A Renewed Future for Coal Country

Our near 7000 acre property was once the site of one of the many coal mining operations in Eastern Kentucky. We are working vigilantly to reclaim the soil, revitalize the natural environment, and bring renewed hope to the region.

Our team includes stakeholders who are from coal country, entrepreneurs with focuses on the environment, generational locals of Martin County, and change-makers who want to bring new life to the region.

 About The Wilds

  • The Wilds is located in Martin County, Kentucky. We are located near multiple airports. We are about 2 hours from Charleston, WV, 3 hours from Lexington, KY, and 3.5 hours from Cincinnati, OH.

  • We have a variety of partners we work with in the area to help grow the natural and cultural assets of the region. Our leading partnerships at this time include Appalachian Legacy Initiative who operates the horse sanctuary, and we are currently working in collaboration with the USDA and Natural Resource Conservation Service on various site improvements.

  • Our reclaimed coal mine site provides the ideal backdrop fro elk habitats. In 1997, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation funded an elk repopulation project, and the largest herd in the eastern USA is now in and around The Wilds of Emily Creek.

  • Please contact us through our contact form to inquire about private experiences. Our expert guides are excited to serve you.

  • In addition to the various amenities we offer, annual hunting leases are also available without purchase of additional services. Please contact us on the amenities page or through our contact form. You can always book an amenity at a later time!