Lovers Leap Out and Back
This is the first of several overlooks at Breaks Interstate Park that straddles the Virginia-Kentucky border and was mighty gorgeous on my visit with full sun and bluebird skies. Take in the views from the road or walk a couple tenths of a mile for a little closer look.
Count's Cabin to Big Toe Rock
Of all the day hikes on Pine Mountain, this is a fast favorite! Starting at the base of the mountain on the Virginia side of the border, this ascends to the ridge providing truly spectacular views of Kentucky. Along the way, enjoy a relatively rare sight at Pine Mountain Natural Bridge - a conglomerate sandstone arch. And, take the spur to a deep rock house that is believed to have been the source of seven different sulfur springs on the mountain. This is a great hike!
Russell Fork Overlook
This roadside overlook is on the west side of Breaks Interstate Park and offers a wonderful view of the Russell Fork below with Pine Mountain setting the backdrop. We stopped here after camping at the northern terminus of Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail across the river in Elkhorn City.
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.