The Best Places to Legally Hunt for Arrowheads in Eastern Kentucky
If you’re an arrowhead enthusiast in Eastern Kentucky, the thrill of discovering ancient Native American artifacts is hard to beat. But finding arrowheads legally requires knowing where to look and respecting Kentucky’s laws. Under the Kentucky Antiquities Act, collecting artifacts on public lands—state parks, federal properties, or burial sites—is strictly prohibited. The good news? With landowner permission, private lands in Eastern Kentucky offer prime spots for surface hunting. Here’s your guide to the best places to legally hunt for arrowheads, plus tips to maximize your success.
Why Eastern Kentucky is Arrowhead Heaven
Eastern Kentucky’s rolling hills, winding rivers, and rich history make it a hotspot for Native American artifacts. Tribes like the Cherokee, Shawnee, and earlier Woodland peoples camped near water sources, leaving behind arrowheads, spear points, and tools made of flint or chert. Plowed fields, creek beds, and disturbed lands expose these treasures, especially after rain or erosion. By focusing on private property with permission, you can hunt ethically and legally while uncovering pieces of history.
Top Places to Hunt for Arrowheads
1. Plowed Fields Near Rivers and Creeks
Why it’s great: Native Americans often set up camps near water for hunting and daily life. Plowed agricultural fields, especially those near rivers like the Licking River or Elkhorn Creek, bring buried arrowheads to the surface. Rain washes away soil, making points easier to spot.
Where to look:
Pendleton County: Fields near the Licking River are known for arrowhead finds.
Franklin County: Try farms along Elkhorn Creek.
Carter and Letcher Counties: These areas have yielded artifacts in plowed fields.
Tips:
Always get explicit permission from landowners before entering private property.
Hunt after spring plowing or heavy rains when artifacts are exposed.
Look for flint or chert pieces that stand out against the soil—arrowheads often have straight edges or notched shapes.
2. Creek Beds and Gravel Bars
Why it’s great: Creeks erode soil and expose arrowheads in gravel bars or stream banks. Native American camps were often located where two waterways met, making these spots ideal for hunting.
Where to look:
Pendleton County: Smaller creeks with gravel bottoms are productive.
Northern Kentucky: Areas near the Ohio River have historically been fruitful.
Any county with clear, gravelly creeks: Focus on Eastern Kentucky waterways with low water levels.
Tips:
Hunt during summer when water levels are low, revealing gravel bars.
Walk slowly and scan for flint chips or partially buried points.
Avoid digging, as it can disturb archaeological sites and violate laws.
3. Private Farms and Disturbed Land
Why it’s great: Farms with a history of Native American activity, especially near water or elevated land, are arrowhead goldmines. Construction or logging sites can also expose artifacts.
Where to look:
Letcher County: One farm reportedly produced arrowheads during garden digging.
Pendleton and Carter Counties: Farms near rivers or creeks are promising.
Any recently disturbed land: Check with landowners for access to new construction or cleared areas.
Tips:
Ask farmers for permission to surface hunt after plowing or rains.
Look for flint flakes, which signal nearby tool-making sites.
Steer clear of burial mounds or cemeteries—these are protected by law.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
To keep arrowhead hunting legal and respectful in Eastern Kentucky, follow these guidelines:
Stick to private land: Always get landowner permission. Report any finds to the University of Kentucky’s Department of Anthropology ((859) 257-1944), as required by the Kentucky Antiquities Act, even if you keep the artifacts.
Avoid public lands: Federal, state, and city properties, including parks and forests, are off-limits for collecting. Violators risk fines or confiscation.
Surface hunt only: Digging can disturb archaeological sites and is often illegal without permits. Stick to picking up exposed artifacts.
Respect the past: Avoid hunting near burial sites or mounds to preserve Kentucky’s cultural heritage.
Pro Tips for Arrowhead Hunting Success
Time it right: Hunt after heavy rains or during low water levels in creeks (spring for fields, summer for waterways). Rain exposes artifacts, and low water reveals gravel bars.
Know what to look for: Arrowheads are typically made of flint, chert, or other worked stone and have triangular or notched shapes. Flint flakes are a clue to nearby camps.
Use minimal tools: A walking stick or graphite rod can help flip rocks without bending over. Avoid metal detectors or shovels to stay legal.
Learn from experts: Books like Stone Age Spear and Arrow Points by Noel Justice or resources from the University of Kentucky’s Office of State Archaeology can help identify finds.
Join a community: Connect with local hunters on forums like kentuckyhunting.net or ArrowHeads.com for site recommendations and advice.
Getting Started
Ready to hunt for arrowheads in Eastern Kentucky? Here’s how to begin:
Reach out to landowners: Contact farmers or property owners in counties like Pendleton, Carter, Letcher, or Franklin to request access to fields or creek banks.
Consult the experts: Call the University of Kentucky’s Office of State Archaeology ((859) 257-1944) for guidance on reporting finds or identifying artifacts.
Explore promising counties: Focus on areas near rivers (Licking, Ohio) or creeks with gravel bottoms for the best chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Arrowhead hunting in Eastern Kentucky is a rewarding way to connect with the region’s Native American history. By seeking permission to hunt on private land, targeting plowed fields and creek beds, and respecting state laws, you can uncover ancient treasures ethically and legally. So grab a walking stick, head to a rainy field or gravelly creek, and start scanning for that telltale glint of flint. Happy hunting!
Have a favorite arrowhead hunting spot or tip? Share it in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
