Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Kentucky And It's Positively Breathtaking
By Rachel Shulhafer|Published January 17, 2017
×
Rachel Shulhafer
Author
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
Kentucky may seem to have a lot of remote spots, but if you’re looking for the place that is more isolated from human contact than anywhere else in the Bluegrass State, then look no further. In terms of proximity to major roads and towns, the most remote spot is believed to be a section of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Some researchers are actually documenting the most remote spot in each state, and while we don’t know the exact coordinates, we know Kentucky’s most remote location is somewhere in this vast section of the Big South Fork Recreation Area that remains largely untouched.
Below is a map of roughly where the most isolated area is located. There are a few small roads and hiking trails around, but for the most part, you will be completely immersed in the Kentucky wilderness.
This area was once home to the booming coal and logging industries, which you can still see evidence of today. This abandoned coal mine, called Blue Heron, is still several miles away from the remote location, but is worth a visit if you're in the area.
There are a few different trail options to take once you venture away from Blue Heron. Try the Ledbetter Trail, the Kentucky Trail, or the Bald Knob Hill Cemetery Trail to get out and explore this hilly and somewhat rugged terrain. The Sheltowee Trace Trail, which stretches 323 miles from Rowan County, KY all the way into Tennessee, is also nearby.
It is one of the main drainage systems from the Cumberland Plateau. Parts of the river are popular for white water rafting, but in this area, you'll likely just get to enjoy the sound of rushing water and nothing else.
While you may still see some signs of human life in this part of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, you are sure to reconnect with nature, get in a challenging hike, and have a nice little escape from reality.
