Perry County: Trails, History and River Landscapes

Hazard lies on the North Fork of the Kentucky River; Hazard-Perry County is designated a Kentucky Trail Town. Perry County is shaped by lush green mountains, winding streams and abundant wildlife. This makes landscapes, trails and history central to planning your trip: the county has miles of hiking and biking trails, opportunities for hunting and fishing, and public river access points for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

River Landscapes and Different Trail Options

The North Fork River Trail runs for approximately five miles from the area behind Hazard City Hall to the Perry County Park boat launch. The Perry Park Trail System includes 6.25 miles of self-guided interpretive trails. The North Fork River Trail is a route with named endpoints; the Perry Park Trail System comprises self-guided interpretive trails. You can choose whether to include a specific route or a trail system in your plans.

Perry County Park also has a boat ramp providing access to the Kentucky River. Local conditions can change, so check them before planning to use it. Buckhorn Lake also has two boat launch ramps. The county has several public access points for river activities, including kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

Industrial History and Remembrance

The Perry County Museum preserves and celebrates the county’s coal and timber industry history. The Bobby Davis Museum commemorates a different story: Lawrence Davis founded it in memory of his son and other veterans who died in World War II. Bobby Davis Park has a Heritage Herb Garden.

The Black Gold Festival is also part of the area’s coal history: it celebrates coal as Kentucky’s “black gold” and takes place annually. Exact dates may change. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance.

Seasonal Offerings in Hazard

During the summer months, Bobby Davis Park hosts games, food, music and theater performances. The program may vary from year to year, so it’s worth checking the dates before planning your days around it. Perry County Park also has an outdoor pool and a miniature golf course; the seasonal operating schedules for these offerings may vary.

The Perry County Farmers Market is a seasonal market in downtown Hazard, next to Triangle Park. Ray and Dot Collins bring a grain mill to the market for demonstrations; demonstrations may not always be available. If you’re making a special trip for them, ask about current market days and demonstrations.

Private swimming and yoga lessons are held at the Hazard Pavilion. Check whether programs are available before visiting. The swimming and yoga lessons at the Hazard Pavilion are private; the offerings at Bobby Davis Park and the Perry County Farmers Market are seasonal.

Golf and More Natural Features

Hazard Country Club has a 9-hole, par-34 course. From the back tees, it measures 2,494 yards; course details may change. If golf is part of your travel plans, these figures offer a specific reference for the course.

At Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, the lodge displays handcrafted replicas of buildings from Bowlingtown. The original buildings stood where the lake is today. Autumn Loop features large rock formations, cliffs and caves, as well as a scenic overlook. Trail conditions may change seasonally; take this into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Hazard, Carter County, Allen County, Taylor County, Calloway County, Union County, Rowan, Graves County

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.