I would normally skip this hike in the dry season, but with some nice recent rains, Bad Branch Falls was fantastic with Fall colors all around. This is a beautiful waterfall and gorgeous creekside walk leading up to it.
Read MoreThis is a gorgeous hike on my favorite trail in Kentucky - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. Enjoy the sturdy, boxy Eagle Arch and a big view from Americorps Cliff Overlook that sits high atop Pine Mountain. The approach to the overlook is picturesque - especially on sunny days with small puffy clouds on the horizon;-)
Read MoreThe is the last of five overlooks along US-119 and is a really cool spot. A former homestead has been converted into a shelter near the overlook. I imagine living here would’ve been pretty amazing to enjoy sunset each night:-)
Read MoreThis overlook has powerlines to obstruct the view, but the picnic area is in the footprint of an old homestead along US-119. Visit one of the other four overlooks for a better view, but enjoy a picnic with larger group here.
Read MoreThis is the third of five overlooks along the northwest face of Pine Mountain on US-119 in Letcher County. These roadside overlooks are well developed with viewing platforms, picnic tables, and trash receptacles.
Read MoreThis is the second of five overlooks on US-119 near the top of Pine Mountain in Letcher County. These roadside attractions are nicely developed with a viewing platform, picnic tables, and trash receptacle.
Read MoreThis is the lowest of five roadside overlooks on the northwest slope of Pine Mountain on US-119. It has a viewing platform and picnic tables making for a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the views.
Read MoreThis handicap accessible overlook provides great views to the north and would be spectacular with puffy clouds and Fall colors. On this day, it was bluebird skies over Letcher County and beyond.
Read MoreThis is my favorite overlook at Kingdom Come State Park. Expansive views with very little trace of manmade structures puts this one at the top of the list. Views face from west to east with a beautiful look at the undulating Pine Mountain ridgeline.
Read MoreThis is the northernmost of the walk-out overlooks at the park and has a great feel to it. Expansive views from north to west-southwest make this a great spot to watch summertime sunsets over Eastern Kentucky. It’s also a great stop for backpackers hiking the Little Shepherd Trail.
Read MoreThis is a fantastic hike. While I caught the falls in the midst of a drought, the views atop Pine Mountain more than made up for it. High Rock and Mars Rock are wonderful destinations on their own, with expansive views west. It’s also worth exploring near the falls along the cliff face moving northwest, but stopping at the rock formation that I’d call the “Dragon’s Mouth” pictured below.
Read MorePine Mountain Trail offers glorious vistas and a great backpacking opportunity with challenging trails, excellent shelters every 8 to 12 miles, and plenty of wildlife - like the 5 black bears we saw on our hike.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
