Bell County Adventure Tourism Grant
On April 15, 2008 Gov. Steve Beshear announced approval of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Flex-E Grant for the Bell County ATV Park development project in the amount of $20,000.
The Bell County Fiscal Court will use the money to hire an engineering firm to professionally map and classify existing ATV trails and provide a land assessment study for the proposed use of a trail system. The plan will include an economic analysis with the ultimate goal of attracting more tourists to the region, generating additional income by creating new jobs and business growth in and around Bell County.
Kentucky Adventure Tourism Legislation
Tourists looking for outdoor adventures may now enjoy parts of Kentucky like never before. Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by First Lady Jane Beshear, today signed Senate Bill 196, opening more areas of the state as tourist destinations for bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen, hunters, off-roaders and horseback riders.
“Some of Kentucky’s most breathtaking sites are tucked away in the far reaches of someone’s private property,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This bill makes all 120 counties in Kentucky a destination for outdoor adventure tourism.”
The Adventure Tourism Bill, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith (R-Hazard), allows the state to enter into agreements with private property owners for the public use of land for outdoor activities without fear of facing liability issues.
Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo was a strong partner of the legislation. “Today, we take the first step towards making Kentucky the nation’s premier adventure tourism destination,” the lieutenant governor said. “The economic, social and development benefits for our state as a result of adventure tourism will be unlike anything seen within the commonwealth before.”
Holler Crawlers
The Holler Crawlers Off-Road Club is an off-road club open to ATVs, dirt bikes, side x sides, and Jeeps/trucks. Located in Bell County KY in the shadow of the famous Cumberland Gap.
They are rooted in Appalachian tradition and southern highland culture. Corn bread and coal mines. Log cabins and over-alls. Front porch conversations and deals sealed with a hand shake. And of course, a down-home, come-on-in-and-grab-a-plate attitude. No matter who you are or where you are from, the people of the mountains of southeast Kentucky will treat you like next of kin.
Bell County is blessed with breath-taking mountain views and some of the best trail riding the world has to offer. The coal and lumber industries have left us with trails of all kinds and of all difficulties. From level gravel roads with spectacular views that are great for beginning riders to rutted out, rocky log roads that would make even the most experienced riders get chicken skin (that's goose-bumps in mountain talk)...Bell County has both and everything in between. Mud, dirt, gravel, rocky creek beds...whatever you want in a trail riding experience, we got it.
Great mountain views. Great trail riding. And great people. You are invited to come on down to the mountains and experience it first-hand. Once you do, you'll be back for more.
For more information about adventure tourism activites or any tourist related activity in Bell County Contact Bell County Tourism at 1-800-988-1075
