McCreary County combines sandstone gorges and cascading waterfalls with a distinctive mining history. The county is located where the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River meet. This gives you two different themes to choose from when planning your trip: time on hiking trails and at waterfalls, or the history of former coal towns. If you are looking for accommodation, you can take this focus into account when planning your trip.
Sandstone, Trails, and Waterfalls
The Natural Arch Scenic Area has hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking a large sandstone arch. In the northern part of the Big South Fork, Yahoo Falls drops 113 feet from the rim into the pool below. The waterfall area also has picnic facilities and viewpoints overlooking the Big South Fork river gorge.
Cumberland Falls State Park Nature Preserve is located in McCreary and Whitley counties. There, Cumberland Falls drops 67 feet into a rocky gorge. Along with the sandstone gorges and cascading waterfalls that define McCreary County, it adds to a landscape-focused experience that pairs well with the area's hiking trails.
Mining History in the County
Blue Heron, also known as Mine 18, was an abandoned coal-mining town and part of the former Stearns Coal and Lumber Company operation. Mining there ran from 1937 through December 1962. Each ghost structure has an audio program in which former residents share memories and impressions of life in the community.
The McCreary County Museum offers another perspective on the county's history. It is housed in the former Stearns Coal and Lumber Company office building, built in 1907. The exhibits explore the culture and way of life of McCreary County residents over the years. Barthell Coal Mining Camp was established in 1902.
Hiking Routes and Timing
The Blue Heron Loop is a moderate 6.5-mile hike that brings together history, geology, and scenery. The Yahoo Arch Trail leads from the Yahoo Falls Loop to Yahoo Arch; the round trip adds 1.6 miles. These details describe different planning options: a moderate hike and an additional stretch that connects with the Yahoo Falls Loop. This lets you tailor the length of your hike to your planned route.
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway also offers a clearly defined schedule for Blue Heron: the round trip includes a 45-minute ride there, a 1.5-hour stop, and a 45-minute ride back to the depot. That adds up to three hours. The railway runs on the historic Kentucky & Tennessee Railway. Check the schedule before your trip so you can plan the railway excursion to fit your itinerary.
Stearns as a Base for Activities
The Historic Stearns area serves as an official Trail Town base. Stearns is also a starting point for hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, camping, and exploring the history of McCreary County. The county has hundreds of miles of marked trails. The multi-use equestrian trails in McCreary County run through the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Stearns Golf Course is also connected to the history of the coal town: it was originally established in the 1920s as part of the historic Stearns coal town. The course is open during the 2026 golf season. If you are traveling in a later season, check in advance whether it will be open during your preferred dates.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Whitley City, Monroe County, Jefferson, Cumberland County, Warren, Marion County, Mason County, Harlan.
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
