Pikeville

Pikeville is the county seat of Pike County in the Kentucky Appalachians, an incongruous Appalachian town that actually seems to be going places. Surrounded by hills and remoteness, the town features schools in optometry and osteopathic medicine and a major multi-purpose arena — a significant step from its beginnings in 1824. How urban planners and engineers managed to fit everything in the narrow Levisa Fork valley is remarkable in itself.

The downtown area sits in a horseshoe-shaped bend along the historic course of the Levisa Fork. In 1960, local leaders began advocating for a rerouting of the railroad, which grew into the Pikeville Cut-Through — one of the largest earthmoving projects in U.S. history. Completed in 1987, the project rerouted the Levisa Fork itself, eliminating the almost yearly flood threat to downtown. A new channel was created, the old riverbed was filled in, and significant new downtown land was created. Pikeville enjoys a climate typical of the Appalachian Mountains, with cool winters, warm summers, and beautiful fall foliage.

By Car / Road

Pikeville is located where several eastern Kentucky highways converge, notably US Route 23. It is a remote destination — reaching Pikeville from Lexington takes about 2.5 hours via the Mountain Parkway and US 23. From Charleston, West Virginia, the drive is approximately 2 hours.

Pikeville is a small city that can be explored on foot in the downtown area. A personal vehicle is necessary to reach attractions outside the immediate downtown and to travel to nearby communities.

• Dils Cemetery — At the junction of Chloe St and S Bypass Rd (Hwy 1460). The burial place of Randall McCoy, of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.

• Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum — 172 Division St, ☎+1 606-213-0134. M, Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. Exhibits on Daniel Boone, mountain life, and Appalachian heritage.

• Pikeville Cut-Through Overlook — At Bob Amos Park, 424 Bob Amos Dr, ☎+1 606-437-5129. An overlook offering views of the town and the Levisa Fork valley where the massive engineering project was completed.

• Bob Amos Park — 424 Bob Amos Dr, ☎+1 606-437-5129. Features the Pikeville Cut-Through Overlook and recreational facilities.

• The Appalachian Center for the Arts — 218 2nd St, ☎+1 606-262-4004. Local repertory company and gallery with archaeological exhibits.

• Hillbilly Days Festival — Mid-April. A taste of authentic Appalachian flair and culture with food, music, and entertainment.

• Pikeville Medical Center Arena — Major multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings.

Pikeville's dining scene reflects its Appalachian setting. Budget: Local diners and fast-casual restaurants in the downtown area. Mid-range: Restaurants serving Southern and Appalachian cuisine.

Pikeville is in Pike County, which allows alcohol sales. Local restaurants serve beer and wine, and there are a few bars in the downtown area. Nightlife options are limited compared to larger cities, but the university area near Eastern Kentucky University's Pikeville campus has some activity. For a wider selection, head to Lexington or Huntington, West Virginia.

Budget: Motels along the highway corridors approaching Pikeville, $60-90/night. Mid-range: Hampton Inn Pikeville (831 Hambley Blvd, ☎+1 606-432-8181, $123/night) and other chain hotels.

Downtown Pikeville offers local shops and Appalachian crafts. The Pikeville area is known for its connection to the Hatfield-McCoy heritage, and related memorabilia can be found locally.

• Hatfield-McCoy Historic Sites — Various locations throughout the Tug Valley, commemorating the famous feud.
• Pikeville Cut-Through — Within the city, this engineering marvel is worth a visit.
• Breaks Interstate Park (1 hr southeast) — The "Grand Canyon of the South" on the Virginia-Kentucky border.
• Lexington (2.5 hrs northwest) — Horse Capital of the World with Keeneland Race Course.