Location: Jackson
Top Things to do in Jackson
- 1. Red River Gorge Zipline
- 2. Buckhorn Lake
- 3. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- 4. Red River Gorge Geological Area
- 5. Kentucky Rock & Adventure Guides
- 6. Magoffin County Historical Society Pioneer Village
- 7. The Mother Goose
- 8. Nada Tunnel
- 9. Loretta Lynn's Birthplace - Butcher Hollow
- 10. Knott County Sportsplex
Top Restaurants in Jackson
Top 10 Things to do in Jackson, United States
Jackson is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Breathitt County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 2,231 according to the 2010 U.S. census.
Restaurants in Jackson
1. Red River Gorge Zipline
Overall Ratings
5 based on 294 reviews
Red River Gorge Zipline Tour has 5 Ziplines anywhere from 330FT. to 1900 FT. The tour is between 2 -3 Hours. The last 2 lines are Dual Racing Zips that allow you to race at speeds up to 50 MPH soaring 300Ft over the Gorge. We invite you and your family to come out and experience this truly unique adventure.
Reviewed By Kaleigh L
Sweet Pete, Hunter and Jacob were amazing guides! They are the heart of the whole experience. It was a really fun 2 hours all the way around. The gorge was gorgeous as always. Would definitely come back! Afterwards, you absolutely have to go to Miguel's for some amazing pizza!
2. Buckhorn Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Mountain lake full of small game and fish.
Reviewed By Kausar W - Gujranwala, Pakistan
Buckhorn Lake is very cool and quite place to visit for nature lovers. We take a boat and spend two hours in the lake enjoying nsture and doing photography.
3. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Features a great natural sandstone arch that stands over the mountain.
Reviewed By Mac P - Gainesville, Florida
A great place to go hiking camping fishing or just relaxing and playing music around campfire. Be aware that there is dangerous areas that could be hazardous. There is also kid friendly activities for the less adventurous. But it is a now famous rock climbing destination and it needs to be left like we found it . So please don't trash this wonderful gift of nature. Pick up trash and don't carve into rocks. It defaces the beauty of this natural phenomenon
4. Red River Gorge Geological Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By Gabe10101 - Lexington, Kentucky
Hiking and Camping. That's the name of the game at Red River Gorge. Oh yeah, and rock climbing. And maybe canoeing, rappelling, birdwatching? What makes "The Gorge" special are the myriad rock formations situated among mountains and streams in a dense forest. These formations include spectacular rock bridges, sheer cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, balanced rocks, monoliths, chimneys, a few caves, and so much more. The gorge has perhaps the densest collection of natural bridges in the world. Many are accessible by established trails and many more require determined hikes through wilderness. There is so much to see. Hikes from a few steps to dozens of miles are available. You could spend 30 days here and still not experience everything the Gorge has to offer!
Each season changes the Gorge into another destination worthy of repeat visits! Spring brings flowers and rains that swell creeks and waterfalls. Summer brings dense foliage and nice weather. Fall brings amazing colors. Winter brings frozen streams and waterfalls and the opportunity for snow hikes. Dress appropriately!
If you decide to visit (and you should!) here are a few tips:
- Visit any day, but check weather ahead of time. Roads are narrow and curvy. They become outright dangerous when icy.
- If you have only an hour when passing through, drive the loop consisting of routes 77, 715 and a little bit of 15 on either end. Stop at Ange Windows for a brief hike. You can't see much of the rock formations from the road, but the drive is still beautiful. DO NOT attempt this drive in an RV or large vehicle!
- Nada tunnel is an old railroad tunnel that is now part of the road. It is wide enough for only one car and about 300 feet long. Use common sense when traversing the tunnel. Turn on your lights and don't enter if another car is coming toward you. Be prepared to reverse out of the tunnel. If you can drive in reverse, have someone else drive.
- Fuel and food are available at the Slade exit from the Mountain Parkway. That's the North entrance into the Gorge.
- Parking is extremely limited in the Gorge. Many people park along the road in short pull-offs. Get there early or you may not find parking, especially on weekends.
- Plan ahead. Read trail sites for maps and recommendations. Some trails are not marked. Getting lost is common. Fortunately, if you have a good sense of direction, bushwhacking back to your car is a common activity in the Gorge!
- Some trails require stream crossings, so be prepared to get wet or muddy after rains.
- Definitely bring a GPS. Also bring water and snacks even if you plan a short hike. Bring binoculars, and especially a flashlight to peer into caves and help you get out if you are lost past dark.
