This Tiny Community Might Be The Quietest Vacation In Kentucky

When planning a getaway, some look forward to exploring crowded big city streets, while others just want to escape it all. The beautiful Bluegrass State has no shortage of stunning rural retreats, but tiny Stearns of McCreary County may offer introverted travelers the quietest vacation in Kentucky. Could it be your new favorite destination?

Part of what makes Kentucky so special is its range. Visitors here can experience the bustle of thriving metropolises like Louisville or scour the countryside for the deepest hollers they can find. With a small population of just over 1,300, Stearns is the perfect launch point for travelers looking to appreciate the many strengths of pastoral Kentucky.

Like many of the small communities nearby, Stearns began as a mining and lumber town. Learn more about this area's rich history at the McCreary County Museum, which boasts a fantastic curation of local artifacts.

Stearns is a short drive from several fantastic local hikes. Princess Falls is a two-and-a-half-mile route with gorgeous water views.

The hike to Split Bow Arch takes visitors through otherworldly rock formations. While short, it packs a considerable amount of beauty in under a mile.

If there's one stop we think you should absolutely make during your visit, it's to Big South Fork Scenic Railway.

Passengers ride 14 miles along a winding rail, surrounded by lush forest. The trip culminates with a visit to Blue Heron, considered the most extensive historical collection of coal mining in the country.

Gain insight into the arduous mining process when the train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge. The railway provides interpretive information to enrich your experience, making this a fun and informative trip.

If you’re looking for a quiet vacation in Kentucky, it’s worth checking out the quaint rural community of Stearns. This small town is a stone’s throw from stunning hikes, and it takes pride in sharing its fascinating history with visitors. Elevate your escape from the hubbub of everyday life by staying in a rustic local cabin with gorgeous nature right outside your door.

With Stearns as your launch pad, you’ll return from your getaway refreshed and prepared to take on life’s inevitable stresses. What are some of your favorite remote places in Kentucky? Do you know of any small towns where travelers can get away from it all?

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The Most Remote Small Town In Kentucky Is The Perfect Place To Get Away From It All

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