The Kentucky Wildlands

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The Kentucky Wildlands

Explorers can channel Daniel Boone and a genuine spirit of adventure, all while experiencing the magic of Eastern Kentucky.
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16/06/2024

To the dads that adventure, Happy Father's Day 💚 Make memories, together, in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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15/06/2024

In a galaxy not so far away, you can find Laurel River Lake 💫 Experience the cosmic wonder that can only be found in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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14/06/2024

Plunge into serenity at Bridge Rock Falls 🍃 Leave your cares behind in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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13/06/2024

Feeling "grate," might go eat at Moonbow Mercantile Williamsburg later 🧀 Dig into local restaurants in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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12/06/2024

Did you know? Visit Harlan County is home to the highest peak in Kentucky, Black Mountain ⛰️ There's so much to discover in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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11/06/2024

Stepping out of hibernation like 🐻 As The Kentucky Wildlands' black bears emerge from their winter slumber, we want to remind all adventurers to exercise caution while exploring. Should you come across a black bear, keep a safe distance and practice bear safety, which you can read all about, here: https://bit.ly/3Xd0h71.

Remember, the outdoors may be our backyard, but it's their living room. Happy exploring!

📷: Red River Gorge

10/06/2024

May your week be as wondrous as Grays Arch 🤩 Let's go to The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: .every.day

09/06/2024

Slow your scroll ✋ Pikeville City Tourism has officially been named a Kentucky Trail Town! Tucked between towering mountains and racing rivers, Pikeville is where "sip, paddle, saddle" adventure was born. Plan your Trail Town excursion, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

🛶 Russell Fork River
⛰️ Cut-through Overlook
🥾 The Real McCoy Trail
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🍃 Bob Amos Trail
🐴 Horseback riding with H&M Stables
🎣 Fishtrap Lake State Park

📷: , Valerie Svacina, Kurt Freund, , James Mullins,

08/06/2024

Say cheese 📸😄 You're at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park! See what sights await on The Kentucky Wildlands' Waterfall Trail, here: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail.

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07/06/2024

What's the Daniel Boone spirit? It's the feeling of summiting a towering peak, it's the cool spray of a roaring waterfall, it's feeling small beneath a towering arch, it's sleeping beneath an open sky, it's discovering an off-the-beaten-path adventure, it's The Kentucky Wildlands 🍃⛰️ Your Daniel Boone-worthy adventure is out there. Discover it, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📍 Buzzards Roost | Red River Gorge
📍 Maze Falls | Daniel Boone National Forest
📍 Paintsville Lake | Paintsville Tourism
📍 Stairway to Heaven Falls | Daniel Boone National Forest
📍 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park | Bell County KY Tourism
📍 Hopewell Arch | Menifee County
📍 Rockcastle River | Mount Vernon Rockcastle Tourism
📍 Kingdom Come State Park | Visit Harlan County
📍 Creation Falls | Wolfe County Tourism
📍 Cumberland Falls Trail | McCreary Tourism, Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission and Whitley County

📷: , , , , , .outdoors00, , .hikes, ,

06/06/2024

ATTN ✨ Today, June 6th, marks the inaugural 606 Day celebration, highlighting the water-soaked adventure, rugged wonders and small town charm of Lake Cumberland Tourism-Somerset-Pulaski County CVB. To celebrate, we want to know YOUR top 6 Lake Cumberland favs, including activities, restaurants and attractions, local businesses and more, in the comments below 👇 And share your favs to your own feed using !

To learn more about Lake Cumberland, visit: https://bit.ly/3RhSOQf.

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05/06/2024

Drive your taste buds "glazy" this National Donut Day at King Donuts in Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission 🍩 Treat yourself in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: Kings Donuts

04/06/2024

Bliss is found on the shore of Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY's Eagle Lake 😌 Relax waterside in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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03/06/2024

There's only 2.4 miles between you and McCreary Tourism's Princess Falls 🥾✨ Set out on an adventure you'll never forget on the Waterfall Trail: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail.

