Cumberland, Benham, Lynch named official Kentucky Trail Town

Located in Harlan County

BENHAM, Ky. (Nov. 23, 2015) — The three communities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch in Harlan County became the 13^th Trail Town, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Bob Stewart announced today.

The Kentucky Trail Town Program is designed to help connect communities to trail systems and develop them as tourist destinations. It will guide travelers to trails, food, lodging, campgrounds, museums, entertainment and other services. The designation will help communities improve their tourism economy, add more jobs and create more tourism opportunities for the entire state.

Some of the outdoor attractions that are offered in the Cumberland, Benham and Lynch area include Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail; Kingdom Come State Park; Looney Creek Trail; the Stables at Creekside Glen; the Cumberland River and Kentucky Summit Trail for cycling.

“We’re excited about adding these three eastern Kentucky communities to our Trail Towns,” Stewart said. “The trails, parks and rich history of this region will provide tourists to this area with some excellent options.”

More than 30 communities have started the application process to become a Trail Town and are working with the Office of Adventure Tourism in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Cumberland, Benham and Lynch will be certified as a single Trail Town. They will join Dawson Springs, Livingston, Morehead, Olive Hill, London, Stearns, Elkhorn City, Jamestown, Manchester, Royalton, Berea and Columbia as official Kentucky Trail Towns.

The Office of Adventure Tourism will provide guidance to interested communities on issues such as trail development and signage, information and resources from other state agencies and how other communities have been successful by linking trails and services.

Once a community receives the Trail Town certification, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Department of Travel and Tourism and Office of Adventure Tourism will help promote and market these communities and the services being offered. They will be highlighted on maps, websites, visitors’ guides and other state promotional material.

For more information about Trail Towns and adventure tourism in Kentucky, visit www.kentuckytourism.com.