The Kentucky Wildlands

Welcome to The Kentucky Wildlands. Rich in natural beauty, ancient forests, mist-shrouded mountains, soaring cliffs, lakes, adventurous outdoor recreation, culture, folklore, and tradition, this sprawling 14,000-square-mile region is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. The Kentucky Wildlands, a largely untamed wilderness spanning eastern and southern Kentucky is filled with the same breathtaking natural wonders Daniel Boone first set eyes on when he crossed the Cumberland Gap in 1769. And today, this wide-open playground is still waiting to be explored.

About Us

The Kentucky Wildlands is a regional tourism marketing initiative in 41 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. It showcases the region’s majestic beauty and rich heritage with the goal of driving economic development. Components of the initiative will include a media campaign, hospitality education, itinerary development and entrepreneur training. The initiative was launched by Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc., which is a nonprofit organization, with grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Economic Development Administration.

Our vision statement:

To spur economic development for southern and eastern Kentucky by promoting it as a regional tourism destination filled with majestic beauty, rich culture, boundless adventure and endless opportunities. We will do this in a manner that compliments and elevates current and future tourism initiatives; creates collaboration and connectivity throughout the region; and most importantly remains true to the region and the meaning of our name: Wildlands. Rough. Wild. Tranquil. Amazing. Majestic.

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Hidden Gems in the Kentucky Wildlands

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