Great Hike. We had lots of run on this trail and reaching the Devils Bathtub…read moreTake the plunge and jump in it play in the water.

Strenuous hike with multiple creek crossings. Be mindful of your steps as you trek over roots &…read morerocks. A stellar experience the whole way. Please carry trash out. It's a very special place. Plan to spend the day, it's worth immersion in the whole environment.

Kingdom Come State Park is my favorite nature park, and I love to return there when I can. It is…read moreKentucky's highest state park, with an elevation of 2,700 feet. The scenery of the mountains and the beauty of the forest is what really makes this a special place for me. Located in the Appalachian Mountains in Harlan County, Kingdom Come was established in 1961. Prior to its designation as a park, much of the land was subject to extensive logging and coal mining. The park's name comes from the novel titled "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come" by John Fox Jr., published in 1903. The book tells the story of orphan Chad Buford and his journey through the hills of Kentucky into the furor of the Civil War. It was the first novel to sell a million copies in the US. The hiking trails of the park offer truly great scenic overlooks. Before you start your trip, you should get the trail map from the visitor center at the parking lot. Only foot travel is permitted on the trails, but there is Little Shepherd Trail leading to the overlooks on Pine Mountain. This road is open to cars, foot travel, and cycling. The visitor center has a gift shop and a pedal boat rental for use on the lake. The park also has two picnic shelters with grills and several picnic areas.

Apparently you can come here and see bears wandering around, lazily eating and napping all over the…read morepark. I, however, must want to see them so bad that they sense my desperation and are thus disinterested. However, that being said, the park has views for days, overlooks, and beautiful trails that interweave for different tastes. The log rock arch was impressive, and the park was so quiet and peaceful. There's a lovely mountain lake, biking or hiking opportunities, and if you're not cursed like me, the opportunity to see BEARSss!

We were on a long road trip and looking for spots to stop, stretch our legs, and give the kids a…read morebreak from the car. This was the perfect stop! We loved riding the chair lift down to the tunnel and, wow, what an impressive sight! The river was beautiful and our kids loved wading in just a bit to cool off before heading back up the lift. The ranger service was wonderful with lots of tips and activities for the kids to do on small, manageable hikes. The kids also enjoyed playing on the train engine displayed near the parking lot. Definitely a great spot to visit even just to ride the lift down to the tunnel and back up!

Clearly, this place is marketed to resemble Natural Bridge, Virginia's better known (and frankly,…read moremore impressive) attraction. The park here is set up with a number of camping facilities and trails that have a separate entrance, while the attraction itself is accessible by parking at a visitor center and either walking down a fairly steep trail or taking a (seasonal) chairlift. On the dreary day I visited, there was barely a soul in sight, but the park seemed to be setting up for a winter lights festival. The tunnel itself is used for a railroad line, and a viewing platform allows you to go to the edge of the tunnel but you can't actually go through it, which is disappointing. The trail downstream through the gorge is pleasant and worth a brief jaunt but it terminates quickly. Those seeking more of a hike will find the ridge trail that heads upwards worthwhile, and the views of the tunnel from above are probably at least as good as what you'd get walking up close to it. The local Lover's Leap is majestic (and horrifying, if you think about it). I did not think it one of the more impressive state parks in either Virginia or in the the confluence of states in this region, but there are some nice things to see.

We just had our second stay here and it really gets better each visit. There's constantly something…read morenew to discover or that's improved. We really enjoyed the secret lake trails, amazing playground and marina restaurant this visit.

Been there a million times. Even though it's changed alot through the year's it's a beautiful…read moreplace.

This state park is near Cumberland gap. In addition to offering picnic facilities, a visitor…read morecenter, and access to a local rail trail, I was surprised to find that it also offers a historical recreation experience. I only just caught them at the end of the day, but the re-created fort was a window back into late colonial history when the nearby Cumberland gap was the route by which what is now Kentucky was settled. I chatted up some historical reenactors briefly. The mountainside aesthetics are majestic. The range of places that are under Virginia State Park control are impressive. Even as a current southwestern Virginian myself, this is at least four hours away. It is so far into the tiny little tail of Virginia. But I had driven by this area before and not stopped and I am glad I found the opportunity to do so.

The setting couldn't be more lovely! Nestled between two mountain ridges, even the drive out along…read morethe historic Daniel Boone Wilderness Road turned highway! During the warmer months, historic re-enactors demonstrate how things may have looked back in the days when settlers were gathering to attempt passage through the Cumberland Gap (nearby!) and settle the Midwest. The old fort even allows you to enter the buildings and look around! There were animals on site, and we even saw a baby bison (from a safe viewing distance along a trail of course, they aren't free range!) I was really impressed with the thatched roof in the Native American settlement, and if you can, start at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Center, then drive here to follow the historic path to the west!

