Explore Hazard, Kentucky

Elijah Combs Sr. laid out Hazard in 1824 as the capital of the newly founded Perry County. Oliver Hazard Perry was a hero who led American Naval Forces to victory against British soldiers in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. The state assembly incorporated Hazard into a city in 1884. For many years, the town was highly isolated from the outside world by the mountains surrounding it. The only way to access the area was by driving 45 miles down Kentucky River’s North Folk or taking a two-week excursion around the mountains. 

The arrival of a railroad in the city in 1912 was a game changer. It exposed Hazard to the outside world, leading to economic and population growth. The railroad’s arrival also promoted coal mining, a significant economic activity in the city for many years. In 1937 the first-ever Hazard Coal Carnival was held to celebrate Hazard’s mining heritage. While the Great Depression dealt the city a heavy blow, it got back on track in the late 1940s. 

Today Hazard is a home-rule city with a population of over 5,000. It is home to the annual Black Gold Festival, which traces its roots to the Hazard Coal Carnival. If you attend the festival in September, you can expect live entertainment, parades, and lots of food. Perry County Park is a must-visit place if you fancy outdoor recreation. The park has a walking trail, a skateboard area, picnic shelters, and basketball courts. Bobby Davis Museum displays local artifacts on Walnut Street, just a few steps from downtown Hazard. 

Campgrounds Near Hazard, Kentucky

One of the top camping facilities near Hazard is Rocky Top Campground and RV Park, conveniently located near dining, entertainment, and shopping centers. It boasts 35 RV sites with full hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits. In addition, the campground has showers, laundry facilities, and shaded spaces. Elkhorn Campground along the Banks of Elkhorn Creek is another place you can visit. It has more than 100 sites that can accommodate differently sized RVs. Guests also get free Wi-Fi, showers, a hot tub, and a swimming pool. 

If you are looking for a highly rated facility, check out Whispering Hills RV Park. You will find a whopping 230 sites here, along with full hookups, DVD rentals, and live music. It is also a few miles from the tourist cities of Cincinnati and Lexington. 

Singing Hills RV Park and Campground is a premier camping area outside Mammoth Cave National Park. Besides providing many basic amenities, this facility has a fishing pond, a book exchange store, and playing fields. 

State Parks Near Hazard, Kentucky

You will reach Jenny Wiley State Resort Park if you travel for one hour east of Hazard on KY 80. This state park is home to eastern elk, which were re-introduced in Kentucky as part of a wildlife re-introduction program after missing for about 150 years. Many bird species are here, including American redstarts and spring warblers. Bring your fishing gear to catch bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass on Dewey Lake. Aside from walking on the over 10 miles of trails in the park, you can go cycling on the 0.8-mile Short Loop Trail or the 1.9-mile Switchback Trail. 

A little less than two hours southeast of Hazard is Natural Tunnel State Park, less than an hour from Gate City. The main attraction in this Virginia state park is the Natural Tunnel, a naturally formed cave that is so massive it serves as a railroad channel. Exploring the 850 feet long and 80 feet high tunnel is a great way to start your tour of this area. Hiking is the most common activity, thanks to the park’s seven trails, some of which offer stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains. Be sure to locate Stock Creek, where guests can swim and catch native trout.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is situated about 50 minutes east of Hazard. It is in the middle of Daniel Boone National Forest along the Middle Fork of the Red River. You can enjoy playing on the 18-hole miniature golf course before enjoying a skylift ride to the natural bridge. The natural bridge measures 78 feet in length and 65 feet in height and is the park’s centerpiece. If you decide to picnic at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, your site will include tables, grills, restrooms, and more. 

National Sites Near Hazard, Kentucky

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a fascinating place that should be on your traveling bucket list. It is located nearly 80 miles south of Hazard along the Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee borders. The Cumberland Gap is a historic pass that settlers used to travel west during the colonial period. Hike up the 8.3-mile Sand Cave and White Rocks Via Ewing Trail to enjoy beautiful vistas. The Pinnacle Overlook Trail offers guests the chance to see birds, wildlife, and wildflowers. If you are a history buff, you can visit Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum or Little Congress Bicycle Museum. 

Andrew Johnson National Cemetery honors the life of the 17th President of the U.S., Andrew Johnson, who became the head of state after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. While in the area, register for a free guided tour to explore Johnson’s two residences. Do not forget to pay your tribute at the Andrew Johnson gravesite. Several trails on the national site, such as Red Hill Loop and Bluff Loop Trail, offer impressive hiking and bird-watching adventures. 

Camp Nelson National Monument in Nicholasville served as a supply depot and hospital during the Civil War. It then functioned as a recruitment and training area for African American soldiers. It was also significant in dissolving slavery, as it became a refugee camp where enslaved people secured their freedom. You will learn more about the Civil War by visiting this museum and visitor center. 

National Forests Near Hazard, Kentucky

Tucked 70 miles west of Hazard, Daniel Boone National Forest spreads across 21 counties in Kentucky, with a total area of 708,000 acres. This forest is a paradise for water leisure activities thanks to its three lakes, rivers, and streams. As a result, there are high chances of encountering various animals, including black bears, foxes, eagles, and squirrels. With over 600 miles of trails, guests can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding at their convenience. 

Cherokee National Forest is within driving distance of Daniel Boone National Forest. This forest has everything for everyone within its boundaries. Animal lovers will adore seeing bobcats and white-tailed deer roaming around. Guests who love water-based activities can have the best time on the Ocoee River. For hikers and joggers, a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is in the forest. Many winter activities are also permitted here for people who love having fun in the cold months. 

After visiting Cherokee National Park, you can drive for one hour and 20 minutes east to Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. The over 500,000-acre forest boasts towering waterfalls, spectacular mountain peaks, and whitewater rivers. You will find many attractive trees and plants when you visit, given the forest’s diversity. Look out for spotted skunks, salamanders, foxes, and other creatures calling this place home. Catch trout in the waterways, and then book a campsite after dark to spend quality time stargazing. You will enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling when you visit in the winter.