ATV trail opening in E.Ky.

Associated Press Writer

PIKEVILLE (AP) — For generations, two Eastern Kentucky families have enjoyed more than 10,000 acres of scenic terrain on the outskirts of Buckhorn Lake. Now they have opened up their properties to the public for four-wheeling, horseback riding and hiking.

The heads of the Gay and Abner families decided to lease their land for free as part of a regional push for adventure tourism after monthslong talks with county officials and Lt. Gov.-elect Daniel Mongiardo, a Perry County native who made adventure tourism a part of his campaign.

“As far as we’re concerned, we did it to generate revenue — to bring in tourism and business,” Darrin Gay, of Buckhorn, said Friday. Gay represented his family in the deal.

The goal is to create an all-terrain vehicle trail that spans over five adjoining counties — Clay, Owsley, Perry, Breathitt and Leslie. Officials hope to have the area accessible to ATV riders by next fall, though long-term plans include trails for horseback riding, hiking and biking.

State and local officials have been trying to capitalize on the notoriously rugged mountains of Eastern Kentucky for years. A recent state-commissioned study found that the Kentucky counties best suited for adventure tourism are also the most economically distressed.

That’s because the region is characterized by severe terrain that has kept the area from diversifying its economy beyond coal mining.

Earlier this year, Gov. Ernie Fletcher rolled out a strategy at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, focusing on the region’s potential to draw in an annual 100,000-plus whitewater paddlers, rock climbers, hikers and horseback riders.

The tricky part is convincing landowners to come on board with tourism plans. Some 94 percent of land in Kentucky is privately owned, making deals with families a key part of outdoor tourism, said Chris Gilligan, a Commerce Cabinet spokesman.

Over the past three years, about 100,000 acres of privately owned land has been signed over for public hunting and fishing. In return, the landowners get a single elk hunting permit in exchange for every 5,000 acres.

The Gays and Abners aren’t getting anything in return for their lease — at least not in the near future. There is a potential for building rental cabins and other small ventures.

“This was done out of friendship,” said Fritz Steel, chairman of the Hazard-Perry County tourism board, who, along with Judge-Executive Denny Ray Noble, initially approached the families with the idea. “These people know their community.”