Tarr Ridge Extravaganza - Four Big Views

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Tarr Ridge Extravaganza - Four Big Views

I believe Jerrell Goodpaster coined the name of this hike, so we’ll go with it:-) Tarr Ridge Extravaganza is a fantastic hike with four spurs leading to massive views at the end of each. The first two are readily accessible, but the third and fourth are a different story. We were able to reach the first three, but the fourth was a sketchy rock climb with an even sketchier ‘rope’. It pays to know if you’re a hiker or a climber - and we’re hikers:-)

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Arch of Triumph and Star Gap Trail for Sunset

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Arch of Triumph and Star Gap Trail for Sunset

This ridgeline hike will take you out to see the small, but fun Arch of Triumph along with a pair of vistas on the southernmost fingers of the unmarked and unofficial Star Gap Trail. We took in a gorgeous Fall sunset and made it back just as last light was fading to darkness.

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Raven's Rock and Knife Ridge Out and Back at Kingdom Come State Park

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Raven's Rock and Knife Ridge Out and Back at Kingdom Come State Park

Exposed 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.

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Creech Overlook at Kingdom Come State Park

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Creech Overlook at Kingdom Come State Park

This 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.

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Log Rock at Kingdom Come State Park

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Log Rock at Kingdom Come State Park

Though 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.

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2019 Cloudsplitter 50K

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2019 Cloudsplitter 50K

This 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.

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High Knob Tower - Sunrise and Sunset

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High Knob Tower - Sunrise and Sunset

High 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.

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Bark Camp Lake Loop

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Bark Camp Lake Loop

This is a fantastic lake loop with a ton of flora and fauna to see. Most notably, beavers! I spotted a pair of beavers on the hike and countless trees that fell victim to them. AND, I encountered a black bear! Fortunately, there was a big thicket of rhododendron between us, and I had my trusty bear spray at the ready just in case (I always carry this when hiking alone in bear country). Oh, and the lake is gorgeous - so there’s that!

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Little Stony Creek Gorge Overlook

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Little Stony Creek Gorge Overlook

I 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!

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Little Stony Falls

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Little Stony Falls

Practically a drive-up hike, you won’t work up much of a sweat getting to Little Stony Falls - but you will be treated to a beautiful waterfall that even after extensive drought made for a perfectly serene morning. With rhododendron thickets in view of the falls, this hike would be at its best in summer when the blooms are out.

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Upper Norton Reservoir Loop

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Upper Norton Reservoir Loop

This is a nice, short hike around the uppermost of two reservoirs on the mountainside above Norton, Virginia. It’s a peaceful walk on wide, well maintained hiking trails with plenty of intersecting biking trails along its length. For those who enjoy fishing, it would appear plenty of trout can be found in these waters.

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Pine Mountain - Bad Branch Falls, High Rock, and Mars Rock

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Pine Mountain - Bad Branch Falls, High Rock, and Mars Rock

This 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.

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Sheltowee Connector Trail, Jump Rock, and Footbridge

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Sheltowee Connector Trail, Jump Rock, and Footbridge

This short out and back is a lot of fun in warm weather when you can enjoy Red River’s most famous jump rock. For kids, this is among the best hikes in Red River Gorge with a long footbridge over the river. On this day, we also found a plethora of fall wildflowers in bloom with plenty of butterflies and bees taking full advantage.

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