Enjoy rich history, primitive hunting, and hilly countryside in Bath County, Kentucky.

Nestled between the Bluegrass Region and the rugged hills of eastern Kentucky is Bath County, a rural haven for history buffs and nature lovers.

The county was named for its natural mineral springs, most notably Olympian Springs (originally known as Mud Lick Springs), once the site of a lavish resort and spa where guests flocked in hopes of curing common ailments. Kentucky's first stagecoach route, which opened in 1803, transported Lexington townsfolk to the springs and back. Trips departed weekly on Thursday mornings at 4 a.m., with stops in Mount Sterling and Winchester. This route was particularly popular during the cholera outbreak of 1833, as many Lexingtonians sought solace at the springs.

When the Civil War erupted, the Battle of Mud Lick Springs occurred there, lasting around three hours and resulting in a Union retreat. During this battle, Confederate soldiers burned several buildings at the Olympian Springs Resort to prevent their continued use as Union quarters.

Later, in 1876, the area found itself in the news once again. On March 9, a headline in the New York Times read: “FLESH DESCENDING IN A SHOWER,” followed by the subheading: “AN ASTOUNDING PHENOMENON IN KENTUCKY - FRESH MEAT LIKE MUTTON OR VENISON FALLING FROM A CLEAR SKY.”  Story has it that Rebecca Crouch was making soap in her yard when “meat which looked like beef began to fall around her … like large snowflakes.” Though various theories have emerged over the years (Vulture vomit? Cyanobacteria? A supernatural occurrence?), the exact source of the rancid rain remains unknown. A preserved chunk of the original mystery meat is stored at the Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum at Transylvania University in Lexington. Tours of this museum are not available to the public.

In the late 1700s, Kentucky was a major producer of iron goods. Visit Bath County Park to see the Bourbon Iron Furnace, a centuries-old relic that still stands today. The sandstone block and steel furnace was erected in 1791 to smelt iron ore into a variety of items used by Kentucky’s early settlers, such as kettles, nails, and plowshares. This specific furnace even created cannonballs and other munitions used in the War of 1812.

It’s clear that Bath County is steeped in rich history. For an all-encompassing look at the county’s storied past, stop into the Bath County History Museum, located on the second floor of the courthouse in Owingsville. Hours are limited, so make sure to call ahead.

While Bath County’s history is certainly fascinating, there’s plenty to enjoy present day. The picture-perfect historic county seat of Owingsville hosts a variety of fairs and festivals throughout the year, including a May Day Festival, and, newly added in 2025, The Kentucky Meat Shower Festival. In the small community of Preston (population: ~500), thousands gather on the third Monday of October for Preston Court Days. This street fair features dozens of vendors and trading booths, all centered around The Store (formerly Blevins Grocery), one of the oldest, original country stores left in Kentucky. 

The area’s lush, mountainous terrain is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. More than a million annual visitors enjoy the sights within Daniel Boone National Forest, an oasis for camping, horseback riding, hiking, birding, rock climbing, boating, fishing, and more. This protected forestland is known for its old-growth hardwood forests, steep ridges, narrow ravines, and sandstone cliffs, which can be experienced on over 600 miles of trails. Bring your ATV and navigate the rugged ridgetops of Bath County via White Sulphur ATV Trail, which boasts a 17-mile trail system that’s accessible to off-roaders between May 15 and November 30 annually. The trail is designed for novice to intermediate riders.

For hunters, the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area offers a unique challenge in the form of traditional weaponry. This 7,610-acre tract is designated for hunting with the same tools and methods as early pioneers and Native Americans. Hunters must use "primitive weapons," like muzzle-loading firearms, bows, or crossbows.

Another great way to traverse the area is on horseback. Equine enthusiasts will enjoy Rudy’s Ranch and Horse Camp, a horse-friendly campground with more than 30 miles of riding trails, a riding arena, and horse stalls.

In the warmer months, enjoy Cave Run Lake, widely recognized as the Muskie Capital of the South. Muskie (sometimes also spelled musky) is short for muskellunge, one of the largest species of freshwater fish native to North America.  Just how big do muskie get? The Kentucky state record muskie was caught at Cave Run Lake in 2008, weighing in at 47 pounds and measuring a whopping 54 inches!

Enjoy a refreshing dip or paddle the serene waters, then wind down fireside at Zilpo Campground, which sits on an elevated peninsula that juts into the lake. Camping not your thing? Check out Posh Pines Glamping at Outpost Campground, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature and cool off in the AC after a long day of exploring. Visitors have access to Wi-Fi, a pool, a playground and dog park, and a pickleball court.

Of course, you’ll need fuel for all your outdoor adventures. In Owingsville, load up on the buffet at Willoughby’s Down Home Restaurant, known for its southern hospitality, or grab bubbling hot pizza or pasta from Sherrie’s Pizza House, a beloved local gem. For dessert or a quick bite on the go, pull up to Erma’s Dairy Bar, a classic dairy stand serving up tasty frozen treats, burgers, fries, and more. Please note that Erma’s is only open during spring and summer. Similarly, you could pop into Frosty Freeze of Midland, which serves ice cream—as the name suggests—but you’ll also find hearty southern favorites on the menu, like soup beans, country fried steak, and meatloaf. In the community of Salt Lick, Ky., try out the Salt Mine Restaurant & Café, a quaint café that boasts home-cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located in the same building is Debbie’s Music Theatre, often filled with the sounds of fiddles, banjos, and mandolins. With a family-friendly atmosphere and an open dance floor with plenty of room to cut a rug, there’s no better way to experience an authentically Appalachian evening.

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For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has insurance agents located in Bath County. Click here for more information.

The 120 is a blog series produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well.