Pike County

Pike County is an administrative division in eastern Kentucky featuring rolling hills, river valleys, and forested terrain. Pikeville serves as the county seat and main hub for services and government functions.

The county was established in 1821 and named after General Zebulon Pike, a military figure. This founding reflects the area's early development as an organized region.

The region keeps Appalachian traditions alive through music, crafts, and storytelling that remain part of daily life. Visitors can experience these practices at local gatherings and community events.

The area is best explored during mild weather when the hills and valleys are easy to navigate. Pikeville offers lodging, dining, and visitor services throughout the county.

A major engineering project along US Route 23 dramatically reshaped local transportation infrastructure. This work remains one of the most significant earth-moving efforts in the Western Hemisphere.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: December 19, 1821

Capital city: Pikeville

Elevation above the sea: 561 m

Shares border with: Mingo County, Buchanan County, Dickenson County, Wise County, Letcher County, Knott County, Floyd County, Martin County

Website: http://pikecountyky.gov

GPS coordinates: 37.46902,-82.39587

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:00