There are two arches in Muir Valley along the trail system and both are beautiful. Liz’s Arch calls to mind Angel Windows while Sunny Side is a really unique arch with a kind of slot canyon feel along its eastern entryway. Both are worth a stop when visiting the waterfalls here over Winter when climbers (primary trail users) are away.
Read MoreThis is one of my favorites in the region, and this is the first time I’ve taken the short route to get there. With the family along for Thanksgiving, this was a perfect hike to cap off a wonderful day. The creek has a couple slides and cascades along the way, but the scene at Dog Slaughter Falls is among the best in Kentucky. And, with the tail end of dry season, I enjoyed a 360-degree walk around and beneath the falls.
Read MoreThis is a must-visit for anyone hiking Kentucky. Known as the Niagra of the South, Cumberland Falls is a gorgeous, powerful waterfall and has all the overlooks to go with it;-) Here are the four developed viewing platforms on the Whitley County side of the river. More views can be had across the river from Eagle Falls Trail.
Read MoreThis easy little out and back is half road, half trail. While Vanover Falls wasn’t flowing on this day (toward the end of dry season), it’ll be rejuvenated shortly when Waterfall Season gets going in a few short weeks - typically mid-December through mid-Spring before sun and higher temps dry things out.
Read MoreThe cascades of Bark Camp Creek are a fantastic destination that can be enjoyed year-round. The hike follows the trail on the north side of the creek with rock walls and wet weather waterfalls lining the north side of the trail. Pack a lunch, pick a rock, and enjoy the view.
Read MoreWe were camping a little down the road and decided to catch a quick sunset at Dry Land Bridge. This roadside attraction has views predominantly to the south and south-southeast, so not the best sunset spot, but it was pretty solid for a quick view during Golden Hour.
Read MoreThis little hike off the southwestern reaches of Laurel River Lake will take you to a pair of arches separated by only a few hundred yards. Whippoorwill is a big beauty while Whippersnapper has its own playful charm.
Read MoreThis is a classic Red River Gorge hike with all the crowds to go with it - and that’s why we hit it on a Monday…in November:-) Stops at Adena Arch, Indian Arch, Cloudsplitter, Frog’s Head, and Indian Staircase make for a fantastic day - just be sure your crew can handle the scrambles at Indian Staircase and Cloudsplitter. And remember - better to turn back and hike another day if it’s not right for you!
Read MoreI 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 MoreIf you’re ever short on time getting out to sunrise at Auxier, this is the spot! While my time-lapse wasn’t great, in real life, it was a glorious morning:-) This quick one was perfect before hitting the road to Pine Mountain.
Read MoreThe scene at Cherokee Arch might be the most beautiful in all of Kentucky. Massive, primordial, pristine. Let’s keep it that way. The area under the arch is delicate to say the least - step only where others have stepped. Do NOT camp, build a fire, or otherwise unnecessarily impact this area.
Read MoreThis is a nice, steep hike to a gorgeous arch and beautiful overlook with a little scramble sauce mixed in. And, it has a big boulder sitting under it, making for a super awesome spot to chill, meditate, or enjoy lunch. Get here for Golden Hour before sunset.
Read MoreThis is among the top swimming holes in Kentucky with some amazing riverside views framed by towering cliffs. Pool Point is located just downriver, and Ratliff Hole also serves as a great place to start a beautiful paddle on Russell Fork.
Read MoreThis quiet spot on the Russell Fork is such a nice complement to the spectacular views at Breaks Interstate Park. A mile long drive on gravel road leads to expansive parking and a peaceful spot. A Fall morning here epitomizes serenity.
Read MoreThis is among the best sunrise spots on Pine Mountain thanks to the augmented vantage point that the tower provides. The large platform offers views out to six states on clear days including Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Read MoreWhile this is arguably the best sunset spot in Kentucky, it is without question the biggest! The observation tower was installed in 2003, and any visit will show what a wonderful investment this turned out to be. If you get a change to stick around after dark, the stars are rarely brighter anywhere in the Commonwealth.
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 MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
