Like most of the surrounding towns in this scenic area of eastern Appalachia, Paintsville, Kentucky still depends on the coal industry for its livelihood. Nevertheless, this small town of less than 3,500 people is making a bid to attract tourists, witness the renovation of its historic downtown. The town's proximity to nearby lakes and outdoor recreation areas is yet another calling card. Paintsville also places an emphasis on tourism with country music roots. Country singer Loretta Lynn -- known as the "Coal Miner's Daughter" -- grew up in the hills of Butcher Holler, about 8 miles from Paintsville. Lynn and other well-known country artists are part of the region's rich musical heritage.
Biking and Walking
- The multi-use Dawkins Line Rail Trail allows cyclists, hikers and equestrians to access an 18-mile trail that includes 24 railroad trestles and a 662-foot tunnel. The trail, which runs through a scenic area filled with rolling hills and forest, follows the disused Dawkins Line railroad bed that runs from Hager Hill to Evanston. If you prefer to walk around town and take in historic homes and buildings, consider the Historic Downtown Paintsville tour. You'll stroll past the old city hall, the rambling 43-room Mayo Mansion and the Mayo Methodist Church. The Mayo buildings were commissioned by John Caldwell Calhoun Mayo, a local entrepreneur who eventually became Kentucky's wealthiest citizen.
Honoring Music
- Loretta Lynn is not the only country music singer who came from the area. In honor of these entertainers, U.S. Highway 23 running through Paintsville is a designated National Scenic Byway. The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum showcases more than a dozen successful country musicians, including Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Billy Ray Cyrus and The Judds. Visitors can see photos, exhibits and memorabilia pertaining to these and other artists. Among other things, the gift shop sells music, videos and even an array of cookbooks written by the singers.
The Lakes
- Bring your boat, fishing pole and camping gear to both Paintsville Lake and Dewey Lake. The 1,140-acre Paintsville Lake, located less than 5 miles northwest of town, is surrounded by cliffs and wooded coves. Here, anglers can catch bass, crappie, catfish and muskie. There are 32 sites at the lake's campground that feature restrooms, showers and sewer hookups. If you need a boat, the full-service marina -- complete with a launching ramp -- has houseboats, pedal boats and fishing boats available for rent. Four miles south of town, the 2,242-acre Dewey Lake has five boat launch ramps. Activities here include fishing, swimming and water skiing. Bass, crappie and catfish are the main draw for anglers. The campground at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park serves Dewey Lake's visitors who arrive by car; boaters can access the Shoreline I and II campgrounds.
Mountain HomePlace
- Located just west of Paintsville, Mountain HomePlace is a cultural center with five original 19th and early 20th buildings gathered in one place from the surrounding area. The site seeks to educate visitors about the people of the Appalachians through tours of a typical home, cabin, barn, one-room schoolhouse and a Baptist church. The center also has a working blacksmith shop and gardens that produce vegetables and herbs. A museum displaying period tools, clothing and wares completes the site. Mountain HomePlace's gift shop offers Appalachian-crafted items, including quilts, hand-painted gourds and hand-sewn dolls.