This is my favorite place to go in the summer. We drive from VA to come here quite often. The beach…read moreis beautiful white sand the bottom of the lake for the most part is not nasty and squishy. Not a whole lot of trash all over the place. A few picnic tables with shelter are there along with a small little park. The parking is good alot of area. Always remember to clean up your area and put proper flotation devices on your children. Respect others areas and stuff that they bring. Have fun

It is on the backroads and not much to see but the visiting center is super inviting and…read moreinteresting. The people who work there really care about the place.

This forest is a true gem for anyone who wants a glimpse of what the mountains of Kentucky used to…read morebe. Half the 500-plus acres is designated old growth forest, which is about as common as a steak at a KFC. We loved our very peaceful two-hour hike, especially the tall timbers. Understandably, they are very protective of these forests, so access is only allowed through guided tours. But the tours are highly informed and free, courtesy of the commonwealth of Kentucky. Be sure to call ahead of time to make plans, since the full time staff consists of two hardy souls that tend to the whole property in addition to babysitting any tourists. Notably, they don't get a lot of visitors here, so don't be surprised if your guided tour is private and exclusive. As for all you smartphone nerds out there, good luck checking into this place. The landscape that has helped save the timber for generations also turns your phone into a lump of coal. Be sure to pay close attention to the directions to get here. By all means, the trip is worth the effort.

All my life, my family has been coming here for a special treat. So, when I returned to SW Virginia…read moreafter being away for a few decades, I certainly had to take my family for a visit. The mountains are just as beautiful as they have always been. Maybe a little worn down over the ages (ok, sometimes I just feel old). The overlooks are pretty fantastic. We went to the tunnel overlook. We went the "long" way. You can go to the second parking lot from the Visitor center for a much quicker hike, but it wasn't an epic journey through tunnels of mountain laurel and rhododendrons. Your choice for the jungle experience or the straight run. Once there, the views of the tower and tunnel were spectacular. We also stopped at the Lodge Restaurant for lunch. It was just an awesome, calming time. I really wish we had spent days instead of an afternoon. Maybe when I retire, we will stay longer in the fall. I had the club sandwich which was really good. The fries in it were just the way I like them: crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Waitress was good & prompt which checks all the boxes for me. DEFINITELY recommend this for a visit. Whatever your outdoor criteria is, this place will meet it.

Wow, what a beautiful place!! Even the drive in is impressive! Stop by the Towers Overlook for an…read moreamazing view of the Breaks! The trails are well marked and well maintained. Believe them when they say they are strenuous, though! The Bottom of the Breaks Trail is stunning, but it's quite a trek! The lodge is set up hotel style, and the Dogwood Lodge is pet friendly! I saw an elk and so many deer! Hit all the overlooks, hike the trails, eat at the restaurant, and stay somewhere in this gorgeous park! There's a lake and nearby rivers if you are a boater or a paddler!

A functional space with paved trails and various playground and picnic facilities, this offers some…read morenice views of surrounding mountains. It is utilitarian, but serves a purpose.

I got to visit the park while in town to see family, and it was so fun we went back twice! There…read moreare multiple playgrounds, swing sets, and even workout equipment for the adults. The paths are great too, and it is all in a beautiful setting. The kids really enjoyed it here and I did as well. It's a great spot!

We stayed here from June 10th to June 14th, and I can't say enough good things about the campground…read moreand the hosts. From the moment you arrive, they go above and beyond--checking you in, helping deliver hay and supplies to the barn, assisting you with backing in your trailer, and even knowing exactly what's needed to get it leveled. The paddocks are fantastic and give your horses plenty of space to roam and relax after a long ride. Everything was well-maintained--clean, freshly mowed, and the bathrooms were spotless and spacious. As for the trails, there aren't many. The main 8-mile trail is mostly an old blacktop/gravel road. We also rode the Morrell Trail, which takes you to the top of the mountain. Be prepared for a lot of switchbacks--about 16 inches wide--with a drop-off on one side and a dirt or rock wall on the other. We had an inexperienced rider with us on a solid horse and had no issues. I'm glad we did it, but I probably wouldn't do it again--lol. I've seen some comments about the road leading into the campground. Yes, it is narrow, but I didn't have any problems with my 35-foot truck and trailer. Honestly, I've been on narrower roads in Indiana. We also took a day trip to the Blue Hole, which is definitely worth visiting--especially on a hot day. One tip: don't wear flip-flops for the walk down.

Great trip from Ohio... very clean, great owners and great location, very close to the South…read moreHalston were my two sons and I went fly fishing. Highly recommend Hickory Tree Grocery for breakfast and Ridgewood BBQ