Margaret Drake Elliot Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Margaret Drake Elliot Park, located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, is a beautiful and serene park that offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy nature.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is situated on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are a number of reasons to visit Margaret Drake Elliot Park, including its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained trails, and scenic beauty.

One of the main points of interest in the park is the hiking trails. There are several trails of varying lengths, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails wind through the woods and offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife and plant life. There are also several picnic areas throughout the park, making it a great place to have a family outing or a romantic picnic.

Another point of interest in the park is the Margaret Drake Elliott Memorial. The memorial is a tribute to Margaret Drake Elliott, a woman who was a passionate advocate for the environment and worked tirelessly to preserve Kentucky's natural beauty. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to her legacy and is a must-see for anyone visiting the park.

Interesting facts about the area include that Prestonsburg was the site of the Battle of Middle Creek, a Civil War battle fought on January 10, 1862. The park is also located near the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, which offers visitors a chance to go boating, fishing, and hiking.

The best time of year to visit Margaret Drake Elliot Park is in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is cool and comfortable. However, the park is open year-round and offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature in any season.

Overall, Margaret Drake Elliot Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in Kentucky. With its scenic beauty, well-maintained trails, and historic significance, it is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the area.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks