HARLAN OFF ROAD TRAILS

                                                                           

Putney Trailhead at the Harlan County Campground

• 

  The Harlan County Campground at Black Mountain Recreational Park in Harlan County, in southeastern Kentucky, features more than 6,000 miles of mountainous land, 200 miles of which are ATV and 4x4 trails. The trailhead is at Putney in the campgrounds, and all trails are rated and marked appropriately for difficulty level. The park is open all day, year-round. For any trail accidents, an air compressor, a welder and blow torches are available on-site. At the trail shop, you can find goggles, additional riding gear, ice, snacks, maps and permits, which are required to ride the trails at Black Mountain.
  Putney Trailhead
  8331 Highway 119
  Putney, KY 40865
  606-573-9009
  harlancountycampground.com

                 

Open all day, all year-round Over 150 Miles of Marked and Rated Trails Approximately 8,000 Acres of Mountainous Terrain Elevations up to 3,300 feet high Detailed trail maps available Beginner, Intermediate and Extreme ATV Trails Levels 1 through 5 4x4 Trails and Obstacles Two Convenient Trailheads Minutes from rental cabins, RV Hookups and other amenities Lowest Rates Nationwide!!!

                                   

Trails

The trail system includes approximately 150 miles of trail, most of which are the by-product of contour mining and logging. Trails are identified with a unique number or name and given a classification that describes the trail's difficulty and exposure. Numbers and classifications are posted on signs at intersections as well as on trail maps that can be viewed on several kiosks on the property or purchased at a trailhead.
Due to the geography of Black Mountain, trails vary in elevation and often include hill climbs and descents. Some of the highest trails exceed 3,300 above sea level.

Trailheads

The trail system is accessible from two trailheads, Evarts Trailhead on the south near the City of Evarts, and Putney Trailhead on the north near the community of Putney. Evarts Trailhead is operated by HCORBA. Putney Trailhead is operated privately by Harlan County Campground & RV Park LLC.

Permit System

In 2009, the HCORBA implemented a general use permit system requiring all visitors to register their vehicle at a trailhead and purchase a vehicle permit. Permits are sold for terms of 31-days or one year. Fees generated through the permit system allow HCORBA to operate and maintain the trail system.

Publicity

Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area has been featured on numerous television shows including the Outdoor Channel's Ride To Adventure Extreme^[2] and Fisher's ATV World and Spike TV's Trucks!^[3] The trail system has been featured in off-road and powersports magazines including ATV Rider,^[4] ATV Illustrated ^[5] and ATV Sport. ATV Illustrated called Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area "possibly the best ATV riding in North America."

Name Changes

The trail system was originally named Black Mountain Recreation Park. In 2008, it was renamed to Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park and then subsequently Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area. Evarts Trailhead, one of the trail systems two trailheads, was originally named Bailey Creek Trailhead.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          MOUNTAIN THUNDER ZIPLINE                                                                                                                                                         During a regular monthly meeting of the Harlan County Outdoor Recreation Board Authority, a financial report listed $6,030.18 in general sales, $15,920 in permit sales, $180 in zip line photos and $11,347 in zip line tours for a total income of $33,477.18 during April 12 through May 9 at the Baileys Creek Trail Head of the Black Mountain Off Road Adventure Area.
Board member Ken Crider read some feedback comments from tourists who had recently visited the Black Mountain Thunder Zip Line.
“One said ‘it was fantastic,’” said Crider. “Another said ‘it was an awesome adventure.’ I have begun my quest to find friends and family to share this adventure with in the near future and I would recommend this to anyone who is making a bucket list. Another said ‘this is my first time ever getting to do this.’ ‘Great people working there and great experience.’”
Crider said zip line tickets have been purchased from as far away as Washington state, Kansas, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. He said they also had sales from Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. He said there are a lot of zip line reservations booked for the month of June.
Chairman Dallas Gilbert told board members a kids zip line has been installed in Cumberland specifically for the Black Bear Festival. He said the line is approximately 250 feet long and staff from Black Mountain Thunder will be on hand to sell T-shirts during the festival. He went on to say the zip line will be removed after the festival.
In other board action the board approved the donation of 12 zip line tickets in lieu of the purchase of a booth at the Poke Sallet Festival. The board also voted to allow Gilbert to set up a meeting with all zip line guides to discuss procedures.
Zip line general store summer hours of operation were set for Monday through Tuesday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. with alternating closing on Wednesday through Sunday.
The board approved a joint Black Mountain Thunder Zip Line advertising campaign for the upcoming Poke Sallet Festival and the Southern Shine Crawl.
A discussion was held in regard to purchasing a used vehicle from Chris Allen to be used at the zip line, but the issue was tabled until the vehicle can be checked out to see if it is what is needed for the area. It was also noted the zip line is not being utilized by local citizens. It was suggested more advertising be done to encourage local participation.
Board member Ronnie Shoope asked that safety radios be purchased to be used by zip line personnel after a recent incident where a guest and guide were injured. After a lengthy discussion, the issue was tabled until the next scheduled meeting.
After going into executive session, the board returned and approved an increase in salary for a maintenance employee.