Mount Sterling
Around Mount Sterling
Photo: Nyttend · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Kentucky · 48k people
Mount Sterling
The friendliest stop on the way to the mountains
deep forest greenautumn gold
Welcome to Mount Sterling, where the courthouse square is the heart of town and the Red River Gorge is your backyard. Whether you're here for the burgoo or the hiking, you'll find friendly folks and a slower pace.
Clubs for Mount Sterling
No clubs for Mount Sterling yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Mount Sterling. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Mount Sterling. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Mount Sterling Courthouse Square Historic center of town.
- Red River Gorge Famous for sandstone arches and cliffs.
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park Home to a massive natural arch.
- Daniel Boone National Forest Vast forest with trails and camping.
- Cave Run Lake Reservoir for boating and fishing.
- Covered Bridges of Fleming County Scattered historic bridges.
- Outdoors Hike the trails at Red River Gorge
- Outdoors Fish at Cave Run Lake
- With kids Hike the easy trails at Natural Bridge
- With kids Tour the covered bridges by car
- Evenings Live music at local bars
- Evenings Karaoke nights
- Locals love Country diners
- Locals love Antique shops
Through the year
Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to be outside.
Talk like a local
- “The Gorge”
- The Red River Gorge area.
- “holler”
- A hollow or small valley.
- “fixin' to”
- About to do something.
- “y'all”
- You all.
Getaways
Local flavour
Rooting for University of Kentucky Wildcats, Morehead State Eagles
Eat and drink
- Kentucky burgoo A hearty stew traditionally served at gatherings and festivals
- Country ham biscuits A Southern staple often found at local diners and events
- Sorghum syrup A sweet local product drizzled over biscuits or cornbread
Where people go
- Historic courthouse squares The heart of small towns like Mount Sterling and Owingsville
- Covered bridges Scattered across the countryside, reminders of the region's history
- Horse farms The rolling bluegrass landscape is dotted with thoroughbred farms
- Red River Gorge A natural landmark in Powell County, known for its sandstone arches and cliffs
- Daniel Boone National Forest A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic views
Heritage and traditions
This region is proud of its deep Appalachian roots, the rugged beauty of Red River Gorge and the Daniel Boone National Forest, and a heritage of self-reliance, bluegrass music, and covered bridges that harken back to pioneer days.
This time of year in Mount Sterling
- Fall foliage viewing October October brings brilliant colors to the gorge and forest, drawing leaf-peepers.
- Mount Sterling Court Days October A historic street fair dating to 1799, held every October with crafts, food, and music.
- Fleming County Covered Bridge Festival October Celebrates the county's five historic covered bridges with tours and local crafts.
Say it like a local: “crick” — a creek or small stream
Festivals
- Mount Sterling Court Days October A historic street fair dating to 1799, held every October with crafts, food, and music.
- Fleming County Covered Bridge Festival October Celebrates the county's five historic covered bridges with tours and local crafts.
- Montgomery County Fair July A classic county fair with livestock shows, carnival rides, and burgoo stands.
- Bath County Fair July Features local produce, horse shows, and a demolition derby.
- Morgan County Fair August A rural fair with 4-H exhibits, tractor pulls, and live bluegrass.
- Fleming County Fair July Another county fair with livestock auctions and homemade pies.
Landmarks with a story
- Covered Bridges of Fleming County Five 19th-century wooden covered bridges, among the oldest in Kentucky, are preserved as historic landmarks.
- Mount Sterling Courthouse Square A classic Kentucky courthouse square with a historic courthouse and surrounding 19th-century commercial buildings.
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park A massive natural sandstone arch and surrounding forest, a beloved natural landmark and recreation area.
- Red River Gorge A rugged canyon with over 100 natural arches, cliffs, and trails, part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
- Daniel Boone National Forest A vast forest named for the explorer, covering much of the region with hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
- Cave Run Lake A large reservoir built by the Army Corps of Engineers, popular for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Food traditions
- Burgoo A thick, slow-cooked stew made with local meats (often pork, chicken, or mutton) and vegetables, traditionally served at political rallies and community gatherings.
- Country ham biscuits Slices of salty, cured country ham on flaky biscuits, a breakfast and snack staple across the region.
- Sorghum syrup Sweet syrup made from crushed sorghum cane, poured over biscuits or used in baking; a heritage crop in the hills.
- Ramps Wild leeks foraged in early spring, often fried with bacon or potatoes; a beloved Appalachian delicacy.
- Fried apple pies Hand pies filled with spiced apples, fried until golden, a mountain dessert sold at fairs and roadside stands.
Music and arts
- Bluegrass and old-time music Rooted in Appalachian string bands, with local jam sessions and festivals.
- Dulcimer making A traditional mountain instrument, handcrafted by local luthiers.
- Quilting A craft passed down through generations, often displayed at county fairs.
- Folk art Whittling, woodcarving, and painted landscapes reflecting rural life.
A little history
- 1770s Daniel Boone and other long hunters explored the area in the 1770s, blazing trails through the wilderness.
- 1792 Mount Sterling was settled and established as a town, becoming a county seat and trading post.
- mid-1800s Covered bridges were built across Fleming County's creeks, many still standing today.
- early 1900s The timber and coal industries boomed in the surrounding mountains, shaping local towns and railroads.
- 1937 The Daniel Boone National Forest was established (as Cumberland National Forest), preserving the region's woodlands.
Rivalries
- Kentucky Wildcats vs Louisville Cardinals Statewide college basketball rivalry.
- Morehead State Eagles vs Eastern Kentucky Colonels Regional college rivalry.
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Trail running events
- Outdoors Hike to Natural Bridge
- Outdoors Kayak or canoe the Red River
- With kids Swimming at Cave Run Lake
- With kids Hiking the easy trails at Natural Bridge
Locals speak a Southern Appalachian dialect with a slow, friendly drawl, often dropping the 'g' from -ing words and using 'y'all' for the second-person plural. You'll hear 'holler' for valley, 'crick' for creek, and 'fixin' to' for about to.
Only here
- Fleming County has five historic covered bridges, earning it the title 'Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky.'
- Red River Gorge contains over 100 natural sandstone arches, one of the highest concentrations in the eastern US.
- The Nada Tunnel is a 900-foot-long one-lane tunnel blasted through a mountain, a quirky gateway to the gorge.
- The Zilpo Trail at Cave Run Lake offers a scenic drive through the forest, popular with leaf-peepers.
New here? A few tips
- Learn to navigate the winding, hilly roads—take it slow, especially in fog or snow.
- Weather can change quickly; pack layers and rain gear for outdoor adventures.
- Try the local cuisine: burgoo, country ham biscuits, and sorghum syrup are musts.
- Visit Red River Gorge early in the morning to avoid crowds and find parking.
- Embrace the hospitality: folks are friendly and expect a wave when passing on rural roads.
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Part of Lexington area
Nearby
Every areaRed River GorgeKentuckyWhere the red rocks meet the hollersRichmondKentuckyWhere the mountains meet the bluegrassMoreheadKentuckyWhere the hills hold you close.LexingtonKentuckyWhere horses and bourbon set the pace of life.CynthianaKentuckyWhere the burgoo is always simmeringBeattyvilleKentuckyWhere the hills hold their stories.FrankfortKentuckyWhere Kentucky’s bourbon, horses, and history meet.DanvilleKentuckyWhere the Bluegrass begins
Mount Sterling, KY. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.