Pikeville, Kentucky Travel Guide
Introducing Pikeville, Kentucky! Pikeville is home to around 7,000 residents in eastern Kentucky. Home to the University of Pikeville, the town is known for lots of shops, outdoor adventures, and history. Visitors can learn about local Hatfield and McCory history, tour the university, and enjoy local food and brews. Pikeville is located near Lexington, KY (2hr 30min, 140 miles), Johnson City, TN (2hr 10min, 120 miles), and Knoxville, TN (3hr 15min, 195 miles). Spend a day in this art haven in the center of Appalachia!
An interesting feature of Pikeville is the cut through, use to make room for the highway and railroad. This cut through is the second-largest earth moving project in the world, second only to the Panama Canal construction. Visitors can enjoy the view of the cut through from the Pikeville Cut-Through Overlook. While out and exploring the natural beauty of eastern Kentucky, cross the Virginia border and stop by Breaks Interstate Park to see “the Grand Canyon of the South.” The park has great views, hiking, camping, and fishing. Another great park is Jenny Wiley State Park on Dewey Lake. Come and camp, boat, fish, bike, ball and disc golf, swim, and hike!
Pikeville is home to plenty of history. Explore the Hatfield-McCoy Feud Cemetery to see gravesites for members of the families. Additionally, stop by the Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum to learn more about the area and the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
While in town, stop by the University of Pikeville! Walk through campus or take a prospective student tour. While in town, be sure to stop by many of the specialty stores. Head to Mountain Music Exchange for a new vinyl or instrument, Page 3’s Game Zone for video games and comics, and Moon Light Pathways for all things metaphysical. Take a walk across the Pauley Bridge, or see a show at the Appalachian Wireless Arena or the Appalachian Center for the Arts.
Need a bite to eat? Grab your morning brew at FaithLife Market and a classic diner breakfast at Happy Days Diner. For lunch, grab a burger from Joyce’s Place or Dairy Cheer. For dinner, have bbq classics and brisket from Biggin’s BBQ or Italian favorites, and the signature butter brickle dessert, from Chirico’s Ristorante. For a drink, head to Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery for craft beer, whiskey, and moonshine.
Looking to stay in Pikeville? Book a room at The Landmark Hotel or Brookshire Inn. Want a whole place to yourself? Consider booking a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Apartment Near Campus for 7 and Downtown Nook for 2.
Want to visit Pikeville but not sure when? Consider coming during their Hillbilly Days celebration! Whatever you’re into, Pikeville, Kentucky has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Pikeville that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
