to the
Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center.
Laurel Gorge is a breath-taking treasure nestled in
the foothills of Elliott County in Eastern Kentucky and is one
the best kept secrets in the bluegrass state. The gorge
is a natural combination of sheer cliff walls and forest, with a
road and stream that snake around the base of the cliffs. On
one side is rock cliffs with waterfalls, streams and trees and
on the other side are more cliffs...the Welcome Center sits
nestled into the cliffs.
The center is filled with the history of the people and
county...you can travel back in
time to the days of Paleo Indians when they lived in Elliott County
and then travel forward to the 21st Century where you can meet our
local artisans and musicians. We are also home to the late Keith
Whitley, country music legend and the home of internationally known
folk artists Minnie Adkins and Jimmy Lewis.
We
currently have three miles of interpretive trails that allow you to
walk the same roads our ancestors traveled by foot, on horseback and
by wagon and where you can enjoy the natural beauty found in the
Appalachian foothills while walking along a pristine stream or
hiking the drip-line of a sandstone cliff, while seeing many
waterfalls that may be seasonal.
If you
enjoy canoeing, hiking, fishing, or simply sitting out on the deck
of the center, observing native wildlife, or where you can enjoy
some of the most spectacular scenery you will find in the state of
Kentucky, you have found the perfect setting. We also offer a trail
that is 2/10s mile that is wheel chair accessible. You can see an
old time school room where our Instructor teaches students lessons
that are correlated to Kentucky Core content and programs that are
designed to specific subjects on request.
Inside
and outside the center, you will discover a world of learning by
viewing 28 interactive exhibits that lets you learn about the Paleo
Indians, about birds from realistic wood carved replicas of our
native song birds, or sit in our bird sanctuary, observing the birds
outside, getting to know our local artisans and musicians, learn
about our Appalachian way of life.
Groups
are welcome to reserve a guided hike or specialty program. Certified
Environmental Educators and interpreters are available if you
schedule your event in advance. We offer a conference room and
shelter house to rent for your retreats, reunions, school outings,
and gatherings. Call today to make your reservation. Call
606-738-5543.
Photo courtesy of
Robert Johnson
http://robertandjeanie.com/Main_Postcards.html
-
Keith Whitley Tribute - September 5th
Join us for our special tribute to Keith
Whitley...this wonderful tribute is a very
special event in our yearly schedule...one you
don't want to miss!
