Introduce the Family to Authentic Kentucky with the Appalachian Triangle

No matter what part of Kentucky you visit, there is no end to the ways family travelers can enjoy their time together exploring and discovering the state’s distinct personality. But when you visit Southeastern Kentucky’s corner of the Appalachian Triangle (which sits in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia), you’ll find a destination offering families the chance to experience an authentic look at the real Kentucky.

Well-known as a place of rich wilderness and history, The Appalachian Triangle is so much more. It is home to outdoor adventure, great food, a rich cultural heritage and Kentucky’s most valuable asset — hospitality.

This region is practically made for families to explore and discover a new love for spending time together. A great starting point to get a feel for the area is Daniel Boone National Forest where, by day, you can explore the trails on foot, the scenery from above in an airplane tour, or simply enjoy a picnic at Cumberland Falls.

These Falls are the place you’ll want to plan a night out as well, since it is home to a unique phenomenon only seen at night — the moonbow. This nighttime rainbow, also known as a lunar rainbow, forms in the moonlight and is a truly is an amazing site that will create lasting memories for the whole family.

If you are looking to immerse the family in local history, you have lots of options, starting with the Gap Cave at Gap National Historic Park. Here you’ll learn about how 250 million years of geology formed this incredible site, meet some of the wildlife that call the cave home, see ancient fossils embedded in the walls of the cave and learn how Gap Cave impacted the Civil War.

The region’s artistic heritage runs rich throughout the many towns of the Appalachian Triangle. To get a feel for how art is part of everyday life in Appalachia, explore some of the local towns to discover this heritage first-hand. Cities of Corbin, Harlan, London and Pineville are known for their street art, so while you wander the towns for great shopping and local cuisine, you can also take a self-paced walking tour of the street murals.

While this list just touches the tip of the iceberg for what to see and do in Kentucky’s portion of the Appalachian Triangle, it is the perfect start to get the family hooked on the region’s charm. You and the family will quickly find yourselves planning your next trip to find out what other wonderful experiences Southeastern Kentucky has to offer.