McCreary County, Kentucky: Come for the Color, Stay for the Adventure
Ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway through brilliant fall color, hike to Eagle Falls, and discover the Appalachian heritage of McCreary County — Kentucky's southern gateway to outdoor adventure.

There’s something special about fall in McCreary County, Kentucky. As the mountains turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, winding roads, forest trails and scenic overlooks invite you to slow down, stay awhile and experience the season.
Make historic Stearns the heart of your getaway and climb aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway for an unforgettable journey through the Appalachian Mountains. Ride the rails surrounded by fall color, mountain streams and the rich history that helped shape our community.
But don’t make McCreary County just a day trip.
Stay the night and turn your visit into a getaway. Settle into a cozy cabin, vacation rental, campground or local lodging, then wake up ready for another day of exploring. Hike beneath a canopy of fall color, discover waterfalls and natural arches, explore the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Daniel Boone National Forest, browse local shops and enjoy a meal at one of our hometown restaurants.

Here, an overnight stay means more time together, more places discovered and more memories made. Trade the rush of getting home for a quiet evening, a slower morning and another day of adventure.
And when autumn gives way to Christmas, return for the magic.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride transforms historic Stearns into a holiday experience filled with the wonder of Christmas. Bring the family, climb aboard and make a tradition you’ll look forward to year after year.
From colorful fall getaways to magical Christmas memories, there’s always another reason to stay in McCreary County.

Come for the color. Stay for the adventure. Return for the magic.
McCreary County, Kentucky
Kentucky’s Southern Gateway to Adventure
