Buzzards Roost North, Central, and South
This is a great trio of overlooks with each providing a unique view of Red River Gorge. North looks out over the river, to Hens Nest, and to Sky Bridge; Central has perhaps the best view looking downriver; South is the most iconic of the group with a spicy scramble down Keystone Arch and excellent sunset view. Skip the scramble if you’re not 100% comfortable; solid views are available without it!
Sunset at The Veranda
This premium overlook is better known for its sunrise views, but nearest the Winter Solstice, The Veranda delivers an incredibly beautiful scene. With the sun dropping down just at the edge of Rush Ridge, this was an ideal way to close out the day.
Koomer Ridge Campground Loop
This hike combines popular short hikes surrounding Koomer Ridge Campground into a single loop that includes Hidden Arch, Silvermine Arch, and Cliff Trail for a total of about five miles. It’s a great way to spend a day - whether staying at the campground or visiting for the day.
Buzzards Roost South and Keystone Arch
This short, but spicy hike leads to one of the better overlooks in Red River Gorge. And while the views are fantastic, the final bit of hiking to the roost is the real fun. If you’re afraid of heights, have difficulty scrambling exposed areas, or have young children, this is not the hike for you.
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.
Pineville Overlook - Late Day Fall Views
This short walk leads to a nice view directly above the town of Pineville and provided a great scene before we headed to the lodge for a sunset dinner. When visiting the park, this is a great stop - especially when visiting Chained Rock from the same parking lot.
Roadside Overlooks at Pine Mountain State Resort Park
These overlooks provide nice views and were particularly beautiful with Fall colors on display. As you drive to the top of Pine Mountain, these pit stops serve as an appetizer for even bigger views at Pineville Overlook and Chained Rock.
“Midway” Overlook
Though the view here is more limited than up top at Pinnacle Overlook, you’ll have it all to yourself because there’s only enough room for one vehicle:-) This has a narrow view out to Middlesboro and is a worthwhile stop when touring the overlooks in the region.
Fall at Pinnacle Overlook
This is the main overlook at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and an easy walk with handicap access as well. The 180-degree view here is outstanding with views of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee looking out to Cumberland Gap.
September Sunrise at Chimney Top Rock
This is my top spot for foggy mornings in Red River Gorge and with a fog advisory in effect, this was the place to be - and it delivered the goods once again. Get here to watch the sunrise behind you, lighting up Hanson’s Point and the gorgeous sandstone cliff faces.
Sunset at Military Wall Overlook
This was a nice, quick walk out to a clifftop overlooking Military Wall. After hiking below and above the wall, it was great to catch a fresh perspective - at sunset no less. The unmarked spur is well trod and relatively easy to navigate with a short scramble on the final approach to the overlook.
Lewis and Clark Trail - Vanceburg Veterans Memorial Park
This is a short walk to a fantastic view of the Ohio River on what the sign says is a 0.13 mile trail. Part of the Lewis and Clark Trail, this is a great stop when traveling the AA Highway/Route 9 or the more scenic Route 8 (River Road).
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.
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!
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.
The Gazebo at Kingdom Come
The gazebo at Kingdom Come State Park is a must-visit at the park. The view of the valley below is refreshing and southeast facing - making for a great sunrise spot from September through March. Read the hiker notes below for more info.
Log Rock Out and Back
This beautiful, slender, and long arch sits on a ridge running down Pine Mountain’s southeast slope. With a gorgeous view and excellent sit spot just beyond the arch, it is a great place to soak in the mountain views.
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.