz Salon: If you are looking to get your hair, nails, and makeup done, the Ritz is here to serve you! Book with one of their experienced professionals and come out feeling refreshed.
- Coming Up Roses: One of Harlan’s earliest businesses, Coming Up Roses has an entire array of flowers as well as gifts.
- Countryside Flooring: Browse their selection of flooring options including carpet, linoleum, hard wood, tile, and more!
- Sonwoods: If you’re looking for the most stylish women’s and men’s wear look no further than Sonwood’s!
- Harlan Pawn: You are guaranteed to find some of the most unique and interesting finds at the Harlan Pawn shop!
- Glow Beauty Studio: Between their boutique, beautiful services, and more, Glow Beauty Studio is ready to help you look and feel your best.
- Angelia’s Florist and Gifts: Beautiful flowers and gifts fill this gorgeous home turned into a storefront in downtown Harlan!
- Pine Mountain Wine and Spirits: Pine Mountain Wine and Spirits is located in downtown Harlan with lots of spirits, wines, and beer to choose from!
- Grow in Grace: This boutique specifically serves babies and small children as well as expectant & new mothers.
- Edit Salon: If you are looking for a warm and welcoming environment to become your best you, visit Edit Salon for all of your hair needs!
- Frost Tech: Frost Tech provides services to all of your technical needs as well as features a shop filled with any cell phone accessories you may need!
- Cash Express: Whether you are looking for a small loan or looking to browse the eclectic finds in their pawn shop.
- Shirt Shack: Shirt shack offers custom screen printing and always has great Harlan souvenir tee shirts on hand!
- PBJ Monogramming: Whether you are looking to have a piece monogrammed or looking for some cute outfits, PBJ Monogramming is where it’s at!
- Mountain Merch: Located in downtown Harlan, Mountain Merch is one of the newest boutiques with lots of beautiful women’s clothing as well as customizable options for tee shirts!
- Hill & Holler: Custom designed and hand printed shirts for mountain folk and the hillbilly at heart.
- Buff’s Bows and Gifts: This shop has provided unique gift items to customers since 2010.
- Gemini Firefly Boutique: Gemini Firefly is one of the newest and trendiest boutiques in Harlan County. If you want to look and feel your best, then look no further than Gemini Firefly!
- 606 Clothing Co: Edgy fashion with a distinctively minimalist artistic style.
- Heavenbound Books, Gifts, and Music: A one stop shop for Christian books, gifts, and music.
- Black Bear Market: Conveniently located in Cumberland and offering gas, hot food, snacks, and everyday items.
- Buffy’s Lazy Daisy: A full service florist ready to serve customers for weddings, funerals, birthdays, holidays, or just because.
- Kilgore’s: Kilgore’s offers apparel, gifts, and books including books about local history and by local authors.
- Suzy’s Flowers: Find fresh and silk arrangements as well as decor and gifts!
- Slingin’ Ink: Go home with a permanent souvenir as talented tattoo artists create a unique piece of art for you.
- Hottest Closet: A boutique filled with trendy secondhand finds.
- Honeybee Modest: This boutique specializes in modest clothing and includes options for children and plus size clothing.
- Woody’s Hardware and Home: You’ll find everything from hardware to ladies clothing in this unique store. Browse home decor, boutique fashion, home improvement items, and more!
- David’s House of Flowers: Floral arrangements and gifts for every occasion!
- Roper’s Market: Find a wide selection of pantry staples, fresh foods, and seasonal decor items alongside artisan crafts.
- Hot off the Press: From custom apparel to boutique fashion, elevate your look at this local shop!
- Loyall Indoor Flea Market and Vendors Mall: Find second hand treasures and one of a kind items each weekend housed in a historic school!
Lodging
- Little Inn of Harlan: The Little Inn of Harlan is a beautiful 3,600 square foot house located on South Main Street, nestled in the quaint city of Harlan. During the heyday of coal mining, the Little Inn served as a rooming house for coal mine and construction workers. The Inn has four bedrooms and five full bathrooms, a large living room with a fireplace, a private study, a large formal dining room and a 500 square foot eat-in kitchen.
- Rodeway Inn: Rodeway Inn is located 5 min by car from Clover Fork. Rooms with great views are available. Amenities include laundry service. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, the hospital, and tourist attractions.
- Harlan Hideaway: Enjoy your own little private resort in the heart of coal country! With 4 King beds and 4 Queen beds, everyone in your group will be sure to wake rested and ready for the day. With an in-ground swimming pool and water slide, basketball goal, hot tub with outdoor tv, corn hole, and grill, the outdoor fun is endless. If it’s a little too cold or rainy, stay inside and enjoy the 6 recliners in the movie theatre room, shoot some pool, play air hockey, foosball, or enjoy some board games.
- The Harlan Center RV Sites: Stay in the heart of Downtown Harlan at one of the Harlan Center’s seven 50 amp, full-service RV sites. Visitors enjoy easy access to the 421 Bypass and Kentucky Highway 38. Sites are adjacent to a public park with a walking track and playground area. You’ll be steps away from the dining and boutique shopping offered in Downtown Harlan!
