Sunset from the Herndon J. Evans Lodge Patio

Sunset from the Herndon J. Evans Lodge Patio

One of the best spots for sunset at Pine Mountain State Resort Park is the back patio at Herndon J. Evans Lodge. It offers a picture perfect view down the valley with the sun setting over Pine Mountain. Ideal sunset views here are mid-Fall through mid-Spring, and I’d love to see this snow-covered someday.

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Clear Creek Hollow Out and Back

Clear Creek Hollow Out and Back

This is a terrific trail and one that’ll be loved by the whole family. Walk along the scenic Clear Creek, pass through an old railroad tunnel, and see if you can spot the remnants of the old papermill. If you have younger kiddos, use the KY-1491 trailhead and walk east to shorten the hike.

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Rock Hotel at Pine Mountain SRP

Rock Hotel at Pine Mountain SRP

This lollipop takes you to an A-framed rock shelter that’s goes pretty deep into the rock. It’s a great destination on hot days for the all natural air conditioning provided here. The walk around the loop portion of the lollipop goes through some rhododendron and would be best when they’re in season in late June into July.

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Azalea Trail

Azalea Trail

This is a really nice, short walk through the forest at Pine Mountain SRP. With one climb made easier with a switchback, this loop hike passes some interesting rock formations and is kid friendly. It’s also a short walk from Laurel Cove Amphitheater and a great way to enjoy the forest before the show.

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Hemlock Garden and Meditation (Inspiration) Point

Hemlock Garden and Meditation (Inspiration) Point

Situated below and behind the lodge, this forest walk goes through a garden of hemlocks with a number of very old hemlocks having recently fallen. From there, move through Fat Man’s Squeeze before heading out to Meditation Point. I visited after a dry period, but I see the appeal. From Winter through mid-Summer, this likely has a waterfall below with a giant rock rising up through the mature forest in the backdrop.

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Morning at Pineville Overlook

Morning at Pineville Overlook

I like to be out in nature with the fewest number of manmade structures in view - and that’s why mornings are the best time to head out to an overlook like this. Normally, the small town of Pineville dominates the view, but with morning fog in the valley, the viewshed becomes all natural.

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Powderhorn Arch Out and Back

Powderhorn Arch Out and Back

This is a nice, short mountain hike with a steady, challenging grade to reach Powderhorn Arch. This is one of three documented sandstone arches on the park’s property and is a fun one to be sure. You can continue all the way up to Chained Rock to add another couple miles to the out and back.

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Gap Cave and Tri-State Peak

Gap Cave and Tri-State Peak

This is a great hike to a historic location at Tri-State Peak, but the real beauty here is at Gap Cave’s entrance where some beautiful geology is on display. Though I’m not sure if the arches there have names, there are a pair of them along with a nice pillar window at the lower entrance. The cave was closed on our visit, but we walked up to the upper entrance anyway. Skip the upper portion unless you’re in the mood to log a little extra distance.

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Pinnacle Overlook at Daybreak Above Cumberland Gap

Pinnacle Overlook at Daybreak Above Cumberland Gap

This is a quick walk on handicap accessible paved trail to a gorgeous overlook of Cumberland Gap where Daniel Boone and other early European settlers blazed a path west. With vast views and easy access, this is a must-visit while at the park. Daybreak is particularly beautiful here as the clouds above and morning fog layer below come to life.

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Honeymoon Falls Out and Back

Honeymoon Falls Out and Back

This was a short little hike to beautiful Honeymoon Falls in Pine Mountain State Resort Park. With dry weather leading up to our hike, the falls were far from peak flow, but are always worth a visit - especially on a hot Summer day where you can grab some of that all natural air conditioning.

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Chained Rock

Chained Rock

This is among Kentucky’s most iconic vistas and is on the must-hike list for anyone exploring the Commonwealth. Situated high above Pineville, the chain - as local lore would have it - was designed to ensure the massive rock wouldn’t tumble down the mountain. Would it work? Meh, probably not. But it does make for some amazing photography:-)

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