Fall Sunset at Herndon J. Evans Lodge
Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr

Fall Sunset at Herndon J. Evans Lodge

Gorgeous Fall sunsets from the comfort of a restaurant in the middle of the forest are few and far between. The lodge at Pine Mountain State Resort Park is one of these rare gems. Take in dinner and a sunset along with plenty of color above and below. Book the right room at the lodge, and you can have this sunset on your balcony. Not ready for dinner, walk out to the patio for a slightly less awesome view.

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Grayson Lake Damsite Tower and Spillway
Vista, Waterfall, Carter Caves Region Michael Harr Vista, Waterfall, Carter Caves Region Michael Harr

Grayson Lake Damsite Tower and Spillway

On the west side of the dam on KY-7 is a small tower, spillway, and trail. We popped in to checkout the tower and spillway and while the view from the tower is less than pristine, it does provide excellent birdwatching. And the spillway had a little manmade “waterfall” with a blue heron perched on the rocks - so not too bad for a quick stop on the way home.

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Count's Cabin to Big Toe Rock
Arch, Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr Arch, Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr

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!

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Lone Tree to Pitch Ridge Overlooks Loop on Little Shepherd Trail
Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr

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.

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Bullock Overlook Just Before Sunrise
Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr Vista, Pine Mountain Region Michael Harr

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.

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