Facility Overview

Flat Lick Park provides public open-air surface parking serving visitors to Flat Lick\'s community recreational grounds in Knox County, Kentucky. Positioned in the scenic Cumberland River valley between Barbourville and Pineville, the parking area offers a straightforward, ground-level layout directly adjacent to the park\'s outdoor facilities. Because the lot is completely open-air without overhead decking, it features unrestricted vertical clearance, making it fully accommodating for all vehicle types including compact cars, full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, camper vans, and vehicles carrying rooftop cargo or sporting equipment.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Serving as a local community hub, Flat Lick Park provides direct access to open green fields, walking paths, youth sports facilities, and sheltered picnic pavilions. Beyond the park grounds, the location is strategically positioned along the US Highway 25E (Cumberland Gap Parkway) corridor:

• Cumberland River: Flowing just south of the community, offering nearby angling, kayaking, and natural scenic views within a 3 to 5-minute drive.
• Downtown Barbourville: Located approximately 9 miles northwest (about a 12-minute drive), home to Union Commonwealth University, local diners, and historic courthouse square.
• Pineville & Pine Mountain State Resort Park: Situated approximately 11 miles southeast (about a 15-minute drive), featuring mountain hiking trails, Chained Rock, and lodge dining.
• Kentucky Hill Country Heritage: Close to regional historic waypoints along the historic Wilderness Road trail network.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing Flat Lick Park is straightforward for regional travelers and local residents alike. Primary arterial access is provided via US-25E, which connects northward to Interstate 75 at Corbin and southward toward Middlesboro and the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Drivers navigate into the park via local connector roadways (such as KY-223 / KY-930). Ingress and egress are smooth, with wide turning angles and clear sightlines that prevent traffic bottlenecks, even during local weekend sports gatherings. While rural Knox County does not have fixed-route metropolitan rail or transit lines, regional rideshare services and local community transportation can easily access the passenger drop-off zones.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous surface bays with ample space for standard and oversized passenger vehicles.
• Unlimited Clearance: No height barriers or parking deck ceilings, welcoming high-clearance 4x4 trucks and roof-racked vehicles.
• ADA Accessibility: Level spaces positioned close to primary pedestrian walkways, recreational fields, and picnic shelters.
• Complimentary Access: Public community parking generally free of charge for recreational park visitors.
• Recreational Connectivity: Direct pedestrian paths connecting parking stalls to playgrounds, sports diamonds, and pavilions.

Ideal For

• Families & Park Visitors: Parents and children visiting the playground, picnic pavilions, or community gatherings.
• Youth Sports & Weekend Athletes: Teams and spectators attending local baseball, softball, or casual field sports.
• Dog Walkers & Runners: Daily fitness enthusiasts seeking convenient trailhead parking.
• Corridor Commuters & Travelers: Drivers navigating US-25E looking for a safe, open daytime rest spot or meeting point.

Visitor & Driver Tips

The park is primarily open during daylight hours from sunrise to sunset. Visitors attending peak weekend community games should arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to first pitch to secure stalls nearest the fields. In autumn and winter, drive with caution during early morning fog or wet weather along the Cumberland River valley. Always lock vehicles and stow any visible personal property in the trunk or glove compartment before enjoying the park grounds.