Harlan is special for a multitude of reasons, and one of those is the fact that there are things unique to Harlan that you cannot do anywhere else. From the different restaurants we host to the mountains you can climb, you are sure to find something here that piques your interest that you can do only in Harlan!
- Highest Point in Kentucky
- The highest point in Kentucky is right here in Harlan County and is completely accessible to the public. Experience new heights by heading on over to Black Mountain!
- Black Mountain Thunder Zipline
- Of course, there are plenty of ziplines around Kentucky, but Harlan County is the only place you can ride the tallest and fastest zipline in the state of Kentucky. This 11-line canopy tour is sure to take your breath away.
- Blanton Forest
- Harlan County is home to Blanton Forest, also known as, the largest old-growth forest in the state of Kentucky. Not only that, but in the whole world it is ranked 13th in size!
- Rax
- Beyond our nature, we also have many great restaurants in Harlan, one of which is Rax. The only Rax left in Kentucky is right here in Harlan, so whether you are craving a blueberry milkshake or a BBC, this is somewhere you have to check out!
- Portal
- One of the most popular restaurants in Harlan is the Portal, but the thing that is special about it is it is the only place where you can eat that was featured on the show Justified with a storyline! Come on down and try out the pizza made in a wood oven, and taste for yourself just why this place was picked for the set!
- Kingdom Come State Park
- Not only is Kingdom Come State Park one of the most beautiful spots you could ever see, but it is also the only place that can claim it is the highest elevated state park in the state of Kentucky. Go check out the plethora of activities there such as hiking, paddle boat rides, and lookouts!
- Moonbow Tipple Cafe & Bookstore
- Recently one of our favorite coffee shops in Harlan County, Moonbow Tipple, rebranded to be Moonbow Tipple Cafe & Bookstore. This is the only place where you can find some amazing books on Appalachian culture whilst ordering a chai tea!
- 5 Champion Trees
- A champion tree is a tree that is the largest of its species, and Harlan County is lucky enough to have five for you to be able to visit. This is perfect for those of you who love to check out the best nature spots!
- Highsplint Lake
- For those who are fishing enthusiasts, you will be excited to learn that Highsplint Lake in Harlan County is the home of the largest caught smallmouth bass in Kentucky. Plan your trip to HIghsplint Lake and see if you can beat the impressive record!
- Kentenia State Forest
- Local to Harlan County is Kentenia State Forest, which is the oldest state-owned forest in Kentucky! This is a beautiful place to check out and learn a bit more about nature in Harlan!
- Portal 31
- Did you know that Harlan County is the only place that you can go underground in a once-working mine? Visit Portal 31 in Lynch, Kentucky for an immersive look into the history of coal in this county.
