Area Code 606 Location

Area code 606 serves eastern Kentucky, with Ashland, Kentucky as one of its key hubs on the Ohio River in the Tri-State region with Ohio and West Virginia. The 606 region stretches across the Appalachian foothills and coalfield communities, and it sits in the Eastern Time Zone. This area code connects small towns, college centers, and outdoor destinations, including parts of Daniel Boone National Forest and riverfront sites that draw visitors and businesses alike.

Major cities and communities in area code 606 include:

• Ashland (Boyd County)
• Pikeville
• Hazard
• Morehead
• Prestonsburg
• Paintsville
• Harlan
• Middlesboro
• Grayson
• Jackson These places anchor healthcare, education, energy, and tourism across northeastern and southeastern Kentucky.

Area code 606 has a long history in the state’s phone system. It was created in the mid-1950s when Kentucky’s original 502 area code was split to handle growing demand, and later, in 2000, area code 859 split off to cover Lexington and Northern Kentucky, leaving 606 focused on the eastern counties. A signature feature of the region is U.S. Route 23, the “Country Music Highway,” which honors stars like Loretta Lynn, Ricky Skaggs, and The Judds who come from along its path. Today, 606 remains the identifier for many eastern Kentucky phone numbers tied to river trade, mountain towns, and college life in places like Morehead.

"Area code 606 was assigned in 1954 to serve eastern Kentucky after a split from 502." — North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA)