McCreary County, Kentucky
McCreary County is tucked away in southern Kentucky, right along the Tennessee border. Whitley City serves as the county seat, although it isn’t officially a city or town.
Much of the county is covered by national forest, making it a great place for hiking and camping. There’s also a scenic railway if you’d rather take in the sights without breaking a sweat.
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a major attraction, offering plenty of adventure and opportunities to escape into nature. However, it’s Daniel Boone National Forest that covers much of the county.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | McCreary County |
| County Seat | Whitley City |
| Etymology | Named after James B. McCreary, a Governor of Kentucky |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Whitley City, Stearns, Pine Knot, Strunk, Marshes Siding |
| Interstates and Highways | US-27, KY-92, KY-1651 |
| FIPS Code | 21-147 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 431 sq mi (Land: 427 sq mi; Water: 4 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Pulaski County (North), Laurel County (Northeast), Whitley County (East), Campbell County, Tennessee (Southeast), Scott County, Tennessee (South), Wayne County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 36.7226° N, 84.4838° W |
| Major Landmarks | Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Blue Heron Mining Community, Yahoo Falls |
| Population | Approximately 17,000 |
