It’s difficult to choose a favorite season in Harlan County. We look forward to every season for different reasons. Here are just a few of the reasons we love a Harlan County spring!
-Back in the swing of things- Harlan County is home to three beautiful golf courses and spring is the perfect time to hit the links. You’ll find a 7 hole par 3 course at the Lynch Country Club in historic Lynch Kentucky. Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Cumberland has been described as picturesque but demanding with rolling hills on the 9 hole course. The Harlan Country Club has been challenging golfers on this 9 hole par 34 course since 1941. Find the mountain course jewels that Harlan County golfers have frequented for years.
-Go wild!- After a long cold winter, spring is the time of year when wildlife reemerges and wildflowers pop up underfoot. If wild things are your kind of thing, Harlan County has an impressive variety. Pine Mountain boasts 155 species of birds, 36 mammal species, and 9 different kinds of frogs. That’s nothing compared to the 482 species of wildflowers. Catch a glimpse of Pine Mountain come to life by hiking Blanton Forest, Kingdom Come State Park, or Little Shepherd Trail. Wildflower enthusiasts should check out Pine Mountain Settlement School’s Wildflower Weekend. Participants can enjoy guided hikes, farm to table meals, and a stay on the historic campus.
-Fresh & Free- When life returns to the mountains of Harlan County, it brings with it edible plants and mushrooms! These items can be challenging to find and are considered delicacies to locals. Foraging is also a great excuse to spend the day wandering in the mountains. The search for things like Hickory Chickens and Poke Sallet comes with some warnings though: always make sure you have permission to forage from the property owner and ALWAYS be certain about what you’re picking and how you prepare it as lookalikes or incorrect cooking methods can be dangerous!
-Celebrate Spring- After a few months of being tucked away in our cozy homes, spring is a time for celebration and Harlan County festivals will give you the occasion you’re looking for! Take a ride off the beaten path with the Harlan County JeepCrawl in April. Get creative at the Arts at the Park Festival in Kingdom Come Park in May. Sing along at the Poke Sallet Festival in June. Keep up with all of the events taking place in Harlan County by visiting www.harlancountytrails.com/events
-Spring Fashion- A new season means a new wardrobe. Welcome in spring color with a trip to browse the boutiques in Downtown Harlan. Sonwood’s has been serving men and women for over four decades. My Sister’s Closet offers trendy fashions from casual wear to cocktail wear. Southern Ruckus has a decidedly western flair that will have everyone wondering if you’re a Nashville starlet. Mountain Merch has your future Easter dress on display now just waiting for you to pick it out.
-Hooked on Harlan County- Spring is the perfect time to drop your line in the waters of Harlan County. Harlan County fishing doesn’t disappoint with the current state record largemouth bass and red-eye bass both being reeled in right here! Take your boat out on Martins Fork Lake or stand along the creek bank. With the next record breaking catches swimming throughout the county, you’re sure to make memories and possibly history!
-Catch a Ride- The changing of the seasons is the perfect excuse to go for a long drive on a backroad and Harlan County has all the curvy, picturesque byways you could ask for. Power your way through the Black Mountain Off Road Adventure Area on your off-road vehicle. Wind your way on the DragonSlayer Hwy 160 on your motorcycle. Or load up the family van and cruise across Laden Trail for wildlife sightings. Take your time and enjoy the journey!