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02/06/2024

We've gathered you here today to admire the awe-inspiring beauty of the Red River Gorge's Council Chamber 🤩 It's time to get outside: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: .hikes

01/06/2024

Make National Trails Day epic at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area's Split Bow Arch 🤯 Go where the great outdoors was born, The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: .hikes

31/05/2024

A Star Wars-esque scene can be found at the Sand Cave in Bell County KY Tourism's Cumberland Gap National Historical Park 🥾 Go forth and explore, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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30/05/2024

When in doubt, explore 🥾 Get lost amongst the wonders that await in Daniel Boone National Forest. Plan your getaway in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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29/05/2024

Visit Harlan County 's Poke Sallet Festival kicks off tomorrow, May 30th through June 1st 🎪🎡 From live music to carnival rides and delicious eats, this is one event you won't want to miss. There's so much to discover in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

28/05/2024

Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission's Dog Slaughter Falls is looking a little different these days 👀 The famous log has officially left this iconic cascade. Are you team log or no log? Discover more, here: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail.

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26/05/2024

🧗‍♂️ THE ADVENTURER 🧗‍♂️ Send your heart rate soaring in The Kentucky Wildlands. Climb to new heights, race down wooded trails, paddle beneath the surface—the wilderness is yours to conquer 💪 Save this list for your next excursion!

📍 Waterfall paddle boarding | Grayson
📍 Off-roading at Mine Made Adventure Park |. Knott County
📍 Rock climbing | Red River Gorge
📍 Exploring with The Gorge Underground | Red River Gorge
📍 Soaring with Red River Zipline Tours | Red River Gorge
📍 Kayaking down Rockcastle River's rapids | Mount Vernon Rockcastle Tourism
📍 Biking at Sugarcamp Mountain Trails | Prestonsburg Tourism

Exploration awaits: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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25/05/2024

🍽️ THE EATER 🍽️ Get ready to lick your plate, the Bluegrass State's eats just can't be beat. Sink your teeth into a classic dish or venture to one of our local hidden gems, the choice is yours in The Kentucky Wildlands 🤤 Ready to dig in? Let's go!

📍 Harlan Sanders Cafe | Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission
📍 Red River Rockhouse | Wolfe County Tourism
📍 City Pool Hall | Lake Cumberland Life
📍 The Brick Oven | City of Williamsburg, KY
📍 Hop's | Wolfe County Tourism
📍 Happy Cow Cafe | Visit Columbia-Adair County, KY
📍 The Urban Stillhouse Somerset | See Somerset
📍 House of Shenanigans-Pineville | Bell County KY Tourism
📍 Fat Pattys Ashland | Visit Ashland, KY
📍 Local Honey | Visit London KY

Let's eat: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: , , , , , , , , Brian Polley,

24/05/2024

🍻 THE SIPPER 🍻 Raise your glass to The Kentucky Wildlands! Nothing refreshes your sense of adventure like a tall glass of your fav local drink. From coffee and brews to Kentucky's finest wine and moonshine, we've got your covered 🙌

📍 Sawstone Brewing Co | Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY
📍 Battlefield Coffee Co. | Nancy
📍 Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery | Pikeville City Tourism
📍 Hazard Coffee Company | Hazard
📍 Pauley Hollow Distillery, LLC | Forest Hills
📍 Cave Hill Vineyard & Winery | Eubank
📍 Harlan County Beer Company | Visit Harlan County
📍 Kentucky Mist Distillery - Whitesburg | Letcher County Tourism
📍 Happy Hopper’s Coffee & More | Lake Cumberland Life
📍 Tap on Main Brewing | See Somerset

Drink up, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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23/05/2024

😌 THE LOUNGER 😌 Exploring is wonderful, but nothing beats kicking up your feet. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world at a cozy inn, one-of-a-kind cabin or retreat into nature on a glamping escape 🏕️ Ready to discover your post-adventure hideaway? Save this list!

