LIVINGSTON, Ky. — Small towns across Kentucky are embracing their proximity to trail systems by becoming certified trail towns under a new state adventure tourism program.

The Kentucky Trail Town program helps guide travelers to trails, food, lodging, campgrounds, museums, entertainment and other services.

Livingston and Morehead, both located near the Daniel Boone National Forest, are two of Kentucky’s first three trail towns. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail passes near both, which also offer access to a network of multi-use trails and other attractions including large recreational lakes and rivers. Outfitters and other recreation businesses can be found in both towns.

More than 30 other communities across Kentucky are also pursing trail town status, which state officials will highlight on maps, websites, visitor’s guides and other promotions. Each community determines how to tie trail systems and other services trail users need together in order to develop their downtowns and local adventure tourism industry.

Other DBNF towns slated to receive the designation are: Stearns, London, Slade, Stanton, Clay City, Manchester, and McKee. In the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail and Black Mountain areas, Cumberland, Lynch, Whitesburg, Jenkins, Elkhorn City, Harlan and Middlesboro are also slated to become trail towns soon.

— Carrie Stambaugh