Tourism officials recently released Rowan County’s economic summary for 2023 and shared progress on projects that will continue to bring visitors to the area. Several updates were shared at the June meeting of the Rowan County Fiscal Court, many of which are still in the planning process.
Joy Brown, Executive Director of Morehead Rowan County Tourism, said several recreation efforts are underway in the community. This includes the planning of the Muskie Bend fishing pier on Cave Run Lake and continued work on the Bluewater Trail.
Brown said the tubing and canoeing routes on North Fork Triplet Creek are still in the planning stages.
“We’re waiting on the division of water and paperwork from Walmart. Walmart has agreed to allow us to do an outlet on their wetlands. So, we’re going to be able to put a kayak outlet there, we weren’t planning for that,” said Brown. “That’s a good place to have one, we’ll have four total. And once we get through this first phase the second phase will be putting in the self-launch.”
The Bluewater Trail will showcase the commonwealth’s environment and wildlife, with informational signs about local fish and muscles.
The Muskie Bend fishing pier is another planned development at Cave Run Lake. The project has been approved by the Forest Service, and an application for grant funding has been made. Brown said the pier would allow more people to enjoy the region’s lake.
“You think about the travel. That people will come to be able to have that. People that don’t have boats can go out to the fishing pier and fish. People that are under the ADA compliance, they’ll be able to go out to the fishing pier and fish. Kids will. It will bring in another element to our lake,” said Brown.
Rowan County tourism made $5.4 million in state and local taxes. Brown said last year, out-of-town visitors spent $55.8 million and helped sustain 383 tourism-related jobs in the community.