Elkhorn City trail town master plan

Elkhorn City is a community of approximately 1,000 people located in Pike County on the Kentucky-Virginia border. It is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has many geographic wonders that could make it a major tourist destination in Kentucky. First and foremost of these natural wonders is the Russell Fork River, a tributary of the Big Sandy River, which flows through the center of the city. It is well known for its whitewater rafting, featuring Class II-VI rapids. Elkhorn City is also geographically located in proximity to the Pine Mountain Trail and Breaks Interstate Park.1 Elkhorn City recognizes the value of its natural assets and hopes to utilize them to promote tourism and stimulate economic growth.

The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) was tasked with developing conceptual designs for greenspaces, streetscapes, and wayfinding that would strengthen Elkhorn City as a Trail Town. Areas that were designed included the existing caboose site, a community garden site, a park along the river, and the downtown streetscape. In addition, the team developed designs for wayfinding signage throughout downtown and at gateways to the city. The CDAC team also explored creating an overall master plan or potential tourist pamphlet for the community to market themselves as a Trail Town. CDAC worked closely with the community and stakeholder groups to develop these concepts which are discussed in further detail in the following report.