If you love being outside in the great outdoors, then this is the month for you. June is Great Outdoors Month and our area offers some of the greatest outdoor experiences around.

School is finally out and so is the sun welcoming everyone outside.

It’s a great opportunity to encourage children in the importance of outside play and how getting outdoors can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting outdoors is often a free or cheap day for families to enjoy together and can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to learn about nature and the environment.

Great Outdoors Week was launched in 1998 and then expanded to Great Outdoors Month in 2004.

The month is aimed at encouraging more people to get outside and enjoy what their community has to offer.

There is so much that our area has to offer. Right here in Middlesboro, we have one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the country and is the only city in America that is built inside a meteor crater. Middlesboro has an almost 365-degree view of the mountains surrounding the city that helps you view the city inside the crater.

Bell County Tourism, Middlesboro Main Street and Main Street Pineville also continue offering a variety of events and projects to keep everyone busy outside.

Beautification projects have been taking place throughout both Middlesboro and Pineville to make the experience even that more enjoyable.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is situated at the perfect meeting point between Bell and Claiborne County.

It offers all visitors access to the history of the region and several hiking, biking and horse riding trails as well as various scenic viewing spots such as the famous Pinnacle Overlook.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park also offers hiking as well as camping and lodging. There are also unique entertainment events that take place such as park produced plays, specialized hikes and programs that take highlight what the park has to offer.

In Virginia, Wilderness Road State Park is dedicated to recreating the historical pioneer times as well as offering programs and events throughout the year.

Our local parks aren’t the only outdoor activity to enjoy, there are various locations to fish, kayak and there are numerous ATV trails to visit and enjoy.