- Speaking of dark, start early especially in the winter. Getting lost in the dark is no fun.
- Rock Bridge, near the South (Beattyville) entrance is a great place to start exploring the Gorge.
- Vehicle and Camping permits ($5) are necessary for overnight camping, but not for day hikes.
- Wildlife is scarce. Snakes are present, but stay away from trails. I don't think anyone has ever been bitten by a snake in the Gorge.
- Winter hiking is spectacular. Streams and waterfalls freeze if the temperature is sub-freezing for several days. Copperas Falls is a highlight in any season, but winter is especially spectacular. Check out the photos. But if the temperature is near freezing, mud will make your visit unpleasant and perhaps dangerous.
5. Kentucky Rock & Adventure Guides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Marcia M - South Bend, Indiana, United States
Our trip to the area wasn't about climbing but we stopped into the KRAG store after a long weekend of hiking because we saw that they sold food and we were craving something besides PB&J. The store is great-they serve local brews, hotdogs, quesadillas, etc. Food was well priced and everyone who works there is friendly and quite funny. We just drank some IPAs and played darts but it was a great experience all around!
And of course, if your into climbing, I bet these guys know their stuff. The store also has a lot of equiptment to purchase. I think they also provide a sort of hostel service for climbers.
6. Magoffin County Historical Society Pioneer Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Yorkie1948 - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
There are 19 Authentic Cabins on site that give a great insight into how the Pioneers lived. The log cabin structures serve as living history centers with displays and demonstrations of early crafts. There is a visitor centre and the lady that greeted me was very helpful. There is no charge to enter as the site is manned by volunteers, but it is recommended to leave a donation. So glad i spotted this as I passed through Salyersville.
7. The Mother Goose
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
This is why we travel on back roads instead of interstates. Where else would you see something like this. The man who lived there started building it in 1935 and finished it in 1940. The windows in the middle section are shaped like an egg and the eyes are car lights that used to blink on and off. If you are in the area be sure to stop and ask a local for the directions to the house. It's a must see.
8. Nada Tunnel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By leftout - mt. sterling, ky
You have to be going for a ride to go through the tunnel. It's located between no where basically.
The tunnel has a lot of history. It goes back to the early 1900's when the area was known for lumber. It was built to haul lumber out by train. There is another rail road tunnel closed at Natural Bridge for the trains going to and from Winchester.
The area has so much history for me because my Grandfather worked in one of the lumber camps 6 1/2 days a week as a mule skinner.
9. Loretta Lynn's Birthplace - Butcher Hollow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Birthplace of Loretta Lynn. When Loretta Lynn belted, "Well, I was born a coal miner's daughter/In a cabin on a hill in Butcher Hollow," it not only skyrockted "The Queen of Country Music" to additional fame outside the realm of country music fans, but it merited her the everlasting respect of every person connected directly or indirectly with coal mining or mountain life. Visit Butcher Hollow, located in scenic Johnson County. Loretta's brother, Herman Webb, is curator of the Butcher Hollow Home.
Reviewed By mommajude74 - Beattyville, Kentucky
Seeing Loretta's home place brought back memories of my own childhood. Being from Johnson County, I had never visited Butcher Hollow. So glad I did. After seeing her home, I realized that she was so much better off than my own family were. We didn't live in a company house. I love the smell of the place, the beauty and serenity of sitting on the front porch. A true image of life at that time. A must see! And I met a couple from "Up North" as we from Eastern KY say...
10. Knott County Sportsplex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Knott County Sportsplex is the most modern, state-of-the art multi-sports facility in the state of Kentucky. Located six miles east of Hindman on highway 80. The Sportsplex officially opened on October 12, 2007. We are proud to offer: 66,000 Square Feet of Indoor Fun 5 Full-size Hardwood Maple Basketball Courts 5 Volleyball Courts 3 Baseball Fields with Lights for Night Games 2 Soccer Fields Arcade with Prizes 8-Lane Bowling Alley State of the Art Fitness Center Gymnastics Center Conference Room Sports Museum Indoor Walking Track Sports Shop Concessions (Indoor and Outdoor) Eating and Viewing Area Baseball Batting Cages (Coming Soon).
Reviewed By Lauren H - Maysville, Kentucky
This sports complex is nice for the area! It offers 4 basketball courts, a children's play area (soon to come), and a wrap around workout area with various exercise machines. They offer silver sneakers Zumba and multiple other classes and programs.
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