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.

I would normally skip this hike in the dry season, but with some nice recent rains, Bad Branch Falls was fantastic with Fall colors all around. This is a beautiful waterfall and gorgeous creekside walk leading up to it.

This is among the top swimming holes in Kentucky with some amazing riverside views framed by towering cliffs. Pool Point is located just downriver, and Ratliff Hole also serves as a great place to start a beautiful paddle on Russell Fork.

On 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

Sandstone 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.

What 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.

Enjoy 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.

The 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.

Of 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!

Likely 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

While 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.

This is a gorgeous hike on my favorite trail in Kentucky - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. Enjoy the sturdy, boxy Eagle Arch and a big view from Americorps Cliff Overlook that sits high atop Pine Mountain. The approach to the overlook is picturesque - especially on sunny days with small puffy clouds on the horizon;-)

The is the last of five overlooks along US-119 and is a really cool spot. A former homestead has been converted into a shelter near the overlook. I imagine living here would’ve been pretty amazing to enjoy sunset each night:-)

This overlook has powerlines to obstruct the view, but the picnic area is in the footprint of an old homestead along US-119. Visit one of the other four overlooks for a better view, but enjoy a picnic with larger group here.

This is the third of five overlooks along the northwest face of Pine Mountain on US-119 in Letcher County. These roadside overlooks are well developed with viewing platforms, picnic tables, and trash receptacles.

This is the second of five overlooks on US-119 near the top of Pine Mountain in Letcher County. These roadside attractions are nicely developed with a viewing platform, picnic tables, and trash receptacle.

This is the lowest of five roadside overlooks on the northwest slope of Pine Mountain on US-119. It has a viewing platform and picnic tables making for a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the views.

This overlook isn’t on any maps, but it’s a large patch of exposed rock with a steep slope facing southeast - making it an ideal spot for sunrise. You can enjoy the view from the road or walk down a few steps to have some all natural seating.

This long abandoned lookout tower is a nice piece of history and a great place to explore along the Little Shepherd Trail. Some folks constructed a ladder to the first platform, but the boards are badly rotted and climbing this is at minimum foolish. Enjoy the views from below, as big views are available north at KY-2010 or across the road at Goss Park.

This was an unexpected surprise while driving up Pine Mountain on KY-2010. Along the road is this giant rock with a little space for parking and some long-established user trails. While the area was heavily trashed below, the overlooks above were simply gorgeous.

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.

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.

This is a nice overlook with a shrinking view thanks to growth in front of the viewing area. The state park trail crew trims these sorts of things back every so often, and I imagine this will be addressed sooner than later.