River, Kentucky offers visitors three distinct attractions. One of the most recognized attractions is the grave of Jenny Wiley. Jenny Wiley was a pioneer heroine who, along with her baby son, was captured by Indians on October 1, 1789. Jenny Wiley was pregnant at the time and both children were slain during her captivity. Jenny Wiley survived her ordeal and escaped nine months after her capture. After reuniting with her husband they settled in Johnson County and raised a family of five more children. Jenny died at the age of 71 in 1831.

River, Kentucky was also the home of the late Hylo Brown. Frank Brown was born on April 20, 1922 in River, Kentucky. He earned the nickname “Hylo” because of his unique vocal range; he could sing notes anywhere from tenor to bass, a skill that would become his trademark.

One of the newest attractions at River is the Forest and Maxine Preston Memorial pedestrian bridge. The bridge was constructed from composite plastic fibers, making the 420 foot bridge the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. The lightweight bridge creates a safe yet unique walking experience.

Directions: From Paintsville, take US 23 North for approximately 9 miles. Turn right onto Ky Route 3224. You will come to the intersection of 3224 and 581. To walk the pedestrian bridge, you may park at the River Post Office (which is located almost directly across from the intersection). The bridge is located to the left of the post office.

To view Jenny Wiley's gravesite: At the 3224 and 581 intersection, turn right onto Ky Route 581. Travel approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right into the River Fire Department parking lot. Go to the front of the fire department and go left around a cabin-like building into a small parking lot. You may park here, and walk the blacktopped path to Jenny Wiley's gravesite.