Many who don’t know Kentucky well may be surprised to know that the Bluegrass State is home to some of the most beautiful mountain views in the region. We’ve discussed the mountains in Eastern Kentucky quite a bit, but tucked inside these picturesque peaks are plenty of history and charming towns that may just have the most natural beauty in the state. One such town is extremely close to the Virginia/West Virginia borders, but we’re lucky enough to call it our own. Phelps, Kentucky is the little-known mountain town that is straight out of a dream.

Follow along as we tour this area through beautiful photos provided by Steven Miller.

Phelps, Kentucky is located in the far eastern corner of the state and, in the year 2000, only had a population of just over 1,000.
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
But those 1,000 people happen to live in a dreamy landscape that's filled with scenic mountains and sweeping overlooks. It's an area that has seen a lot of history and has a vibrant past, but the town has worn it well and is now a naturally stunning environment.
If you head west from Phelps, you'll reach the more well-known town of Pikeville. Just south of the town is the stunning Breaks Interstate Park. Both of these areas are known for their natural beauty, and Phelps is included right there with them.
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
This town, as well as most of the nearby areas, was once home to strip mines that have since been abandoned. While there are still traces of evidence throughout the region, the land has worked to recover, making the mountainous landscape in Phelps very unique.

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In the open fields that were once mined are now horses that have roamed here for years.
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
These horses were once owned by someone who then let them loose on this land. For this particular herd, locals report that they are healthy and seem to happily graze in the fields and live in this dream-like area of Kentucky.
In addition to the history of coal mining in the area, the infamous Hatfield-McCoy family feud also took place in this part of Kentucky.
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
Photo Courtesy of Steven Miller via Kentucky Nature Lovers
Coal mining is now mainly a memory and the feud has long been left in the past, and what remains in Phelps is the unrivaled natural beauty. This area of Kentucky deserves a visit, and don't forget to check out Phelps - the mountain town that's straight out of a dream.

Phelps is one of many mountain towns in the state that may only have a few residents, but hold a big place in the heart of Kentuckians. Have you traveled through this beautiful area? What’s your favorite mountain town in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on Phelps and Pike County, visit the county’s website here.

If you enjoy these nature pictures of Kentucky, make sure to visit our Facebook group, Kentucky Nature Lovers, to see more awesome shots and share your own!

And for more mountain adventure in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.

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