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.
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.
Leopold Gap to Mercy Seat Overlook
This hike features four overlooks on the Little Shepherd Trail Section of Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail and is part of the Great Eastern Trail - a 1,800+ mile trail under construction from Florida through the Adirondacks. This quick day hike is a great way to sample the amazing views and get acquainted with this gorgeous trail section in Kentucky.
Copperas Creek Nine Arch Tour
WARNING | This trail is on unmarked, unmaintained trails; portions of this hike are on poorly defined user trails with unstable soil/rock and a risky crawl; getting lost is possible even for experienced hikers; no cell service is available in this canyon and GPS is far from accurate; inexperienced off trail hikers should NOT attempt this hike
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).
2022 Yamacraw 50K DNF
This year, I posted a DNF (Did Not Finish) and while a DNF hurts, this one is still hurting weeks later as I write this. Somewhere around mile 6(?), I planted my foot, the rock shifted, and I took a hard fall on my chest and face.
Markers Arch Out and Back
This is an often overlooked arch thanks to its neighboring attractions at Yahoo Recreation Area. When visiting Yahoo Falls, Overlooks, and Arch, make a pit stop here to get the legs warm. And, notice there is a second opening on the east side of the rock formation. See the hiker note below about that.
Split Bow Arch Out and Back
This is one of the more interesting arches in Kentucky and a short walk in the woods. The trail takes you through the arch and is most commonly hiked as a loop. Short on daylight, we shaved a few steps off the hike with the out and back route instead.
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:-)