Kentucky Coal Heritage Trail

A New Trail Through Coal Country

For over 100 years, coal extraction has been a major industry in Kentucky, which is still evident in several communities. With the help of state, county and city officials, community leaders, coal & land companies, historical societies, development groups, private investors, and other organizations, an inventory of historic coal camp related buildings, historic sites, museums, equipment and other vacant historic structures has been conducted in the twenty primary ARC coal counties in Southeast Kentucky. This inventory has identified the nucleus of a coal heritage trail which can connect these sites to provide extended tourism stays in the region. This project will utilize this inventory and leverage technology to create a new tourism infrastructure that helps former coal towns connect and capitalize on their historic assets.