Blazing Trails: From Coal Mines to ATV Tourism in Kentucky

From http://thehardestyear.com: In rural southeastern Kentucky, the hills have always provided. Timber harvesting employed thousands when it began in earnest after the Civil War. Not long after, massive mines began to define this area as "coal country." Until late in the twentieth century, those industries gave this part of Kentucky much of its identity and livelihood. Today both are in decline and employ a fraction of the workforce they saw at their peak. See the whole story at http://thehardestyear.com

But some here believe the hills may yet draw another industry to the area: tourism. In Harlan County, on the site of an abandoned coal mine, local government and businesses are trying to carve out a tourism niche by allowing motorized 4x4 enthusiasts to roar into the mountains at the Black Mountain ATV Park.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• atv
• black
• mountain
• park
• campground
• harlan
• Kentucky
• trail
• polaris
• razr

[tod290]

I went to school with Stephen. He is one of the weirdest people I have ever met.

[Snakehunter0930]

I used to live in Evarts up Baileys creek about 100 yards from the trail head and we stayed in the moutians about 4 to 5 days a week sometimes more! I love it there and I wanna go back to stay one day!

[deadeyedoc1949]

Great video Stephen! Proud of you!