The Letcher County Tourism Commission hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for five new overlooks on Pine Mountain overlooks.
“These overlooks were an obvious must-have for our county,” said Missy Matthews, chairman of the Letcher County Tourism Commission. “Before the overlooks were constructed, people got out of their cars, climbed over guardrails and walked through weeds to take pictures. Now, they have a safe and more convenient spot to sit, relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.”
Letcher County Judge/ Executive Jim Ward said, “Tourism is a key contributor to our economy, not only on a state level, but also right here in Letcher County. Our county offers some of the most breathtaking scenic vistas in the region and the new Pine Mountain overlooks offer the public a nice, attractive place to enjoy them.”
The five overlooks took approximately six weeks to complete, having met the commission’s initial deadline of fall’s peak color. “This would not have been possible without many local residents and organizations who gave their time and resources to help,” Matthews said at the November 10 event. “I am so proud that we, as a little community, came together to create such wonderful overlooks that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Among some of the volunteers recognized were Letcher County Judge/Executive Jim Ward, HOMES, Inc., Childers Oil Company, Colin Fultz, Mac Fultz, Tim Caudill, Gary Boyd, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Letcher County Fiscal Court, Nathan Bailey and N.C. Bailey Construction, Jarisa Coal Company, Kevin Pack, Joe Pratt, Ann and Carl Hall, P.M. and Sandy Hogg and family, Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation, Community Trust Bank and Rod Back.
“Eastern Kentucky folks are proud of our beautiful mountains and we love to show them off,” said Angie Hatton, 94th District state representative and Letcher County native. “You can see the pride on the faces of local people when they talk to visitors who stop at these overlooks. Any project that restores pride in the hearts of Appalachian people is an important step on our way to economic recovery. The Letcher County Tourism Commission understands this and they have done something special here in creating these wonderful overlooks that showcase our county’s natural beauty.”
Proud of her hometown, Regina Stivers, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, stated, “I am so pleased to see the progress Missy has made for tourism in Letcher County in such a short period of time. The overlooks have provided a place for our residents, as well as, tourists to gather to see the beauty of our Eastern Kentucky mountains. I look forward to continue working with Missy and the Letcher County Tourism Commission to make this area a top tourism destination for outdoor adventure in Kentucky.”
For more information about the Letcher County Tourism Commission and future projects, visit https:// www.discoverletcher.com or www.facebook.com/discoverletchercountyky/.
Following is more information about each overlook:
CLIFFSIDE — This overlook is dedicated to Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation and is located in the curve before the summit of the mountain. Its elevation is at 2,315 feet and it offers visitors a nice concrete landing to enjoy the view.
HEMLOCK — Because of HOMES, Inc.’s diligent service working on the overlooks, Hemlock is dedicated to this non-profit organization located in Whitesburg. Standing at an elevation of 2,377 feet, this overlook gives guests an overwhelming 180-degree view of Letcher County’s mountain range. Hemlock Overlook provides guests with custom railing and an observation deck. It also has picnic tables, where those passing through can rest, eat and enjoy the view.
HOGG OVERLOOK — Dedicated to Debbie Hogg by the Hogg Family and Jarisa Coal Company, this overlook sits at 2,399 feet and offers the same accommodating amenities as the Hemlock Overlook.
FALCON OVERLOOK — Located where the old Falcon Inn used to be, this overlook is dedicated to Community Trust Bank. The elevation at Falcon Overlook is 2,557 feet. Etched in the concrete is the date 1948 and the name Doyle. This location was an overgrown building foundation with only a chimney standing.
THE SANDERS ANDREW COLLINS OVERLOOK — The fifth overlook sits at the old site of Sanders Collins’s Log Lodge. It was a weekend retreat for family and friends with unparalleled views. Now, after the new construction, guests can experience what the view would have been like from the lodge’s living room window. The stone chimney at the overlook is from the original lodge.
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