Leitchfield has been officially certified as a Kentucky Trail Town, joining a program that helps communities boost economic development and tourism by highlighting outdoor recreation.
On Monday at Logsdon Valley Park, local and state officials, including Grayson County Tourism and the Public Trail Association of Grayson County, gathered at the park’s amphitheater for a ceremony officially proclaiming Leitchfield as Kentucky’s 30th Trail Town.
With the designation, Leitchfield joins other nearby Kentucky Trail Towns: Brownsville, Morgantown, Elizabethtown, Cave City/Horse Cave, Park City, and Munfordville.
The designation certifies Leitchfield/Grayson County as a Kentucky tourist destination.
Grayson County Tourism Director Tiffany Decker, who, along with the Public Trail Association of Grayson County, worked tirelessly to help the community earn the designation stated: “We couldn’t be more excited to finally be certified as a Trail Town in Grayson County. Tourism, along with Grayson County Public Trails, has waited a long time for this certification. We hope that being certified as a Trail Town in Kentucky, we can bring more tourists to our region to see our beautiful trails and lakes.”
A community officially recognized as a Kentucky Trail Town offers amenities and infrastructure that caters to trail users, typically hikers, bikers, or paddlers, allowing them to easily access trails, find lodging and food, and other services while exploring the area around the trailhead.
“Being designated as a Trail Town is such an honor to our community. It recognizes our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our county and promotes outdoor recreation for our citizens,” Leitchfield Mayor Harold Miller said. “This distinction celebrates our ongoing effort to welcome visitors, enhance our quality of life and to showcase our hospitality. Congratulations Grayson County on achieving this goal.”
Grayson County Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson expressed gratitude for the designation as it relates to an anticipated increase in tourism, and the financial benefits that should bring to the county.
“It’s an honor to have Grayson County designated as a Trail Town. This will have an economic impact on our community for years to come,” Henderson said. “We will see individuals coming from other areas which will bring tourism to our already established lakes and recreation. We hope that this will enhance the overall health of our community by providing six great trails to explore throughout Grayson County.”
“Our trail town communities are essential to driving tourism and welcoming visitors to our new Kentucky home, offering communities a platform to showcase the best outdoor recreational experiences,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Adventure seekers might visit for the outdoor experiences but will undoubtedly be charmed by all that Leitchfield has to offer. Congratulations to the Leitchfield community on becoming Kentucky’s 30th Trail Town.”
(Photo courtesy of Grayson Co. Tourism)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
