Map of McCreary County, Kentucky, USA

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated: November 01, 2025, 14:20 ET

Map of McCreary County - McCreary County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. McCreary County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is McCreary County located in the map, major cities in McCreary county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of McCreary County, Kentucky

Map of McCreary County, Kentucky

About McCreary County Map, Kentucky: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Map of McCreary County, Kentucky

McCreary County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It's county seat is Whitley City. As per 2020 census, the population of McCreary County is 16892 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 428 sq mi (1,109 km2). McCreary County was established on 1912.

McCreary County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateKentucky
County SeatWhitley City
Largest City/TownPine Knot
Established1912
Total Area431 sq mi (1,116 sq km)
Land Area427 sq mi (1,106 sq km)
Water Area4.1 sq mi (11 sq km)
Population16,888 (Census 2020)
Population Density40 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 27, Kentucky Route 92, Kentucky Route 90, Kentucky Route 1651
Major RiversCumberland River, Big South Fork Cumberland River
Neighboring CountiesPulaski County, Laurel County, Whitley County, Wayne County, Scott County (TN), Campbell County (TN)
Famous ForBig South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Cumberland Falls nearby area, Daniel Boone National Forest, and Appalachian outdoor recreation
Top AttractionsBig South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Natural Arch Scenic Area, Blue Heron Mining Community, Yahoo Falls, McCreary County Museum
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About McCreary County, Kentucky

McCreary County is located in southeastern Kentucky along the Tennessee border and was established in 1912. The county seat is Whitley City, while Pine Knot is the largest community. McCreary County is known for rugged Appalachian landscapes, extensive forestlands, sandstone arches, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation throughout the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Daniel Boone National Forest. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Cities and Communities in McCreary County, Kentucky

City/TownPopulationLatitude & Longitude
Whitley City (county seat)1,200+36.7237°N, 84.4702°W
Pine Knot1,300+36.6501°N, 84.4388°W
Stearns1,500+36.6984°N, 84.4779°W
Hill TopHistoric Community36.7229°N, 84.5302°W
BarthellHistoric Mining Community36.6241°N, 84.5243°W
Blue HeronHistoric Recreation Area36.6972°N, 84.5446°W
Marshes SidingRural Community36.6661°N, 84.4958°W
Parkers LakeResidential Community36.7317°N, 84.4182°W

Best Golf Courses in McCreary County, Kentucky

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Whitley County Country ClubNearby Williamsburg36.7417°N, 84.1596°W
Crooked Creek Golf ClubNearby London37.0948°N, 84.0834°W
Lake Cumberland Golf ClubNearby Russell Springs37.0701°N, 85.0883°W
General Burnside Island Golf CourseNearby Burnside36.9906°N, 84.5997°W

What are Major Roads and Highways in McCreary County

Major highways connect McCreary County with southeastern Kentucky, Tennessee, and regional Appalachian recreation destinations.

  • U.S. Route 27 - major north-south transportation corridor through southeastern Kentucky
  • Kentucky Route 92 - scenic roadway connecting Whitley City with forest and recreation areas
  • Kentucky Route 90 - important route through mountain communities and tourism areas
  • Kentucky Route 1651 - regional connector serving rural communities and park access

Neighboring Counties of McCreary County

  • Pulaski County (north)
  • Laurel County (northeast)
  • Whitley County (east)
  • Wayne County (west)
  • Scott County, Tennessee (south)
  • Campbell County, Tennessee (southeast)

What are Top Attractions in McCreary County, Kentucky

The county offers waterfalls, hiking trails, sandstone arches, historic mining communities, and outdoor recreation throughout the Appalachian Plateau region. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Main Sight NameCityFamous For
Big South Fork National River and Recreation AreaCountywideHiking, rafting, sandstone cliffs, and scenic wilderness
Natural Arch Scenic AreaStearns AreaMassive sandstone arch and forest trails
Blue Heron Mining CommunityBlue HeronHistoric coal mining ghost town exhibits
Yahoo FallsWhitley City AreaTall waterfall and nature trails
McCreary County MuseumStearnsRegional Appalachian and coal mining history
Cumberland Falls Nearby AreaRegional AreaWaterfalls and famous moonbow views
Barthell Coal Mining CampBarthellHistoric restored mining settlement
Big South Fork Scenic RailwayStearnsHistoric railway excursions and mountain scenery
Eagle Falls Nearby AreaRegional AreaWaterfall hiking and photography
Daniel Boone National ForestCountywideCamping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives

Distance from McCreary County to Nearby Cities

The following distances are measured by road (driving).

  • Whitley City to Somerset, Kentucky - 33 mi (53 km)
  • Whitley City to Corbin, Kentucky - 36 mi (58 km)
  • Whitley City to Knoxville, Tennessee - 79 mi (127 km)
  • Whitley City to Lexington, Kentucky - 118 mi (190 km)
  • Whitley City to Louisville, Kentucky - 188 mi (303 km)
  • Whitley City to Chattanooga, Tennessee - 151 mi (243 km)
  • Whitley City to Nashville, Tennessee - 201 mi (323 km)
  • Whitley City to Cincinnati, Ohio - 191 mi (307 km)
  • Whitley City to Atlanta, Georgia - 248 mi (399 km)
  • Whitley City to Indianapolis, Indiana - 283 mi (455 km)
  • Whitley City to Charleston, West Virginia - 240 mi (386 km)
  • Whitley City to St. Louis, Missouri - 405 mi (652 km)

References

  1. McCreary County Official Website
  2. McCreary County, Kentucky - Wikipedia
  3. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts
  4. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
  5. Daniel Boone National Forest