Neotropical migrants and breeding warblers, vireos and tanagers.

This area was the site of a coal mining town operated by Barren Fork Mining and Coal Company from 1881 to 1935. Here they mined what was considered some of the best quality low sulfur coal in McCreary County. Over 100 families were thought to have lived and worked in the mining community. The mines were closed in 1935 due to labor disputes. The land was then sold to the United States in 1936, but the minerals were reserved by the company and small mining operations continued until 1948.  

The Barren Fork Horse Camp is included in this hotspot. Campers without horses are welcome to camp here.

Barren Fork Accessible Heritage Trail #621 is located in an area that was once a coal mining camp. This accessible heritage trail provides visitors with a glimpse into the past. Several signs along the trail interpret the area's mining history. This 0.75-mile trail is paved for wheelchair accessibility. It is closed to horses and motorized vehicles.

Several signs along the trail interpret the area's mining history, and you can see the old foundations of some of the buildings that were part of the community.