Sunset at Hartig Park and Wildlife Reserve Overlook

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Sunset at Hartig Park and Wildlife Reserve Overlook

This is a drive-up overlook at the end of the road in Hartig Park and Wildlife Reserve in Gallatin County. Views like this are few and far between along the Ohio River, and this 800+ acre park is something of a lesser known in Northern Kentucky. It offers free camping, this amazing view, and a number of trails that I’ll fully explore in the coming weeks. Also, expect to see deer in great numbers along the farm fields leading to the park during their active hours.

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Gap Cave and Tri-State Peak

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Gap Cave and Tri-State Peak

This is a great hike to a historic location at Tri-State Peak, but the real beauty here is at Gap Cave’s entrance where some beautiful geology is on display. Though I’m not sure if the arches there have names, there are a pair of them along with a nice pillar window at the lower entrance. The cave was closed on our visit, but we walked up to the upper entrance anyway. Skip the upper portion unless you’re in the mood to log a little extra distance.

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Pinnacle Overlook at Daybreak Above Cumberland Gap

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Pinnacle Overlook at Daybreak Above Cumberland Gap

This is a quick walk on handicap accessible paved trail to a gorgeous overlook of Cumberland Gap where Daniel Boone and other early European settlers blazed a path west. With vast views and easy access, this is a must-visit while at the park. Daybreak is particularly beautiful here as the clouds above and morning fog layer below come to life.

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Honeymoon Falls Out and Back

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Honeymoon Falls Out and Back

This was a short little hike to beautiful Honeymoon Falls in Pine Mountain State Resort Park. With dry weather leading up to our hike, the falls were far from peak flow, but are always worth a visit - especially on a hot Summer day where you can grab some of that all natural air conditioning.

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Chained Rock

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Chained Rock

This is among Kentucky’s most iconic vistas and is on the must-hike list for anyone exploring the Commonwealth. Situated high above Pineville, the chain - as local lore would have it - was designed to ensure the massive rock wouldn’t tumble down the mountain. Would it work? Meh, probably not. But it does make for some amazing photography:-)

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Bear Creek Overlook

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Bear Creek Overlook

This is an absolutely gorgeous overlook - especially for sunset! This was my last stop before heading north for home, and looking back, I wish I’d have stayed here until nightfall. That said, several weeks before or after this July hike would be ideal, as the sun would set directly above Bear Creek for an amazing view.

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Yahoo Falls Recreation Area West (South) Overlook

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Yahoo Falls Recreation Area West (South) Overlook

Between the two overlooks in the Yahoo Falls area, this is the winner by a lot. Located above a bend in the river, the sweeping views from here are nothing short of spectacular. Some list this as the South Overlook, but I think of it as the West Overlook.

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Summer on Panoramic View Trail (Great Gulf Overlook)

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Summer on Panoramic View Trail (Great Gulf Overlook)

My last visit here was in the dead of Winter and wow what a difference a couple seasons make:-) This trail leads to an expansive view of the ‘Great Gulf’ which is a surprisingly wide valley with cliff-lined ridges all around. It’s a short, quick hike and a great complement to Natural Arch just down the street.

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Buffalo Canyon Loop with Natural Arch and Chimney Arch

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Buffalo Canyon Loop with Natural Arch and Chimney Arch

This hike has all the best things that Kentucky hiking has to offer - a big view, natural sandstone arches, waterfalls, and playful streams. On a day with 13 different hikes, this one was the longest and best of the bunch. And wow did this trail have a variety of mushrooms!

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