Whitley County, Kentucky
Whitley County sits along the Tennessee border in southeastern Kentucky. Corbin, the largest city, proudly claims to be the birthplace of KFC. That’s right. Colonel Sanders created his famous secret recipe here at Sanders Café.
The county is also home to a portion of Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s a great place to hike, camp, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a black bear.
Cumberland Falls, nicknamed the “Niagara of the South,” is also nearby. With around 36,000 residents, Whitley County combines small-town charm with plenty of natural beauty.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Whitley County |
| County Seat | Williamsburg |
| Etymology | Named after Colonel William Whitley, a pioneer in Kentucky |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Williamsburg, Corbin, Rockholds, Emlyn, Saxton |
| Interstates and Highways | I-75, US-25W, KY-92 |
| FIPS Code | 21-235 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 445 sq mi (Land: 438 sq mi; Water: 7 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Laurel County (North), Knox County (Northeast), Bell County (East), Claiborne County, Tennessee (Southeast), Campbell County, Tennessee (South), McCreary County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| Population | Approximately 36,000 |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 36.7431° N, 84.1558° W |
| Major Landmarks | Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, University of the Cumberlands, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area |
