Southfork Elk View Cabins Dedicated

Officials from across the area joined local and state dignitaries on Monday to dedicate and open the Southfork Elkview Campground.

A line of fifteen elected officials and individuals who worked on the project smiled as they cut a large blue ribbon with golden scissors, marking the ceremonial opening of the much-anticipated tourist site. 

“The Southfork Elkview Cabins and Campground have unlimited potential,” Jim Cable said.  Cable, who currently serves as the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources and the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, told those gathered that the new facility would help connect the state’s vast network of horse and ATV trails, making them an economic driver of growth for the mountains.

County Judge Executive Jeff Noble, who emceed the event, welcomed the attendees and thanked every elected representative, appointed leader, and volunteer who helped make the site a reality.

He gave special thanks to Jennifer McIntosh and Scott Smith of Kentucky River Area Development District and noted that “none of this would have happened” if it were not for the hard work of them and everyone at KRADD.

The event marked the completion of the first of more than ten planned rental cabins at the long-planned site.

“This is a blessing from Heaven,” Representative Chris Fugate said.

Fugate, who represents the 84^th District, which includes Breathitt County, told those gathered that the opening and the facility were “only a part of the big picture” that eastern Kentucky needed to help draw tourists to the area and to boost the local economy.

“There is no prettier place than this,” Fugate said as he described the corridor between the Elkview property and the Mine Made Adventure Park in Knott County.

Keynote speaker Rocky Adkins praised the vision of Judge Noble and the fiscal court members who never gave up on the project.

“This is not a red or blue project.  It was not a Democrat or Republican project,” Adkins said.  He described the effort as a cooperation of people who have the best interests of the mountain at heart.

Adkins described the effort to fund the $4.5 million project with grants from the state legislature, the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and other funding sources. 

“You never gave up, and you never quit,” Adkins said of the effort.  “The people of Breathitt County and the mountains deserve this kind of investment.”

Adkins praised the effort that brought “a mined-out piece of land back to life and prosperity.”

“This is a good day.  This is an exciting day,” Adkins said.  This is exactly how we grow our region and welcome visitors to the mountains.  But don’t be satisfied with this.  There is more we can do if we work together with the same goals and purpose.”

Adkins joined Noble and the other dignitaries for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the campground office and general store.

Senator Brandon Smith told those gathered at the event that visitors from around the country are coming to Kentucky and will be interested in the hospitality and adventures the mountains have to offer.

Smith and Rocky Adkins touted the state’s record-breaking tourism industry, which has set new records for the past four years.  “And we expect that to continue,” Adkins said.

Visitors took the opportunity to tour one of the three cabins being completed at the site over the next few weeks.  They will soon be available for public rental.

A large bathhouse with restrooms and showers is also an important feature of the site, hoping to draw tourists to the area.

The campground, with more than 25 sites, is open at the facility, and additional cabins are planned once funding is awarded.  The campsites/RV sites have water, sewer, and electric hookups.

For information about the campground, contact the Breathitt County Courthouse by email at campground@breathitt.org or by phone at (606) 666-3800, ext. 224.