Russell Fork Overlook
Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr

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.

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Little Shepherd Trail from Kingdom Come to US-119 - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail
Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr

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.

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Arch of Triumph, Star Gap Arch, Double Arch, and The Observatory for Sunset
Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Arch of Triumph, Star Gap Arch, Double Arch, and The Observatory for Sunset

This is a classic route in Red River Gorge using a combination of marked and unmarked trails that are easy to follow with a couple light class 2 scrambles as well. Star Gap Arch and Double Arch are hiker favorites while Arch of Triumph is small, but playful. And sunset at The Observatory? Fantastic!

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D Boon Hut Short Loop with Views
Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

D Boon Hut Short Loop with Views

History, sandstone windows, beautiful crags, white haired goldenrod, and even a couple nice views - this little loop is more enjoyable each time I visit. The trail, named for a piece of wood hut believed to be inscribed by Daniel Boone beneath a giant rock shelter, loops down into the gorge before rising up via Rough Trail with a couple views before regaining the ridge. Not an easy hike, but an excellent short loop in the Red.

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Hanson’s Point Out and Back
Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr Vista, Red River Gorge Region Michael Harr

Hanson’s Point Out and Back

This is the easiest five miles in Red River Gorge and a glorious clifftop vista. Following Pinch ‘em Tight Trail out to an unmarked spur off Rough Trail, this view is among the best in the region and ideal for sunrise. It’s also a popular backpacking overnight spot with large campsites littering the trail approaching the point.

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2021 Yamacraw 50K

2021 Yamacraw 50K

I wear a Road ID bracelet and on it is inscribed, “Last Place > DNF > DNS.” Translated, that’s, “Last place is better than did not finish is better than did not start.” Coming in undertrained and in conditions that I’d rather hike than run, I hiked. A lot. And got that last place finish with only seconds to spare:-)

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2021 Carter Caves Half Marathon

2021 Carter Caves Half Marathon

Let me introduce you to Kentucky’s Prettiest Half Marathon. Seven natural bridges/arches, a number of wet weather waterfalls, a lakeside vista, a clifftop vista, a pair of footbridges, loads of wildflowers, and plenty of gorgeous hardwood forest in between. There was so much to see - and photograph - that my phone died!

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