In Harlan, Kentucky, the mountains whisper stories of old coal mines, festival cheers, haunted lore, and hot dogs with Appalachian flair. From sipping coffee beside the world’s largest collection of Appalachian literature to soaring across Kentucky’s longest zipline, here’s how to make the most of an unforgettable trip to Harlan
Downtown Harlan: Heartbeat of the Mountains
Eclectic Eateries & Local Flavor
Dive into the local culinary scene at Harlan County Beer Company for craft brews and pub grub in a cozy, brick-walled taproom. Just a few doors down, head to The Portal, a TV-famous spot featured in Justified that doubles as a local favorite for its wood-fired pizza.
Craving comfort food? Grab a table at Sports Café to dig into a hearty plate of biscuits and gravy or baked spaghetti. For something truly unique, don’t miss Moonbow Tipple Café & Books. Sip iced coffee among the world’s largest collection of Appalachian literature. Order a bacon ranch hot dog or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Shop Local, Shop Unique
Downtown Harlan’s shops are filled with one-of-a-kind finds. Stop by Sonwood’s, a signature boutique known for stylish pieces that blend Southern charm with Appalachian flair. For handmade goods, trendy clothing, and vintage accessories, bounce between My Sister’s Closet, Mountain Merch, and Southern Ruckus.
If your taste runs quirky and offbeat, make your way to Sassy Trash—a beloved antique shop with everything from upcycled décor to hand-painted signs. Check out The Anxious Hippy for funky, spiritual items like incense and crystals. When you’re shopping for a housewarming gift or a uniquely Harlan souvenir, swing by Henry’s to discover an eclectic range of gifts.
Outdoor Adventure: Peaks, Trails, and Ziplines
Big Black Mountain
Climb to the top of Kentucky (literally) when you reach the summit of Black Mountain. As the state’s highest point, it treats visitors to panoramic views that stretch for miles. Catch a glimpse of 11 of Kentucky’s 15 tallest peaks—all located within Harlan County. Keep your eyes out for the scenic overlook opening soon for a front-row seat to the region’s most striking landscapes.
Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area
Tear through more than 7,000 acres of rugged terrain at Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to conquer extreme climbs, you’ll find trails for every level of off-road enthusiast. Take on the twists, turns, and mountain views by ATV or dirt bike. Prefer a birds-eye view? Soar across the treetops on the Black Mountain Thunder Zipline for a two-mile ride with a 500-foot drop on Kentucky’s longest, fastest, and highest zipline.
Kingdom Come State Park & Blanton Forest
Hit the trails at Kingdom Come State Park to explore some of the highest elevations in the state. Hike through dramatic rock formations, choose between 14 scenic trails, and take in sweeping views from Knobby Rock Overlook. Extend your adventure into the Pine Mountain or Little Shepherd Trails to immerse yourself in the expansive Appalachian backcountry. Just beyond the park, venture into Blanton Forest to walk beneath ancient trees inside Kentucky’s largest forest.
Explore the Depths: Portal 31
Hop aboard a rail car and descend a half-mile into one of Kentucky’s first coal mines. Journey into the state’s rich mining past through Portal 31’s animated exhibits. Learn the stories of how coal shaped Harlan County (and the rest of the world) through periods of boom and recession. Trace the lives of miners who powered an entire nation from underground. It’s the perfect counterpart to Harlan’s sky-high peaks for the full “top to bottom” experience.
Haunted Harlan County: Legends That Linger
With a deep history steeped in coal mining, labor strikes, epidemics, and ancient burial grounds, it’s no wonder Harlan has a few lingering spirits. Pick up the Haunted Harlan County guide at the Harlan Center (or order it by mail) to turn eerie folklore into an interactive experience. You’ll find stories, navigation, and even QR codes linking to ghost-hunting evidence and video.
Follow the trail at your own pace to uncover some of Harlan County’s most legendary haunts. From ghost sightings at the historic Benham Theater to cryptid encounters on Black Mountain, learn all about the area’s spiritual folklore—and even go searching for some frights of your own. Prefer to let an expert lead the way? Join one of the county’s free ghost tours.
Festivals That Fill the Calendar
Poke Sallet Festival
Celebrate the return of summer the Harlan way at the Poke Sallet Festival, where thousands of visitors fill the streets every June. Enjoy carnival rides, live music, car shows, and a 5K run—all in honor of the wild Appalachian green that’s been a staple in Appalachian cuisine for centuries. Sample poke sallet in regional dishes and shop for local goods at vendor booths. This beloved event has been taking place for 70 years and is not to be missed.
Dog Days of Kentucky
Gather at the Harlan Center for the quirkiest festival of the summer: Dog Days of Kentucky, the state’s only hot dog-themed celebration. Chow down on creative hot dog creations, dress up your pup for the canine costume contest, and cheer on the contenders in the Hot Dog Championship cook-off. Race your friends in the Hot Dog Hustle 5K, play family-friendly games, and browse the vendor booths for locally made goods. Looking for a new four-legged friend? Stop by one of the adoption stations set up by local animal shelters.
Possum Fest
Head over to nearby Cumberland in September to join the fun at Possum Fest, a cheeky small-town event that turns Kentucky’s most misunderstood marsupial into the guest of honor. Sing along to live music, sample local eats, and check out handmade crafts as the town rolls out an epic celebration. Meet a real-life possum, cast your vote for the next Possum Queen, and soak up the offbeat charm that makes this festival a regional favorite.
Vintage Fall Fest
Step into a living postcard during October’s Vintage Fall Fest, when downtown Harlan transforms into an old-fashioned harvest wonderland. Cruise through town on a free hayride, jam out to live music, and indulge in all things pumpkin spice. Sip hot cider, shop the artisan markets, and stroll through pumpkin patches.
Hit up the food trucks for fall favorites like kettle corn, chili, and homemade baked goods. Don’t forget your camera—the vibrant fall foliage makes this one of the most picturesque events in the region. Not ready for the fun to end? Stick around into the night for a spooky ghost walk.
