Perry County, Kentucky
Perry County is tucked deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Hazard serves as the county seat. Don’t worry, though—it’s not nearly as dangerous as its name suggests.
The county has a long coal mining history, but these days, adventure tourism is becoming a bigger attraction. There’s also a neat ATV trail system if you enjoy your recreation loud and muddy.
If you’re visiting in September, check out the Black Gold Festival. It’s like a coal miner’s Mardi Gras. Just leave the fancy shoes at home. Coal dust has a way of getting everywhere.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Perry County |
| County Seat | Hazard |
| Etymology | Named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hazard, Vicco, Buckhorn, Chavies, Cornettsville |
| Interstates and Highways | KY-15, KY-80, KY-7 |
| FIPS Code | 21-193 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 343 sq mi (Land: 340 sq mi; Water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Breathitt County (North), Knott County (Northeast), Letcher County (Southeast), Harlan County (South), Leslie County (West), Clay County (Northwest), Owsley County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| Population | Approximately 25,000 |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 37.3289° N, 83.2050° W |
| Major Landmarks | Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Perry County Park, Mother Goose House |
