In southeastern Kentucky, two high ridges, separated by the Cumberland River Valley, parallel the Virginia border. These prominent spines are part of the Cumberland Mountains, the southeast edge of the Appalachian Plateau and the westward extension of the Allegheny Front. The more southern ridge is Cumberland Mountain which harbors the famous Cumberland Gap, just outside of Middlesboro, Kentucky.
The northern ridge, extending from Whitesburg, Kentucky southwestward into Tennessee, is known as Pine Mountain; after flowing along the south side of this ridge, the Cumberland River cuts through to its north side at Pineville and continues westward to Cumberland Falls and Lake Cumberland. Pine Mountain State Resort Park, just west of Pineville, is an excellent place to explore the ridge; it is the oldest Park in what is arguably the finest State Park system in the country. Numerous trails lead across the south face and atop the high spine of Pine Mountain, passing waterfalls, a natural bridge and scenic rock formations; "chained rock," reached by a short walk or a long hike, yields a spectacular view of the nearby mountains and valleys.
Further east, via KY 1254 off U.S. 119, Kingdom Come State Park sits atop Pine Mountain; at an elevation of 2800 feet, it is the highest of Kentucky's State Parks. Centered on Raven Rock, a giant outcrop of sandstone, the Park is accessed by a fine network of trails which lead across the mountain slopes and out to several overlooks. The Little Shepherd Trail, which follows the crest of Pine Mountain for 38 miles (from U.S. 421 to U.S. 119), crosses through the Park.
Even further east, the Bad Branch State Nature Preserve spreads up the south face of Pine Mountain. Reached via KY 932 (off U.S. 119, 7 miles southwest of Whitesburg), the refuge is renowned for Bad Branch Falls, a 60 foot cascade. Energetic and conditioned hikers may also want to set their sights on High Rock, atop the Pine Mountain ridge.