📍Rock Haven Hideouts | Red River Gorge
📍 The Hive at High Rock | Red River Gorge
📍 Cave Creek RRG | Red River Gorge
📍 Mother Goose Inn | Hazard
📍 The White House | Liberty Tourism & Convention Commission
📍 Experience The WILDS | Red River Gorge
📍 Hidden Ridge Camping at Lake Cumberland | Lake Cumberland Life
📍 Clover Hill Bed & Breakfast | McKee
📍 Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort | Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission
📍 Browns Elk Cabin Bed & Breakfast | Letcher County Tourism

Book your Kentucky escape, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: , , , , , ,, , , Browns Elk Cabin Bed & Breakfast

22/05/2024

💦 THE CHASER 💦 Send your apologies to TLC, because you're off to chase waterfalls in The Kentucky WIldlands. Discover the Bluegrass State's most enchanting cascades on a Waterfall Trail excursion, where 17 falls wait to dazzle you. Lace up your boots! We're off to explore 🥾

📍 Pine Island Double Falls | London KY
📍 Flat Lick Falls | McKee
📍 Cumberland Falls | McCreary Tourism and Whitley County
📍 Vanhook Falls | Visit London KY
📍 Princess Falls | McCreary Tourism
📍 Yahoo Falls | McCreary Tourism
📍 Dog Slaughter Falls | Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission
📍 Copperas Falls | Wolfe County Tourism
📍 76 Falls | Clinton County KY Tourism
📍 Eagle Falls | McCreary Tourism

The Waterfall Trail awaits: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail.

📷: , , .outdoors00, , , .hikes, , , .outdoors00,

21/05/2024

🕰️ THE TIME TRAVELER 🕰️ Leave the present behind for a trip through Eastern Kentucky's rich past. Walk where coal miners once dug, explore pioneer homesteads and drive through the stories of our state's biggest artists—there's a blast from the past for everyone to discover 👀 Ready? Let's go!

📍 Blue Heron Coal Mining Community | McCreary Tourism
📍 Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park | Visit London KY
📍 Country Music Highway
📍 Portal 31 | Visit Harlan County
📍 Gladie Cultural Environmental Learning Center | Red River Gorge
📍 Keith Whitley Memorial | Sandy Hook
📍 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park | Bell County KY Tourism
📍 McCoy Family Gravesite | Pikeville City Tourism
📍 Wayne County Museum | Lake Cumberland Life

Your journey begins, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

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20/05/2024

💧 THE DIPPER💧 Come on in, the water's fine in The Kentucky Wildlands! From swimming and fishing to sailing, our 10+ lakes are your playground. If you feel most at home on the water, check out the list below 👇

📍 Laurel River Lake | Visit London KY
📍 Grayson Lake | Carter and Elliott Counties
📍 Green River Lake | Visit Campbellsville/Taylor County, KY
📍 Lake Cumberland | Clinton County KY Tourism, Pulaski, Russell, Wayne and Laurel Counties
📍 Dewey Lake | Prestonsburg Tourism
📍 Cave Run Lake | Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY
📍 Yatesville Lake | Louisa
📍 Paintsville Lake | Paintsville Tourism

Dive in, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: , , .hikes, , , , , Joseph Larrimore

19/05/2024

🥾 THE HIKER 🥾 If you're happiest amongst the trees or while scaling a mountain peak, this one's for you. Ready? Let's explore a few of our fav trails, parks, arches, overlooks and more 👇

📍 Double Arch | Red River Gorge
📍 Kingdom Comes State Park | Visit Harlan County
📍 Buzz Worm Overlook | Letcher County Tourism
📍 Ledford Twin Arches | Wolfe County Tourism
📍 Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center | Elliott County
📍 Rock Bridge Trail | Red River Gorge
📍 Buzzard Rock Overlook | McCreary Tourism
📍 Sheltowee Trace Trail | Stearns, London and Cumberland Districts
📍 Sand Gap Trail | Natural Bridge State Resort Park
📍 Yahoo Arch | McCreary Tourism

Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week by booking your escape to The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands.

📷: .every.day, .hikes, , .hikes, , , , , .made.moments,

18/05/2024

Our final round of Tourism Ambassadors is here 🎉 Check out the list below for another look at dazzling content our ambassadors have snapped from across The Kentucky Wildlands!

🥾 Steve Griggs of - A transplant from Columbus Ohio, Steve uses drones to give an eagle-eyed view to the many beautiful areas of the state which he now calls home, Kentucky.

