Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Kentucky transports passengers through the rugged Cumberland Plateau to the abandoned coal mining town of Blue Heron, a preserved ghost town that tells the story of life in an Appalachian mining community. The 16-mile round-trip journey descends deep into the Big South Fork Gorge, crossing high trestles and passing through dense hardwood forests. At Blue Heron, visitors can explore outdoor interpretive exhibits featuring recordings of former miners and residents sharing their memories of life in the camp. The area is part of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, known for its stunning sandstone gorges, arches, and whitewater rapids.