- Benham School House Inn: Immerse yourself in the beautiful culture within the historic town of Benham. This venue is surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in Kentucky. From a wide array of museums and activities, as well as outdoor adventures, you will enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of this antique Schoolhouse experience. There are 30 rooms to choose from that range from single rooms to double as well as a honeymoon suite.
- Dan’s Den: Dan’s Den is a spacious two bedroom home in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. Centrally located in Cumberland, the black bear capital of Kentucky. You’ll find many of the luxuries of a fine home here, but in a smaller home more suitable for a solo traveler, a couple, or small family.
- Greater Vision, LLC: Quality vacation rentals in historic Lynch, Kentucky. Currently offering three unique places to stay. All are affordable and fully-furnished. Homes sleep 4, 6, or 16 people.
- Portal 31 RV Park: Make new memories in a historic location! Located just steps from Portal 31 and the Lynch Walk of Legends, you’ll experience what was once the world’s largest coal camp! The Park offers 12 spaces with electric, water and sewer.
- Black Mountain Cabins: Overlooking the City of Evarts, Black Mountain Cabins offers comfortable and secluded getaways on Black Mountain, less than two miles from Evarts Trailhead of Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area.
- North Evarts RV Park: There are 22 different spots at this location that range in size. Each does not have its own electrical station so you will need longer cords for that. Each is also 50amp. There are also water hookups available and a shower house, but longer cords are needed for the water. A dump station is provided to discard waste. There is wifi and TV available at this location.
- River Bend Campground: River Bend Campground offers 22 RV sites, 50 AMP electrical hookups, water hookups, primitive camping, and truck & trailer parking for non campers. They are located off of Hwy 38 just a few miles from the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area.
- South Evarts RV Park: There are 23 different spots at this location that range in size. Each has its own electrical station with 50 amp hookups. There are also water hookups available and a shower house.
- Cedar Park Rentals: Cedar Park Rentals offers you a secluded home away from home in the mountains of Harlan, KY. You will have your choice of 3 mobile homes, each with 2 bedrooms and accommodating up to 6 overnight stays. Each home is outfitted with a kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom, etc. Your stay will feel even more like home with microwaves, refrigerators, coffee pots, and more!
- Harlan County Campground, Cabins, & RV Park: Harlan County Campground & Cabin Rentals is family owned and operated. They are conveniently located ten minutes from either Harlan or Cumberland and we are the Putney Trailhead for the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area.
- Camp Blanton: Originally serving as a Boy Scout Camp, Camp Blanton has been given a new life as a popular spot for outdoor recreation and events. Situated in Blanton Forest, Kentucky’s largest old growth forest, the wildlife and scenery provide the best Kentucky wilderness experience. Lodging options range from primitive cabins without electricity and running water all the way to up to luxury cabins with the finest of amenities. You can even rent the entire camp for large scale private events!
- Pine Mountain Settlement School: Pine Mountain Settlement School can help you plan everything from a conference with meals and meeting space to an intimate gathering in a private house. Facility use and dining have limited availability and require advance notice. Please contact Pine Mountain Settlement School for more information and rates.
Events
- Poke Sallet Festival: For 70 years now, the tradition of the Poke Sallet Festival has taken place in Harlan County during the first weekend in June. Between live music, the carnival, vendors, food, and more, the Poke Sallet Festival is the most exciting time of the year to be a Harlan Countian!
- Fourth Fest: Wave your red, white, and blue with us on the Fourth of July by participating in our annual Fourth Fest. We will have live music, amazing food, a firework show, and a parade to celebrate our country and our county!
- Gears & Beers Cruise In: Enjoy a car show and grab a bite to eat at the Harlan County Beer Company!
- Dog Days of Kentucky: Be a part of Kentucky’s ONLY hot dog festival right here in Harlan County!
- Possum Fest: The Possum Fest in Cumberland is one of our most favorite days of the year!
- Mountain Masters: Enjoy handcrafted items and Appalachian culture at Mountain Masters!
- Fall Festival: Celebrate the autumn leaves with vendors, live music, and more right here in downtown Harlan!
- Christmas at the Center: Celebrate the holiday season with us at Christmas at the Center with live music, vendors, and homemade goodies!
- Outdoor Movie Nights: Our outdoor movie nights are an opportunity to kick back, relax, and enjoy some of your favorite movies!
- Food Truck Fridays: Enjoy a delicious meal during our Food Truck Fridays! For more up to date information about vendors and times, please check our Facebook page.
Fitness and Wellness:
- Studio 606: Dance classes, private lessons, competitive dance opportunities, dance boutique and more!
- Finish Vertical Crossfit: For anyone looking to do a drop in Crossfit class on their travels, Finish Vertical Crossfit is Harlan’s only Crossfit gym.
- Harlan Yoga Studio: Meet new friends while also improving your physical & mental health through beginning your own yoga practice.
- Odies Gym: If you’re looking to become the best version of yourself, visit Odies Gym!
- Huff Park: Between the walking trail, playground, and baseball/softball fields, Huff Park is the best place to spend time with your family!
- Core Fitness: Located right in downtown Harlan, Core Fitness offers a variety of gym and tanning packages to help you on your fitness journey.
- Harlan Dog Park: Our dog park is the best place for you to spend some quality time with your furry friend!
- Body Boss Fitness by Shelley: Get in shape and be the boss that you are by joining Body Boss Fitness by Shelley!
