When the first Kentucky State Park Commission was created in 1924, there was considerable interest among the citizens of Bell County in establishing a state park in southeastern Kentucky. Accordingly, the chairman of the commission, Dr. Willard Rouse Jillson, met with local citizens to discuss this possibility.

 

The region of Cumberland Gap was first considered as a possible state park site but was rejected because of its potential as a national park. However, there was such a strong park sentiment in the Pineville area that local citizens joined with county officials to donate land for a state park.

 

The park commission accepted the generous gift of Laurel Cove and adjacent areas, and named the new park Cumberland State Park. The name was changed to Pine Mountain in 1938, to avoid confusion with Cumberland Falls State Park.

 

In the early years, Pine Mountain lacked any resort and recre­ational facilities and had only limited roads and trails. The devel­opment began in 1933 through the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps, a federally funded program designed to put young men to work during the years of the Great Depression.

 

The development initiated through the CCC program included construction of roads into the park area, bridges, shelter houses and hiking trails. These young men also constructed a series of log cabins (the original accommodations for the park, today Cabins 215-224) and a beautiful Lodge which was built out of native sandstone rock and chestnut logs. (This original building forms the upper lobby of the present park Lodge.)

 

Today Pine Mountain is not only one of Kentucky's most out­standing scenic parks, but also a modern resort and meeting facility. These features make Pine Mountain State Resort Park an important element in the tourism industry in Kentucky.

 

The park borders one of the most significant arteries of travel in American history — the famous Wilderness Road. From 1775 until 1800 this was the principal overland approach into what at that time was the western frontier. During later years it was of strategic importance in the movement of armies during the Civil War. A list of some of these early travelers would read like a "Who's Who" of American history — names like Daniel Boone, George Rogers Clark and Ulysses S. Grant

 

This pioneer spirit was preserved in later years by the people who settled in the local mountains. Many of these settlers adopted a rugged, self-sufficient lifestyle that was preserved well into the 20th century.

 

 

Pine Mountain is one of Kentucky's most unique geological features. Unlike many mountain landforms, Pine Mountain is very long and linear in structure. It stretches from the southwest to the northeast across the entire southeastern corner of Kentucky for a distance of more than 120-miles. The mountain is broken in only three locations by water gaps; one is where the Cumberland River cuts through Pine Mountain at Pineville. The elevation along the crest of the mountain varies from 2000-feet at its southwestern end, to more than 3270-feet near Whitesburg, Kentucky.

 

The rocks that comprise Pine Mountain were originally laid down in horizontal layers by ancient seas and rivers once preva­lent in this area. These rocks range from 300 to 400-million- years-of-age. Shale, limestone and sandstone are found on the north side of the mountain but on the south side (where the park is located) the rocks are primarily sandstone.

 

Geologically, Pine Mountain is the leading edge of a large block of earth that has been uplifted and displaced along a crack, or "fault" in the earth's surface. This block is roughly 125-miles long and 25-miles wide and geologists calculate that is has been dis­placed a distance of about 6-miles. This uplifting coincided with the uplift of the Appalachian system of mountains 230-million- years-ago. As a result of this process, the rocks that comprise Pine Mountain have been tilted from- their initial horizontal aspect. Over the years the erosional forces of nature have acted upon these layers of rock to carve Pine Mountain into a struc­turally varied landscape.

 

Pine Mountain State Resort Park lies entirely on the southeast slope of the mountain. The soils are generally thin­ner and more acidic; and sunlight and evaporation are more intense than on the north side. On many exposed ridges conditions for growth are poor and a forest of broad-leaved trees cannot develop. Pines are the predominant trees in these areas -so prevalent on the south side of Pine Mountain that the entire mountain has been named for this family of trees.

 

Some of America's most beautiful native flowering plants flourish in these relatively dry upland habitats. Mountain lau­rel, red azalea, pink lady's slipper and wild blueberries are common throughout the park.

 

The forest in the better upland habitats is primarily com­posed of a woodland mix of oaks, hickories and red maple. The tulip tree, or yellow poplar is also common in many areas. Among the more common understory trees are flowering dogwood, sourwood, and serviceberry. These species, along with other less common trees, are woven every autumn into a rich tapestry of color.

 

The streams slicing down the south side of Pine Mountain have carved cool valleys which differ markedly from the sur­rounding ridges. The characteristic vegetation in these habi­tats consists of Great rhododendron and American hemlock. This type of rhododendron forms beautiful flowers in mid­summer and is one of the most memorable plants that a hiker can encounter in the mountains. The hemlock trees in these valleys are typically very large — many of them over 200-years old! Becoming familiar with these plants can enrich your visit to the park. The following is a list of popu­lar vegetation events

 

 

Some of the common mammals in the park are foxes, opossums, groundhogs, gray squirrels,, deer, and chip­munks. Flying squirrels, raccoons, skunks, black bears, coyotes and bobcats also make their homes in or near the park. Many of these animals are seldom seen by park visitors because they are nocturnal and avoid areas frequented by people.

