🚗🐾 Day Tripping Through Rabbit Hash and a Scenic Train Ride into History

📍 Vintage Vibes & Railcar Rides: A Day in Rabbit Hash & Big South Fork Country

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that blends small-town charm, scenic history, and pet-friendly perks? A trip to Rabbit Hash, KY, and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway is the perfect combo of quirky, relaxing, and memorable.

🐶 Quick Glance

Dog-Friendly: Yes, leash required
Best For: Quirky town lovers, rail history buffs, weekend explorers
Trip Highlights: General store charm, Appalachian views, railroad storytelling, pet perks

🏘️ Stop 1: Rabbit Hash – Where the Mayor Has Four Legs (Just Not at Sunrise)

*Pulling into Rabbit Hash feels like stepping back in time—complete with quirky shops, red tin roofs, and small-town charm tucked beneath the trees.*

Rabbit Hash might be small, but it delivers big on character. Famous for its elected dog mayors and historic general store, the town is a snapshot of old-time America with a heartwarming twist.

Must-Sees:

🛒 Rabbit Hash General Store – Creaky floors, bluegrass music, and handmade goods
🐾 Riverside Trails – Scenic and sniff-worthy strolls for your pup
🐶 Dog-Friendly Boutiques – Many local shops welcome pets and offer water bowls out front

🐕 Fun Fact: The current mayor of Rabbit Hash is Wilbur the French Bulldog, keeping a long-standing tradition of canine leadership alive.

If you’ve read my blog post on “What’s the Best Time to Start Your Day Trip? A Balanced Look at Early vs. Late Adventures”, you already know I’m a big fan of hitting the road early. But sometimes that means you miss a few of the town’s livelier moments—and that’s exactly what happened during our drive through Rabbit Hash, Kentucky.

We arrived too early to catch the mayor (Wilbur the French Bulldog) making his rounds or for any of the shops to be open. But even in the stillness, Rabbit Hash delivered charm: peaceful gravel roads, rustic buildings with red tin roofs, and quiet views by the river. It felt like we had the whole town to ourselves.

🐾 Tip: If you want to catch live music or chat with the locals at the Rabbit Hash General Store, aim for a mid-morning or afternoon stop. It’s well worth the detour—especially if your dog’s ready to socialize.

Though we didn’t linger long, the drive-through offered the perfect touch of whimsy and history before continuing on to the train ride ahead.

🚂 Stop 2: All Aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway

*All aboard! Jocco and I soaking up the scenic views (and air-conditioned comfort) on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway.*

After our peaceful drive through Rabbit Hash, we made our way to Stearns, KY, to ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway—a truly local, low-key gem. This historic train takes you on a journey through the Daniel Boone National Forest and deep into the story of Appalachian coal mining at the Blue Heron Mining Camp.

This railway is run by a small but passionate local team, so don’t expect polished corporate service—but DO expect friendly people, genuine hospitality, and a well-loved experience that feels like stepping back in time.

Important Tips Before You Go:

🎟️ Buy your tickets in advance! Seats often sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during fall foliage season.
🚨 Sit on the LEFT side of the train for the best scenic views—including river crossings, rock formations, and even cleared openings where railway workers regularly cut back overgrowth so passengers can enjoy unobstructed views.
🧢 The train cars can get warm—pack water, a portable fan, and sun protection.
🔊 The whistle is LOUD—ear coverings or headphones are a smart move for sensitive ears (human or canine).
🏛️ Your ticket includes admission to the McCreary County Museum, but note: dogs are not allowed inside the museum building.

Highlights from the Ride:

🐶 Dog-friendly train cars – Jocco loved every minute and proudly earned his Bark Ranger badge along the way!

🌲 Forest canopies, open-air breeze, and scenic bridges

🏚️ Self-guided walking tour through Blue Heron Mining Camp, including preserved mining exhibits and voice-recorded history

Onboard Experiences:

*Rolling past rushing rivers and rugged rocks—the views along the Big South Fork Scenic Railway are as wild as they are beautiful.*

🌳 Open-air railcars through the Daniel Boone National Forest
🏚️ A visit to the Blue Heron Mining Camp, with audio storytelling and preserved structures
🐕 Dog-Friendly Cars – Jocco enjoyed the ride and even became a certified Bark Ranger! 🎖️

🧢 Pro Tips:

The train cars can get warm, especially in summer—bring water and a cooling pad or fan if needed.

The whistle is LOUD—consider bringing ear protection for you or noise-sensitive pups.

Your ticket includes admission to the museum, which is worth a visit if you’re traveling without your dog (pets aren’t allowed inside).

*Exploring the historic Blue Heron Mining Camp—Jocco took his Bark Ranger duties seriously at every stop.*

🧺 Lunch: Simple, Satisfying & Souvenir-Worthy

*A simple but satisfying lunch served in this souvenir cooler tote—a fun and functional memento from the ride.*

The train offers a lunch add-on option. It’s a no-fuss meal—think sandwich, chips, and a Moonpie—but it hit the spot after a morning of exploring. Even better? It’s served in a keepsake insulated lunch tote that you get to take home. A practical and fun souvenir from your day on the rails!

⏰ Flexible Day Trip Flow

Approx. Time	Activity
Morning	Explore Rabbit Hash (general store + riverside)
Early Afternoon	Drive to Stearns, KY
2:30 PM	Ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Late Afternoon	Explore Blue Heron and enjoy lunch onboard

🗺️ Tip: You can make this a solid day trip or stay overnight in a nearby cabin for an extended escape.

📸 Picture This…

🐾 *Jocco officially earned his Bark Ranger badge at Big South Fork! Proud pup, proud momma.*

💬 Join the Conversation!

Have you discovered any small towns that feel like time capsules? Or taken a train ride that let you and your dog soak in the scenery together? I’d love to hear about it!

Drop a comment, share a tip, or tell me if your pup has earned their Bark Ranger badge. 🐶🎖️

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