Ghost Towns in Kentucky
9 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Kentucky.
All Ghost Towns
Barthell
Barthell was the first of 18 camps built by the Stearns company. It has been painstakingly restored with 12 cabins, a company store, and a schoolhouse...
Barthell
Barthell was the first of 18 coal mining camps built by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. The company town was restored as an open-air museum where...
Bath
Bath was the original county seat of Bath County. When the courthouse burned, the county seat was moved to Owingsville. The original town of Bath fade...
Benham
Benham was built by International Harvester as a model coal company town. Unlike many mining camps, Benham had substantial brick buildings, paved stre...
Blue Heron
Blue Heron (or Mine 18) was a coal camp isolated in the Big South Fork gorge. When the mine closed, the town was abandoned. The NPS has recreated the ...
Blue Heron
Blue Heron (Mine 18) was rebuilt as 'ghost structures'—open-frame metal shells of the original buildings with audio recordings of former residents tel...
Nada
Nada was a small lumber community serviced by a narrow-gauge railroad. The Nada Tunnel (1911) was hewn through the rock for the trains. Today, cars dr...
Paradise
Paradise is immortalized in John Prine's 1971 song about how 'Mr. Peabody's coal train hauled it away.' Strip mining destroyed the town and surroundin...
Perryville
Perryville was the site of the bloodiest Civil War battle in Kentucky on October 8, 1862. Over 7,600 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing. The ba...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Kentucky?
We have documented 9 ghost towns in Kentucky. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Kentucky safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Kentucky?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.