Austin Gap with Ravens Nest, Staircase Caves, and Skyview Rock Shelter
This is a spectacular hike and leads to arguably the most interesting geological formations on Pine Mountain’s 120+ mile ridgeline. At the top, you’ll enjoy massive views east and south across Virginia, a pair of small caves, and an arch complex with a skylight that is absolutely stunning. BUT, you’re gonna have to work for it - see the notes below.
“Walrus Rock” at Windy Gap
This hike isn’t worth doing on its own unless you’re looking for a spot to camp and maybe a little geology after packing up - and that’s exactly what I did here. That said, read the note below for a more satisfying hike to Twin Cliffs.
Combs Overlook on US-23 North
This roadside overlook provides gorgeous views of Pine Mountain above and the town of Jenkins below. It’s a nice, quick stop when traveling US-23 and has a small picnic shelter to enjoy a meal without having to walk more than a couple dozen paces.
Lone Tree to Pitch Ridge Overlooks Loop on Little Shepherd Trail
This was a glorious hike to enjoy the fog covered views west and north of Pine Mountain. The knobs of Kentucky leading into the Ridges and Valleys of the Appalachian Mountains look like islands in the sky and this hike has plenty of spots to soak it all in.
With this being newly created trail, it needs more traffic to better define the path and even out the footing that remains somewhat slanted. I came across a number of downed trees and trimmed back a couple spots to provide a clear path. Please do NOT create side trails around deadfall. The chainsaw crew will be out there when time and resources allow.
Sunrise at Creech Overlook
This drive-up overlook is just off the lane and a half Little Shepherd Trail road just north of the heart of Kingdom Come State Park. It’s rarely busy and over the summertime, provides an excellent sunrise view above the fog below.
Sunrise at 12 O'Clock Overlook
Of the developed overlooks at Kingdom Come State Park, this one is my favorite to visit. Sunrise here was special with fog streaming over the mountain and catching those first rays of light on the northwest face of the mountain.
Bullock Overlook Just Before Sunrise
This is likely the most popular overlook at Kingdom Come State Park thanks to a short, flat walk of only a dozen or so paces to a 180° view. I didn't like the angle for sunrise, so I headed out to a couple better spots at Creech and Lone Tree Overlooks up the road. Nearer the Summer Solstice, this would be the best easy sunrise spot in the park.
Sunset at Lone Tree Overlook
This was a phenomenal sunset at an easy walk up overlook just outside the Kingdom Come State Park boundary. Checkout the sun setting above, behind, then below the clouds - and yes, it was that colorful!
12-Mile Overlook Out and Back
This short walk yields a pair of overlooks that are rarely, if ever, crowded. The views are outstanding looking southwest to northeast over the knobs of Eastern Kentucky with 12 Mile Overlook providing the best of the two views.
Leopold Gap to Mercy Seat Overlook
This hike features four overlooks on the Little Shepherd Trail Section of Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail and is part of the Great Eastern Trail - a 1,800+ mile trail under construction from Florida through the Adirondacks. This quick day hike is a great way to sample the amazing views and get acquainted with this gorgeous trail section in Kentucky.
Little Shepherd Trail from Kingdom Come to US-119 - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail
What an exciting weekend on Pine Mountain! We backpacked the brand new Little Shepherd Trail Section of Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) between Kingdom Come State Park and US-119 TWICE, and it was AWESOME! There are SIXTEEN named overlooks on this segment with some of the biggest and best views anywhere in Kentucky! If you don’t have this trail on your list, put it at the top right now. It’s that good.