McCreary County, Administrative county in southeastern Kentucky, United States
McCreary County is an administrative division in southeastern Kentucky that spreads across a forested landscape with natural stone arches and the Big South Fork National River running through it. The terrain is dominated by dense woodlands, and recreation areas follow along the river and its surrounding valleys.
The county was created in 1912 as Kentucky's last newly formed county, carved from parts of three neighboring counties. This late establishment makes it one of the state's newest administrative divisions.
Coal mining shaped life here for generations, and you can see this heritage reflected at places like the Barthell Coal Mining Camp and Blue Heron Mining Community. Residents keep these stories alive through the communities and landmarks that mark this chapter of their past.
This area is popular for outdoor activities like hiking and boating, with trails and water access scattered throughout the forests and along the river. Visitors should know that the terrain is hilly and sturdy footwear is important for exploring.
The county has no incorporated cities within its boundaries, making county government the sole local authority throughout the entire area. This makes it an unusual case among Kentucky's administrative structure.
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Cumberland Falls
16.3 km
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
34.3 km
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
17.3 km
Tombstone Junction
15.2 km
Yahoo Falls
4.2 km
Pickett Civilian Conservation Corps Memorial State Park
35.2 kmDog Slaughter Falls
20 km
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
4.6 km
Eagle Falls
16.8 km
Mill Springs National Cemetery
43.2 km
McCreary County Museum
4.6 km
Mill Springs Mill
34.3 km
Confederate Mass Grave Monument in Somerset
42 km
General Felix K. Zollicoffer Monument
42 km
Cumberland Inn Museum
28 km
Old Wayne County High School
35.3 km
Burnside Methodist Church
29.5 km
Burnside Masonic Lodge
29.5 km
Fairchild House
34.6 km
Lane Theater
28.4 km
Somerset Downtown Commercial District
40.7 km
Stearns Administrative and Commercial District
4.6 km
Monticello Historic Commercial District
34.4 km
Withers House
40.9 km
Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum
43.1 km
Pickett State Rustic Park Historic District
35.6 km
Laurel River Lake
34 km
Pickett State Park Fire Tower
37.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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