Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, located in the northwest corner of Perry County, continues to serve as a primary recreational and tourism asset for the region. The state park features lodge rooms and cottages, fishing opportunities on a 1,230‑acre reservoir known for muskie, and trails ranging from the Moonshiner’s Hollow Interpretive Trail to the more rugged Leatherwood Trail. For residents of nearby communities such as Hazard, Vicco, Buckhorn and Chavies, the park functions as a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.

The park’s combination of overnight lodging and day‑use facilities makes it a versatile destination for families, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The reservoir’s reputation for muskie fishing attracts visitors from beyond the county, bolstering local businesses that serve tourists and residents alike. Trails that interpret local natural and cultural history also provide opportunities for low‑cost, low‑barrier outdoor activity that supports physical health and community engagement.

Access to safe, maintained outdoor space has clear public health implications. Regular physical activity, exposure to nature and social connection associated with park use are linked broadly to improved physical and mental health outcomes. In a rural county where distances to formal health services can be long and chronic disease burdens are often elevated, places like Buckhorn Lake offer an accessible setting for preventive activity that can reduce strain on the health system over time.

At the same time, equitable access remains a practical concern. Transportation limitations, lodging costs and seasonal variability affect who can take advantage of the park’s amenities. Residents without personal vehicles, older adults, and families with limited incomes may face barriers to regular use. Ensuring that the park’s health benefits reach the widest possible cross‑section of Perry County residents calls for deliberate attention from local leaders and agencies.

From a policy perspective, integrating parks and outdoor recreation into public health planning can amplify their value. Partnerships between the park, local health departments, schools and community organizations could expand programming, such as guided trail walks, senior outings or youth fishing clinics, that lower access barriers and target underserved populations. Investments in public transportation options, sliding‑scale rates or community outreach can help make the park’s resources more inclusive.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is both an economic driver and a community health asset for Perry County. Preserving and expanding equitable access to the park will require coordinated effort across local government, health providers and community groups. As residents continue to seek outdoor spaces for recreation and respite, the park stands as a tangible resource whose benefits extend beyond leisure to the broader aims of community health and social equity.