This is one of two drive-up overlooks above Blue Heron Mining Community in Big South Fork - a really neat recreation of a classic Eastern Kentucky coal mining camp. It’s a gorgeous overlook sitting high above the South Fork of Cumberland River.
Read MoreThis short, accessible, walk-out hike is on paved trail leading to a large platform structure with bench seating and some shade:-) The draw is a fantastic view of Devl’s Jump - a set of rapids on the South Fork of Cumberland River.
Read MoreBetween the two overlooks in the Yahoo Falls area, this is the winner by a lot. Located above a bend in the river, the sweeping views from here are nothing short of spectacular. Some list this as the South Overlook, but I think of it as the West Overlook.
Read MoreThis is a terrific hike on double-track trail through Big South Fork NRRA. Along the way, you get a gorgeous view above Yahoo Creek and South Fork of Cumberland River, the ever so tall Yahoo Falls, and Roaring Rocks Cataract.
Read MoreI’ve seen a lot of vistas in Kentucky, and this one is up there on that list. Forget about the graffiti on the rock, the view here is special. Situated at a bend in South Fork and with an uninterrupted viewshed, this is a fantastic place to sit a spell and have a think.
Read MoreMy last visit here was in the dead of Winter and wow what a difference a couple seasons make:-) This trail leads to an expansive view of the ‘Great Gulf’ which is a surprisingly wide valley with cliff-lined ridges all around. It’s a short, quick hike and a great complement to Natural Arch just down the street.
Read MoreThis hike has all the best things that Kentucky hiking has to offer - a big view, natural sandstone arches, waterfalls, and playful streams. On a day with 13 different hikes, this one was the longest and best of the bunch. And wow did this trail have a variety of mushrooms!
Read MoreThis handicap accessible walk leads out to a great view of Natural Arch. I started and ended my day here with a time lapse of daybreak and another approaching dusk. Of course, I tapped the wrong setting at dusk - oops:-)
Read MorePerhaps the most iconic sunset in Kentucky is here at Chimney Top Rock. An easy hike on mostly paved trails, summertime provides a magical sunset with the sun moving in line above Red River Gorge below.
Read MoreThis is one of the prettiest arches in Kentucky, and the hike comes with a few overlooks that were spectacular in the late day sun. While the trail has certainly suffered from heavy use, it remains a must-hike when visiting Red River Gorge.
Read MoreThis short hike is mostly easy hiking with a number of staircases leading to the fire tower that provides a gorgeous view of Cumberland River in the distance. It is on the national list of historic fire towers and is one of only a handful in the country with a full residence at the top. Access to the top deck is available at announced times when the park provides tours of the tower.
Read MoreExposed rock, big views, and the gorgeous southwest running Knife Ridge highlight this short hike. At the right time of year, the finest sunset view at the park might be along the Knife Ridge - a sliver of sandstone framed by trees with an opening to the south-southwest.
Read MoreThis handicap accessible overlook provides great views to the north and would be spectacular with puffy clouds and Fall colors. On this day, it was bluebird skies over Letcher County and beyond.
Read MoreThis is my favorite overlook at Kingdom Come State Park. Expansive views with very little trace of manmade structures puts this one at the top of the list. Views face from west to east with a beautiful look at the undulating Pine Mountain ridgeline.
Read MoreThis is the northernmost of the walk-out overlooks at the park and has a great feel to it. Expansive views from north to west-southwest make this a great spot to watch summertime sunsets over Eastern Kentucky. It’s also a great stop for backpackers hiking the Little Shepherd Trail.
Read MoreThough the views at the park are outstanding, Log Rock really is an exceptional arch and worth the visit. This wide span, slender arch is absolutely gorgeous and just beyond it is a large patch of knobby rock ideal to catch some sun and enjoy a picnic. I’ll return just to spend a sunrise at this amazing place.
Read MoreAfter entering the park, there is a nice gazebo with gorgeous views southeast to south a few dozen steps from the parking lot. This is handicap accessible and is a nice spot for sunrise with fog in the valley below.
Read MoreHigh Knob Tower provides amazing views of surrounding mountains looking deep into Virginia and west to Kentucky. I took full advantage of camping nearby at Flag Rock Recreation Area - stopping in for multiple sunrises and sunsets. When visiting or passing through, it’s worth a quick stop.
Read MoreI have a rule. If there is an unmarked trail, check it out because odds are it’ll lead somewhere cool. This is the case here, as I passed a small pull-off with distinct trails when driving down to Little Stony Falls. This trail runs the ridge above the falls and comes to a point overlooking gorges in three directions. It is an EPIC view so don’t miss it!
Read MoreThis is a fantastic hike. While I caught the falls in the midst of a drought, the views atop Pine Mountain more than made up for it. High Rock and Mars Rock are wonderful destinations on their own, with expansive views west. It’s also worth exploring near the falls along the cliff face moving northwest, but stopping at the rock formation that I’d call the “Dragon’s Mouth” pictured below.
Read MoreFinding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky.
