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Sen. Rand Paul tours Eastern Kentucky sites to promote regional tourism initiatives
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - Senator Rand Paul visited sites in Eastern Kentucky this week as the fall foliage peak arrives, discussing the region’s tourism efforts.
One stop was Pine Mountain State Resort Park, where Paul discussed concrete plans to unify the region’s tourism efforts into one comprehensive plan, known as the Kentucky Leaf Trail.
“We’re trying to promote the idea that Eastern Kentucky ought to be seen as a single entity to advertise to the world, that, hey, we’ve got great leaves. Better than Tennessee, better than North Carolina. Come to Eastern Kentucky,” Paul said.
The Kentucky Leaf Trail will include many tourist destinations throughout Eastern Kentucky. It will give visitors a guide for more than 600 miles of mountain scenery.
“Ultimately, we had the idea and we get it started, but we really want people who live out here to be in charge of it and telling us what they want,” Paul said.
The day continued at Boone’s Ridge, which officials expect to be a national tourism destination. It is expected to have a soft opening in October 2027 after years of planning and construction.
“On our tram road and walking trails, you’re going to be able to be out in nature, and absorbing a lot of those sights and sounds that you’re probably not going to see sitting at your couch at home,” said Chris Osborne, general manager of Boone’s Ridge.
Officials believe Boone’s Ridge will bring in visitors and wildlife watchers from across the country. Nearly 300 elk have been brought onto the 12,000-acre property.
Boone’s Ridge is expected to play a role in advertising the region’s natural beauty.
“This is a very big project, and it’s just one dot in the grand spectrum of tourism for the state of Kentucky,” Osborne said.
“This is something we own. Mother nature gave us this beauty, and I think people will come once they notice that it’s here, and also that less crowded...” Paul said.
Previous coverage about the Kentucky Leaf Trail can be found here, and more information about Boone’s Ridge can be found here.
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