The closer to Winter solstice, the better the sunrise views are at Tower Tunnel Overlook. While the sun was still just slightly obscured by trees, watching the fog bank roll in over the Breaks made for a wonderfully peaceful morning as the sun lit up Pine Mountain to the southwest.
Read MoreWhenever I’m in the area, I always pop out to see the legendary Woodbooger and enjoy the views from this overlook. The Fall colors on this day were among the best I’ve ever seen, and a local gentleman easily 70+ years old said he visits here every Fall because, “It’s the best!”
Read MoreThis is a beautiful creek and spectacular hike. Having visited in years past, on this day, the falls were flowing nicely during what is normally a very dry time of year. If ever in the region, this hike is worth the stop and be sure to visit Bear Rock that sits high above the creek gorge.
Read MoreOn August 25, 1965 a plane crashed just below this overlook; may they rest in peace. That said, this is a beautiful and less visited overlook owing its views to a large slab of exposed sandstone. It has a perfect (and level) perch with great views south-southwest.
Read MoreThis is an old forest road turned hiking trail that leads to the top of Pine Mountain between Natural Bridge Ledge and Skeet Rock Knob. There is a nice camping spot here under a rock shelter just a couple hundred yards up the trail with access to Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail.
Read MoreThis is a phenomenal spot for sunset at Breaks Interstate Park overlooking Russell Fork, The Towers, and Pine Mountain. On this day, thick clouds were rolling in creating dark skies to the southwest and beautifully illuminated high clouds to the southeast.
Read MoreThis short walkout overlook is the westernmost in Breaks Interstate Park. It also provides the best spot to catch sunset over Pine Mountain with the small town of Elkhorn City, Kentucky tucked in behind Potters Flats below. On this day, clouds were rolling in from the northeast so I packed up and visited Lovers Leap on the other side of the park for another spectacular view.
Read MoreThis short walkout overlook has tremendous views to the south-southeast to the north-northwest. Take in the sweeping view of Russell Fork Gorge as it makes its way crossing over from Virginia to Kentucky passing Pine Mountain in the process.
Read MoreSandstone comes in many shapes and sizes - and this rock is pretty cool. Reminiscent of Balanced Rock at Natural Bridge State Park, Pinnacle Rock is a large outcrop that also appears to balance itself high above Russell Fork.
Read MoreWhat a view! This overlook provides a look down into the Russell Fork Gorge, a.k.a. The Grand Canyon of the South. From this overlook, stand exactly 1,000 ft. above the river below while looking out to the northern terminus of Pine Mountain.
Read MoreEnjoy a distant view of Tower Tunnel from high above at this overlook. The ever present Pine Mountain can been seen in the fore and background with a pair of knobs breaking above the immediate ridge.
Read MoreThe Towers really are a sight to behold. These rugged sandstone cliffs spring up from the knob, rising high and narrow providing an amazing sight. From this overlook, you get a stunning view of the Russell Fork circling around in front of The Towers with the northernmost section of Pine Mountain in the background.
Read MoreOf the many amazing overlooks at Breaks Interstate Park, this one is my favorite. Located along Route 80, it’s a quick little walk down to Mill Rock Point, and the view is among the best I have ever seen anywhere. This overlook alone is worth the trip!
Read MoreLikely the closest and best view of The Towers, Lovers Leap Roadside Overlook is a nice stop while visiting the park. It’s also on Spearhead Trails, Ridgeview Trail System that includes more than 70 miles of multi-use trails - something I’ll explore on a future trip.
Read MoreThis is a gorgeous creekside hike through mature forest leading to the Russell Fork. Along the way, enjoy some small waterfalls below the trail and pass by a ‘balanced’ rock before reaching the river where The Chimney can be seen high above.
Read MoreThis quiet spot on the Russell Fork is such a nice complement to the spectacular views at Breaks Interstate Park. A mile long drive on gravel road leads to expansive parking and a peaceful spot. A Fall morning here epitomizes serenity.
Read MoreThis is among the best sunrise spots on Pine Mountain thanks to the augmented vantage point that the tower provides. The large platform offers views out to six states on clear days including Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Read MoreWhile this is arguably the best sunset spot in Kentucky, it is without question the biggest! The observation tower was installed in 2003, and any visit will show what a wonderful investment this turned out to be. If you get a change to stick around after dark, the stars are rarely brighter anywhere in the Commonwealth.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis is such a great race through Central Appalachia. I love the city of Norton and the trails here keep expanding and improving year after year. The course, while challenging, is a lot of fun to run. This year had special guests, Karl Meltzer (most 100-miler ultramarathon wins) and Rob Apple (most ultramarathon finishes), joining the field with Karl winning another 100-miler.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