 

Two types of poisonous snakes are native to this region: the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Neither snake is aggressive unless aggravated. Simply remember to stay on the marked trails and if you do see a snake — leave it alone

 

 

 

Description: The path descends down into a wooded ravine containing old-growth hemlock trees that are 3-4 feet in diameter and over 300 years old; the Hemlock Garden. Many large white oak and tulip poplar trees are also found here and several large sandstone boulders form Boulder Alley, where the trail meanders along a woodland stream among house-sized rocks. Other highlights include footbridges, cascading stream views and a charming native stone shelter house built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. An optional side-spur path leads to Inspiration Point, a large thicket of rhododendron nestled among towering hemlocks,

 

Description: Honeymoon falls, at 25 feet in height, is the largest waterfall in the park. The falls are visible throughout the year but may be reduced to a trickle dur­ing long periods of dry weather. The section of trail from the official trailhead to the falls is exceptionally intriguing as the trail ascends a mountain stream and passes through lush growths of rhododendron. You'll also encounter old growth forest communities along this trail.

 

Description: Chained Rock was officially fastened to the adjacent cliff in the sum­mer of 1933, allegedly to protect the city of Pineville from calamity should the omi­nous boulder perched precariously above town become loosened. There is an excellent panoramic view of Pineville, present day Highway 25E (formerly the Wilderness Road) and the surrounding mountain terrain. On clear days, the promi­nent ridge of Cumberland Mountain is visible 12-miles to the south.

 

Description: This trail scales the mountain from top to bottom. The upper trailhead access is located along the lower section of Chained Rock Trail. Rich stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel are encountered along this route and at the trail's midpoint is Powderhorn Arch, a small, natural arch of sandstone, The lower half of the trail descends through the thick upland woods typical of Pine Mountain's south­eastern slope. A little advanced planning makes this trail more pleasant to explore. Most hikers use two vehicles and elect to walk down this trail instead of up. Once at the trail's lower outlet, they return in the second vehicle to retrieve the first.

 

Description: This trail visits Rock Hotel, one of two large sandstone rock shelters i within the park. Such natural shelters or "rockhouses" as they are frequently called j in the southeast, served as temporary dwelling places for both woodland Indians and white explorers. As hikers near the shelter, the trail passes through a veritable rhododendron tunnel nestled beneath the tangled, jungle-like shrub layer that exists there. Once past the shelter, the trail plummets to the bottom of a moist ravine where a wooden bog bridge traverses a perpetually wet seep area. Beyond, the route ascends and closes the loop rejoining the initial in-bound trail section.

 

Description: Having two points of access, this trail may be entered from either the Hemlock Garden trailhead along the main park road or from the trail hub in the vicinity of the Chained Rock Parking Lot. The path closely traces a series of ridge- line sandstone bluffs that parallel and offer views of the spine-like crest of Pine Mountain. The soil layers along the central portions of this trail are thin and dry accounting for the open canopy that characterizes this ridgeline trail.

 

Description: A brief adventure on a mountain path, Azalea Trail begins adjacent to a small stone building that was constructed by the CCC in the 1930s. Mossy steps begin a meandering ascent to a series of interesting sandstone bluffs that form small natural shelters beneath a heavy forest canopy. Many large trees can be observed along the way and much of the trail passes above a handsome glen of hemlock and beech trees. The trail descends and emerges from the forest near the Laurel Cove Natural Amphitheater and follows a roundabout gravel path back to the point of origin.

 

Description: Both entrances to the trail are remote and begin on Living Stairway Trail. This route offers hikers the opportunity to explore the variations of plant communities and habitats that lie within the park, Most hikers begin the trail from at the metal stair­way on Living Stairway Trail. Descending the stairs delivers hikers into a lush, ravine forest of hemlock, tulip poplar, and rhododendron. The Fern Garden itself is located at near the halfway point of the trail and represents a unique, moist, herbaceous habitat favoring the growth cinnamon ferns, royal ferns and Sweetgum trees. In particularly wet years, the cinnamon ferns will sometimes grow to a height of 3 or 4 feet.

 

Description: This ravine forest trail passes among the hemlocks through thickets of rhododendron, and showcases several lovely large-leaved magnolia trees. At the lowest point of the trail, hikers encounter massive sandstone outcroppings that form an over­hanging mass called Turtlehead Rock. Pressing on, a large surface area of exposed rock called a "bald" is encountered in the upper reaches of the trail after a brief climb. Balds are regarded as unique habitat occurrences of mountain terrain. Many interest­ing and unusual plants and animals are adapted to live in just such a place. Chief among them are lichens and lizards. In traversing this area, hikers move directly up the backslope of Pine Mountain and, while not visible, this tilted rock strata points directly at the mountain's crest. The trail soon merges with Living Stairway Trail that conducts hikers back to the main park road only a few hundred feet above from the trailhead.