🥾 Greg Davis of - An accomplished landscape photographer based in McCreary County, Greg loves of the Cumberland Plateau region of our state and can frequently be found along the myriad stream beds and hollers photographing waterfalls.

🥾 Sabrina McWhorter of - A Carter County native, Sabrina has a deep-rooted passion for nature which has evolved into a love of foraging. Her family loves exploring Appalachia and are lovers of all things local.

🥾 Christie Abrams of - A Kentucky Master Naturalist, certified earthing coach, and avid outdoorsman from Rockcastle County, Christie is the owner of Leave No Trace Adventures guide service.

🥾 Ben Wilder of - Living and working in Perry County, Ben enjoys the outdoors while exploring small towns, winding back roads and hiking trails.

🥾 Amanda Grigsby of - Amanda is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for hiking, camping, caving and kayaking.

To keep up with all things Kentucky Wildlands, be sure to give our ambassadors a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram!

📷: , , , , , Grigsby Outdoor Adventures

17/05/2024

It's time to meet our next batch of Tourism Ambassadors 👋 Check out the list below for a preview of what Kentucky wonders these local photogs are bringing to your feed.

🥾 Steve Poynter of sdpimages - From Richmond began exploring the wildlands of Kentucky in late 2021. Each week, he tries to get out and dive deep into different parts of Kentucky to see what gems are just a drive or walk away.

🥾 Dustin Robinson of - A local of Rockcastle County, Rob is an avid outdoorsman and landscape photographer who prefers shooting waterfalls over anything.

🥾 Jason Miller of Rogue Shadow Photography - Capturing the world through a lens since 2006, Jason is a passionate landscape and astrophotographer with a keen eye for the beauty that surrounds us.

🥾 Skylar Dickerson of Little Sandy Dronography - Born and raised in Elliott County, his love for nature and the great outdoors has led Skylar to promote the local area and wildlands through photography.

🥾 Cainen Rice of - A native of Wayne County, Cainen's heart lies in the great outdoors. In his free time, you can find me on a trail or in a hammock with a backpack and a camera.

🥾 Rodney Hendrickson of .Hendrickson.3 - After retiring, Rodney and his wife, Alice, have spent much of their time traveling throughout The Kentucky Wildlands photographing beautiful places.

🥾 Chris Cavanaugh of - In 2014, a nearly fatal car accident changed the course of Chris' life and left him an above knee amputee. it was then he decided to make his own path using his knowledge of Kentucky geology and history, which led him to discover photography.

🥾 Bryson Bryant of - A commercial pilot from McCreary County, Bryson grew up outdoors and in nature, which gave him a huge appreciation for The Kentucky Wildlands.

To keep up with all things Kentucky Wildlands, be sure to give our ambassadors a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram!

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Videos

Green River Lake State Park

Spend a day exploring Visit Campbellsville/Taylor County, KY's Green River Lake State Park 🥾🍃 With sprawling forests and a sparkling lake, this scenic park is worth a visit: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands. 🎥: @billy.hikes #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands

Princess Falls

Paradise is just a hike to McCreary Tourism's Princess Falls away 👸 Discover your own oasis on the Waterfall Trail: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail. 🎥: @marcialynn007 #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands #kentuckywildlandswaterfalltrail

Spend a day in Ashland, Kentucky

Come on! We're exploring the charming Visit Ashland, KY 😎 Explore more of The Kentucky Wildlands' picturesque small towns, here: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands. 🎥: @mykybucketlist #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands

Pine Island Double Falls Winter

The weather may be moody, but your spirits will always be high at Visit London KY's Pine Island Double Falls 🤗 Find your happy place on the Waterfall Trail: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail. 🎥: @its2amtomorrow #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands #kentuckywildlandswaterfalltrail

Southfork Elk View

A little Southfork Elk View peace to interrupt your feed 🐎 True serenity awaits in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands. 🎥: @its2amtomorrow #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands

Lights Around London 2023

Visit London KY is full of holiday cheer 🎄🎅 All December long, enjoy the twinkling displays of Lights Around London, an annual driving tour bursting with Christmas magic. Celebrate in The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands. 🎥: @christian_mansfield #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands

