Kentucky is a wild and wonderful place, one with deep roots and history. While the Bluegrass State was not part of the legendary Gold Rush, there was another epic event here that sent prospectors and hopeful folks flocking to Kentucky: the mining boom. Though precious metals are most associated with the mining boom, coal was an equally profitable treasure hiding underground — and Kentucky had it, in spades. Get a dose of this unexplored history in Blue Heron, Kentucky, an abandoned mining community along the Big South Fork River. This Kentucky ghost town is eerie and unsettling, especially as the leaves begin to change and fall brings a chill to the air. In other words, Blue Heron makes for a pretty perfect autumn day trip in Kentucky!

Big South Fork is an area where the imagination can easily run wild. Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, it's a place of deep beauty -- and deep mystery.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area/Facebook
For its within the wilds of Big South Fork that you'll find Blue Heron, Kentucky's very own ghost town.
Anthony/Flickr
Blue Heron, also known as Mine 18, is an abandoned coal mining town and was a part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company's historic operation. The Blue Heron mines ran from 1937 until 1962, when operations ceased being profitable.
Anthony/Flickr
Today, this mining ghost town is run by the National Park Service, and they offer guided tours along it abandoned railroad.
Anthony/Flickr

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The mine features historically accurate replicas of those originally found on-site. There is an audio tour here that takes visitors through an aural adventure of the Blue Heron's mining camp, making this ghost town a popular day trip destination for history buffs.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area/Facebook
For a truly bucket-list-worthy experience, hop aboard the Big South Fork Blue Heron Ghost Train to visit the town's abandoned camp and hear tales about its storied history.
Anthony/Flickr
Once upon a time, this railroad was a sign of hope and prosperity; a golden carrot offering the promise of a better, richer life.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area/Facebook
Hundreds of people lived and worked in this little community on the banks of the Big South Fork River in Kentucky. Theirs is the story of Blue Heron, and it's one you ought to hear.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area/Facebook

Have you visited this Kentucky ghost town before? Did you even know of its existence? It’s an often forgotten piece of Bluegrass history that definitely deserves to be explored! Learn more about Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area at the NPS website.

For an autumn day trip in Kentucky of a brighter variety, check out this beautiful fall foliage drive!

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Big South Fork, Kentucky, USA