From racing worms, scenic roads, and exquisite cabins - Check out what Lee County, KY has to offer this fall!

Located 20 miles south of the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

Located in Eastern Kentucky along the Mountain Parkway Trails Corridor, Lee County was formed on March 1, 1870 with Proctor as the county seat, from portions of Breathitt, Estill, Owsley, and Wolfe counties.  In 1872 the county seat was moved to Beattyville. Most sources say the county was named after Robert E. Lee, but others claim Lee County, Virginia, to which many of the county’s inhabitants trace their roots.

The topography of Lee County is hilly to mountainous creating a bicyclist’s and motorcyclist’s dream with 450 miles of country roads winding along ridges with panoramic views and through forested valleys which have remained virtually unchanged since Dr. Thomas Walker trod them in 1750.  Motorsports enthusiast can experience the two marketed trails, Ride the River Dragon and Ridge Runner Road 587, which wind through the county connecting the city of Beattyville to attractions such as Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. Motorsports clubs such as the Porsche Club of America and the Whitley County Motorcycle Club have made Beattyville’s beautiful and nationally accredited Main Street District a stop along their way for downtown dining, refueling, and shopping.

If dirt roads and trails are more your speed, be sure to check out the 90 mile loop of backcountry roads along the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway or buy a weekend pass to ride the private trails at Hollerwood Offroad Adventure Park. 

Majestic and abundant cliff and rock formations can be found throughout northern Lee County, similar to nearby Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge state park. These formations have attracted rock climbers from around the world and so much so that the climbers themselves have invested in land surrounding the area. 30,000 visitors a year visit here to hike, mountain bike, and rock climbing in the 1,100 ares designated as recreational preserves and owned by the Red River Gorge Climber’s Coalition. 

The Kentucky River provides recreational activities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Beattyville is the birthplace of the Kentucky River, formed by the merging of North, South, and Middle Fork. There are over 30 miles of Kentucky River trials which can be accessed by public boat ramps and kayak launch areas. The river provides great fishing as it is full of bass, catfish, walleye and record muskellunge. You may see a majestic bald eagle while on the water or spot a family of deer or turkey near the waters edge. 

Numerous festivals are scheduled throughout the year, the most well known being the Woolly Worm Festival, celebrate the local culture, musicians, and crafters. The festival has one of the most unique experiences for children and adults alike; racing woolly worms. The weekend before Halloween in Beattyville is a weekend packed with fun activities for all ages. In addition to racing woolly worms, enjoy delicious Eastern Kentucky festival food, walk through an impressive classic car show, witness a parade, and sit and listen to excellent live music. 

Added to the annual community schedule of events is also the Beattyville Bourbon and Moonshine Festival. A first of its kind festival, for the small quaint town of Beattyville located on the rim of the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park area of Eastern Kentucky. A community which remained dry since prohibition until the vote changed everything in 2019. Since then, Beattyville has had two successful Bourbon and Moonshine Festivals which has proven to boost the local economy. This festival celebrates the heritage of multi-generational moonshiners through storytelling and also showcases area distilleries and their Kentucky crafted bourbon and moonshine products. A weekend of live music, festival food, bourbon and moonshine tastings, cocktail contests and an annual Hillbilly BikeFest. Guest include cast members from the Discovery Channels popular shows: Moonshiners & Master Distillers. Lee County also has a stop along the new Moonshine Trail. Check out the Backwoods Moonshine Museum. 

Spend the weekend in Beattyville/Lee County by your preferred overnight experience. There are many cabins to choose from varying in size, location, and level of amenities. Book a cabin on a private lake, surrounded by woods, or one up on a cliff edge with a hot tub on the porch overlooking gorgeous views. Primitive camp, bring your RV or go glamping in the hills. 

Contact the tourism office in Beattyville for information!

For information on lodging, dining, events, outdoor adventure, trail maps, geology trails, and more, visit  www.visitleecountyky.com or contact the Beattyville/Lee County Tourism office at 606-464-5038. You can also email visitleecountyky@gmail.com and request to be sent visitor information.