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.
Raven Rock
This is the only private day use fee area in Red River Gorge and provides some of the most commanding views in the region. A loop of overlooks at the top provide 360-degree views of the Gorge that were spectacular on this sun and clouds day. Be sure to spot Auxier Ridge, Courthouse Rock, Tarr Ridge West, and more while you’re up there.
Sunset at Twilight Arch Overlook
I had visited this overlook a couple weeks back and brought LaFonda out for a quick sunset hike. Twilight Arch Overlook is quiet and beautiful with sweeping 180-degree views ideal for sunset year-round. There’s a catch, of course, so be sure to read the hiker notes below.
Sand Gap, White’s Branch Arch, Ramp Arch, Twilight Arch, Natural Bridge, and Rock Garden Window Complex
There’s nothing to see, then there is a ton to see! This hike has some beautiful forest walking for the first 4+ miles before reaching the ridgeline to four arches, four overlooks, and plenty of amazing geology. The hike is moderately difficulty overall, but a class 4 scramble is required to reach White’s Branch and Ramp Arches. Overall, this is one of the best 10+ mile routes in the Red River Gorge Region, but can be made shorter with more direct approaches (see hiker notes below).
Bear Creek Overlook for Sunset
This is one of the best sunset spots in the Commonwealth - and with Split Bow Arch next door, it’s a must-visit anytime you find yourself in the region. And, I have yet to encounter another person on my visits here that are typically on the weekends:-)
Natural Arch Loop
This was the first hike I did in the region many years ago, and it remains a great, short hike to one of Kentucky’s most impressive arches. The rock outcropping that seemingly comes up out of nowhere is as impressive as the arch and a beautiful walk in the forest.
Natural Arch Handicap Accessible Overlook
This is a nice, quick walk on paved path to a developed platform looking out over Natural Arch and the Great Gulf. It’s worthy of a stop anytime you’re driving by on US-27 and additional hiking with routes ranging from a quarter mile to 6.5 miles on Buffalo Canyon Loop.
Shallow Flats Loop
These wetlands were an entertaining stop with one Canadian goose wreaking havoc upon its neighbors. It was also sunrise part two with the sun cresting above the eastern knobs to provide a gorgeous morning scene.
Sunrise at Twin Knobs Picnic Area
Nearly all the views on Twin Knobs’ shoreline are south or west facing, but this little spot just off a picnic area was perfect for sunrise. Situated between the group campsites and the beach, this little walk was ideal for sunrise.
Twin Knobs Shoreline for Sunset
This was the perfect way to close out a great day on the trails around Cave Run Lake. Sunset was beautiful, and all the views along the shoreline leading to that moment were fantastic. This is an easy hike that can be made much shorter with the many connector trails from the various campground loops.
Buckskin Connector Trail
Most connector trails are pretty boring, but this one provides a gorgeous view of Twin Knobs across Cave Run Lake. Paired with sunrise at Zilpo Mountain, it turned out to be a fantastic morning on the trails.
Zilpo Mountain Sunrise
This was the perfect way to start the day - a nice uphill hike to get the blood flowing and a gorgeous view of Cave Run Lake’s south side. While sunrise was obscured by trees, the scene was magnificent - and this might be the best sunrise view in the region come Autumn.
Snow Day at Tater Knob
Though the fire tower is closed, a pair of overlooks make this a great place to enjoy a big view of the many knobs on the south side of Cave Run Lake. This trail is highly developed with a ton of stairs marching their way up this gorgeous rock outcropping.
Snow Day at Whistling Arch
Finishing off the day at Whistling Arch was pretty much perfect. The clouds finally broke and the wintry scene here is fantastic - particularly at the overlook. When you step out to the overlook, take care not to get too close to the edge when ice/snow are present, but take your time enjoying the view and listening to the waterfalls below.
Snow Day at Sky Bridge
I’ve hiked this little loop more times than I can recall, and it’s always gorgeous. Taking in the views and arch with snow was especially nice - even if the clouds lingered much later than forecast. When visiting the area, this is a great, short hike with plenty of eye candy.
Snow Day at Devil’s Canyon Overlook
I stopped here twice waiting for the clouds to break and finally caught a big view with a beautiful sky. This little walk out overlook is always beautiful. It’s also a cool spot to watch sunrise as the sandstone cliffs light up with a little fog playing in the canyon when conditions are right.
Snow Day at Camera Point Overlook
This overlook features a distant view of Sky Bridge, a commanding view of the Swift Camp Creek Valley below, and a look at Castle Arch Overlook across the way. When hiking Sky Bridge, this is a nice stop to grab a big view.