 

Description: This short loop trail is adjacent to the park's Upper Shelter Picnic Area. The trail has two entrances; one is located directly across the road from the Upper Shelter parking lot entrance, and the other at the bottom of a set of steps near the playground area. The principal feature along this path is a great natural sandstone rock shelter called Longhunter Cave. While not actually a cave, the site likely served as a temporary dwelling for Longhunters passing through the region in the 1700's. f When observed more closely, visitors will discover an unusual window like formation commonly called a "lighthouse." An intermittent stream flows through it during pro­longed rainy periods. Also to be found is a small, concealed arch near the back of the shelter called "the Bear Rock" or Bear Rock Arch. Local folklore maintains that the arch is so named because Longhunters tossed ropes up through the opening and hoisted bears and other large game animals up for cleaning and skinning. Also of interest on this trail is a view of a most unique vaulted arch roadway bridge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the early days of the park in the 1930s.

 

Description: This path primarily explores an upland forest ridge typical of the Southern Appalachians. The route descends from a small picnic shelter and skirts a woodland pond. Beyond, hikers soon emerge onto the shoulder of the park roadway for a few hundred yards before reentering the forest. A short distance after re-enter­ing the forest, hikers will encounter a fork in the path at the beginning of the loop portion of the trail. Hikers should bear right at this point and continue on to the top of the ridge. A steep, side spur path descends into Devil's Gulch and intersects the other side of the trail loop. If a less strenuous hike is preferred, then stay the course as the trail continues across the ridge and eventually merges for a short distance with Honeymoon Falls Trail. Hikers should bear left where the trails intersect. After some distance, the paths part again and hikers should again bear left to continue the trail. The loop portion of the trail closes at the trail fork encoun­tered earlier. At that point, hikers point, hikers should bear right and retrace their steps along the road shoulder, beside the pond, and on to the picnic shelter.

 

Description: Many years ago, a large tulip poplar that stood in a deep ravine gorge was felled by a severe storm. It came to rest against a sandstone bluff and was eventually discovered by the park's trail building crew. They cut hand-hewn steps into the side of the tree and used it as a stairway. Though fallen, the tree's root system was still intact and continued to live and produce leaves annually on its upper branches despite its use as a "Living Stairway." Actual use of the old stairway was discontinued in the 1980s when the metal stairway currently in use was installed alongside it. The tree declined in health over the years and finally died in 2002. Though the Living Stairway is gone, it was in use for over 40 years and was regarded as one of the most unusual and unique trail structures in all of Kentucky State Parks. Both entrances to Fern Garden Trail lie along this trail and a side spur access to the park's log cabins also connects to this trail.

 

Description: A determined effort up a series of switchbacks will take hardy adventurers to an overlook at the top of this prominence called Poff Hill. Once there, hikers are rewarded with a view of the Narrows, the locale where the Cumberland River breaches Pine Mountain and the site where pioneers travel­ing on the Wilderness Road crossed the river on their way to the Bluegrass. The Narrows, as important and essential as the Cumberland Gap itself, was a second necessary gateway through the mountains for the follower's of Boone. Also seen from the observation area are glimpses of the surrounding moun­tain terrain, and a view of the park's championship golf course, Wasioto Winds. The official trailhead and parking area for this trail are located on Harbell Road, situated between the park's two entrances on the opposite side of Highway 25E.

 

Description: Following the route of an abandoned railroad grade, Clear Creek Hollow Trail parallels Clear Creek stream throughout its length. This old railway route, formerly a spur off the L&N (Louisville & Nashville) once serviced coal­mining operations in the area many years ago. In the mid 1980's the rails were taken up and the route was soon adapted for foot travel and other recre­ational uses. Today, it is regarded as an ideal fitness trail and is utilized by hikers, walkers, runners, mountain biker's, and fisherman. The trail is flat, level, and decidedly easy walking and boasts a number of interesting features. Those venturing along this path will encounter beautiful creek/woodland scenery, and as many as 4 trestle bridges. The trailhead actually begins in the middle of its length, on the parking lot side of the main park road with the trail extending to either side. When walking the section on the parking lot side, users will eventually encounter a sign that marks the end of park's boundary. On the other section, on the other side of the main park road, the trail passes through the campus of the Clear Creek Baptist Bible College and ends at a pair of log blockhouse towers that mark the entrance to the Kentucky Ridge State Forest. It is recommended that you keep small children close at hand when approaching and crossing the trestle bridges.