Hit the Road! 3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Paintsville, KY

Located in the eastern corner of Kentucky and just a few miles from the West Virginia state line, the city of Paintsville, KY, offers endless opportunities for those wanting to explore the region. If you’re planning an adventure in your RAM 1500 or Jeep Cherokee and are looking for new and exciting places to visit, here are three wonderful and easy day trips you can go on in the great outdoors.

1. Cabwaylingo State Forest

Entirely restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 1940s, Cabwaylingo State Forest is a sprawling nature reserve that attracts thousands of visitors each year from all over the region. Spanning an area of over 8,000 acres, this place features some of the oldest standing fire towers in West Virginia, as well as picnic shelters and fully equipped guest cabins.
Cabwaylingo State Forest is located on the western tip of West Virginia and about 55 miles east of downtown Paintsville. Getting here by car takes a little over an hour, making it a popular day trip destination among residents and visitors to the city. Boasting several hiking trails, open fields, and dense forests, this public recreation area is a perfect spot for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching.

2. Paintsville Lake State Park

Located just five miles northwest of the city center, Paintsville Lake State Park is the easiest and most popular day trip among its residents. A 10-minute drive from the downtown area along route KY-40, this nature reserve is an excellent spot to unwind, take a break from the routine, and enjoy your favorite outdoor sports and activities with your family and friends.
While Paintsville Lake State Park covers an area of about 240 acres, it sits right along the shores of a 1,150-acre body of water that offers great opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. This public recreation area also features a restaurant, an auditorium, numerous picnic shelters, and a replica of a small farming community from the late 19th Century.

3. Yatesville Lake State Park

Another lakeside recreation area located just 35 miles northeast of downtown Paintsville, Yatesville Lake State Park is an easy day trip destination that can be reached in less than 40 minutes by car. Featuring an 18-hole golf course, picnic areas, hiking trails, boat ramps, and designated fishing spots, this place is a perfect spot to spend a weekend away from the city.

When you’re in the mood to get out into nature and escape the city life for a while, check out one of these 3 options and enjoy all the beauty of our lovely area. Start making your plans for an excursion today!

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