One of the best spots for sunset at Pine Mountain State Resort Park is the back patio at Herndon J. Evans Lodge. It offers a picture perfect view down the valley with the sun setting over Pine Mountain. Ideal sunset views here are mid-Fall through mid-Spring, and I’d love to see this snow-covered someday.
Read MoreThis is a terrific trail and one that’ll be loved by the whole family. Walk along the scenic Clear Creek, pass through an old railroad tunnel, and see if you can spot the remnants of the old papermill. If you have younger kiddos, use the KY-1491 trailhead and walk east to shorten the hike.
Read MoreThis is a nice overlook with a shrinking view thanks to growth in front of the viewing area. The state park trail crew trims these sorts of things back every so often, and I imagine this will be addressed sooner than later.
Read MoreThis lollipop takes you to an A-framed rock shelter that’s goes pretty deep into the rock. It’s a great destination on hot days for the all natural air conditioning provided here. The walk around the loop portion of the lollipop goes through some rhododendron and would be best when they’re in season in late June into July.
Read MoreThis is a really nice, short walk through the forest at Pine Mountain SRP. With one climb made easier with a switchback, this loop hike passes some interesting rock formations and is kid friendly. It’s also a short walk from Laurel Cove Amphitheater and a great way to enjoy the forest before the show.
Read MoreSituated below and behind the lodge, this forest walk goes through a garden of hemlocks with a number of very old hemlocks having recently fallen. From there, move through Fat Man’s Squeeze before heading out to Meditation Point. I visited after a dry period, but I see the appeal. From Winter through mid-Summer, this likely has a waterfall below with a giant rock rising up through the mature forest in the backdrop.
Read MoreThis short little loop is something the kids will love. There are a ton of frogs here, and you’ll hear them jump into the pond as you make your way around the pond.
Read MoreI like to be out in nature with the fewest number of manmade structures in view - and that’s why mornings are the best time to head out to an overlook like this. Normally, the small town of Pineville dominates the view, but with morning fog in the valley, the viewshed becomes all natural.
Read MoreThis is among the best sunrise spots in Kentucky and boy did I have a GREAT morning here! With fog filling the valleys and mountain knobs rising above, this was a special scene. Down below it was like a waterfall of morning fog flowing northwest through the gap.
Read MoreAfter a nice half day of hiking and a lot of time on the road, walking out to Pineville Overlook to enjoy the nighttime scene below over dinner was a perfect way to cap the day.
Read MoreBeautiful creek, old growth forest, huge variety of mushrooms, and one of the most beautiful pieces of rock in Kentucky. Oh, and that view’s pretty good too;-) Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve is one of the few examples of old growth forest in the Commonwealth, and this hike takes full advantage of this natural treasure.
Read MoreThis is a nice, short mountain hike with a steady, challenging grade to reach Powderhorn Arch. This is one of three documented sandstone arches on the park’s property and is a fun one to be sure. You can continue all the way up to Chained Rock to add another couple miles to the out and back.
Read MoreThis is a beautiful small arch that’s difficult to locate this time of year thanks to plentiful roadside vegetation. If you’re passing through Nada Tunnel, this is a nice stop when parking is available. Use the GPS waypoints, photos, and navigation section to make finding this arch a little easier.
Read MoreI LOVE this hike! Cross Indian Creek, visit a pair of unique arches, and enjoy one of the best overlooks in Red River Gorge with plenty of elevation gain along the way. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy the massive views at Blackburn Rock!
Read MoreThis easy walk out to see the bison at Big Bone is the most popular hike at the park. On hot days, the bison typically stay in the shaded areas away from visitors to beat the heat. Knowing this, I visited a couple hours before sunset and enjoyed watching the herd make its way around the fields as the shadows grew long and the day’s heat subsided.
Read MoreLonghunter Trail is a short hike that includes Bear Rock Arch, Lighthouse Arch, and a nice view underneath the Civilian Conservation Corps bridge. When visiting Pine Mountain State Resort Park, this is a must-visit.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis quick walk leaves from the same parking lot as Chained Rock and provides a gorgeous view of the small town of Pineville below. Though not paved, the walk is highly accessible and the overlook has railings for added safety and stability.
Read MoreThis 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:-)
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
