In the 20th century, short lines and branches brought forth coal for use nationwide, and one of the primary locations was Stearns, home of the Kentucky & Tennessee short line. The coal is gone now, but the K&T has been reborn as the Big South Fork Scenic Railway.
Choices
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers 3-hour trips through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on the former Kentucky & Tennessee Railway. The train follows mountain streams, passes through a tunnel, and crosses a bridge as it descends 600 feet to the floor of the river valley. The ride includes a layover at the restored mining camp of Blue Heron.
When to go
The railroad runs regular excursions on a varied schedule from April through October. During November, 2-hour excursions run to the Big South Fork gorge. The Banjo Boogie Express, Moonshine Limited, Halloween, Christmas, and other specials operate during the season. Spring is especially beautiful in this part of the Appalachians because of all of the blooming plants that inhabit the mountains.
Good to know
The bridge over Roaring Paunch Creek is unique. It was constructed in 1937 from a used railroad bridge. The bridge girders needed to be offset because the line crossed the creek at an angle. The bridge’s girders were offset in the opposite direction, so it was placed upside down, and the ties and track were then added.
Worth doing
The McCreary County Museum, which is housed in the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company headquarters that was built in 1907, exhibits many facets of Appalachian life including the coal and lumber industries.
Don’t miss
Take the walking tour of the Blue Heron Mine at the end of the run. Built in 1937, this mine and coal tipple operated until abandoned in 1962. The mine was restored with ghost structures (representations of where the actual buildings stood) and oral history exhibits by the National Park Service as part of the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area. You can also camp, hike, fish, and raft the river.
Getting there
Stearns is 70 miles from Knoxville, Tenn., and 120 miles from Lexington. From Knoxville, take I-75 north to Exit 141. Take Route 63 west to the junction with Route 27. Take Route 27 north to Stearns. Turn left on Route 92 and travel west 1 mile to the depot.
Location: 66 Henderson Street, Stearns, KY
Phone: 606-376-5330
Website: bsfsry.com
E-mail: web.info@bsfsry.com
