Quality of Life
Feel the attraction.
Morgan County's beauty and outdoor resources draw visitors from all over the world. With some of the best rock climbing, kayaking and hiking locations in the eastern United States, Morgan County has earned a reputation among adventure enthusiasts and travelers. The Barkley Marathons bring endurance runners from around the world each year to run a 100-mile wilderness race in 60 hours.
Morgan County's scenic and convenient location, affordable cost of living, mild climate and low crime rate attract many retirees and people interested in an active lifestyle. Morgan County is home to four state parks, two wildlife management areas and two national parks.
For those who enjoy history, historic Rugby is a charming community with homes dating back to the mid-1880s as well as unique shopping, arts and dining.
Climate
Morgan County's moderate climate is great for outdoor recreation at every level. The area is home to six nature parks and two wildlife management areas and is a paradise for hikers, hunters and fishermen. World-class kayaking, climbing, caving and biking provide year-round entertainment, with waterfalls, lakes, rivers, caves, natural and wilderness areas, such as Obed Wild and Scenic River, Frozen Head State Park and Lone Mountain State Forest. The average high and low temperatures, 84 degrees in July and 27 degrees in January, attest to four distinct seasons. Wartburg averages ten inches of snow each year, with 55 inches of annual precipitation.
Unique Traditions
Every year, the Barkley Marathons bring athletes from around the world to Morgan County to cover 100 miles of wilderness terrain in less than 60 hours. The marathon itself is unusual. First, the race does not have an official website to provide information, and interested runners must figure out how to contact the race director. Second, it does not have any aid stations or markers. Racers must follow a map provided the night before the race. The map leads to books placed on the course, and a runner tears out pages that correspond to their bib number to prove they actually follow the route. Finally, runners are not told what time the race will start. The racing director reveals the time an hour before the race. Only 14 runners have finished since the race began in 1986.
Rich History
Historic Rugby is a Victorian English village, established in 1880, on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. Created as a utopian community, Rugby has a rich history that is shared with visitors from around the world. Enjoy the oldest completely preserved public lending library in America, the historic building tours, charming lodging options, unique shopping and delightful dining.