Waterfall Trail

You deserve a little one-on-one time with nature on The Kentucky Wildlands' Waterfall Trail 😌 Serenity awaits you at one of our trail's 17 cascades, including Visit London KY's Pine Island Double Falls. Discover more, here: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail. 🎥: @lp_hikes #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands #kentuckywildlandswaterfalltrail

London's World Chicken Festival 2023

This September 21-24th, live your best Kentucky Fried life at Visit London KY's World Chicken Festival 🐓 With a variety of carnival attractions, live performances, arts and crafts vendors, the world largest skillet and of course, plenty of fried chicken, there's a little something for everyone at the World Chicken Festival. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3A8owan. 🎥: @fabulousinfayette #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands

Eagle Falls

Don't mind us, we're just dropping a bit of McCreary Tourism magic on your timeline ✨ Discover Eagle Falls on the Waterfall Trail: https://bit.ly/kywildlandswaterfalltrail. 🎥: @lp_hikes #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands #kentuckywildlandswaterfalltrail

Buck Trail in Red River Gorge

Over the rivers and through the woods down Red River Gorge Tourism's Buck Trail we go 🍃 This is your sign to escape the The Kentucky Wildlands: https://bit.ly/explorekywildlands. 🎥: @abwoodone #thekentuckywildlands #explorekentuckywildlands #explorekywildlands #thekywildlands #kentuckywildlandswaterfalltrail

Transformers checking out the #easternkentucky booth!

Aaron Mykal Music LIVE at the Kentucky State Fair in the #easternkentucky booth. Join #TheKentuckyWildlands tonight for Noah Thompson

Was Harlan the OG of off-roading? Quite possibly! 🎥 @visitharlan #explorekywildlands #visitharlan

#FridayFeels @kameronmarlowemusic surprising @noahthompsonmusic at the hometown visit of @americanidol this week in @lawrencecountytourism #Louisa! What a fantastic ride that day was! #explorekywildlands #rediscoverlouisa #americanidol

Concert time for Noah Thompson

What’s some of your eastern Kentucky “slang” or sayings? We can’t LOVE our accents and dialect enough! There’s no way to ever imitate it. #explorekywildlands

#NTTW22 London is taking over our socials!! The future of travel is in London, Kentucky where you can explore the Daniel Boone National Forest on family friendly trails by foot or mountain bike to see Vanhook Falls. Take a selfie, pack a lunch and take time to reconnect to the outdoors. #futureoftravel #visitlondonky #danielboonenationalforest #vanhookfalls #explorekywildlands

Happy Birthday , Loretta Lynn! So proud to call you one of us! 📸 @letchercountytourism

Have you been on the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum? 🎶 Thanks, @letchercountytourism #explorekywildlands

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This is The Kentucky Wildlands

What greeted Daniel Boone on the other side of the Cumberland Gap that day was a lush and verdant forest paradise stretching out before him for what seemed an eternity. Mighty mountains and highlands shredded in mist, magnificent gorges, rivers, waterfalls and valleys as far as the eye could see. A first impression that would stick with him throughout his lifetime and be passed on for generations to come.

The virgin hardwood forests of Eastern Kentucky 200 years ago were by reports of early visitors, the finest and most majestic known to exist at that time. Today, in the region known as the First American West, visitors can still channel Daniel Boone by hiking virgin trails in places such as the Red River Gorge, or the backwoods surrounding Pine Mountain where you may be five miles from the nearest house in forests so thick it could be considered jungle.

Up until recently these high-ridge forests on the western Appalachian edge were impenetrable due to their forbidden ruggedness and density, but the Pine Mountain Trail stretching up from Breaks Interstate Park is now accessible and previously hidden majestic gorges, spectacular waterfalls and plants found only in this area are on view for the first time.

All the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that visitors will find in this region today are unmistakably wild Kentucky. The bourbon flavored beer. Tangelwood Pie. The master artisans and crafts all indigenous to the area. And, most certainly the music with its deep mountain roots and own distinct sound whose historic strains can be heard throughout the highland area.