KINGDOM COME STATE PARK
With an elevation of 2,700 feet, Kingdom Come is Kentucky?s highest state park. Resting near the Kentucky-Virginia border on the crest of Pine Mountain, the park offers scenic vistas second to none.
The park?s name is from John Fox Jr.?s novel "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come," a book about an orphaned youth and his journey through the hills and into the furor of the Civil War. Extraordinary rock formations are featured at this park, including Log Rock, a natural sandstone bridge, and Raven Rock, a giant monolith that soars 290-feet into the air at a 45-degree angle.
The park does not have a campground, but primitive camping is permitted in designated areas. Camping is not allowed on the park trails. A fee is charged for overnight use of the park. Campers may register at the Gift Shop or with a Park Ranger and use the restroom facilities at the picnic shelters.
Year-round. Pets are allowed if restrained.
Kingdom Come State Park is located near Big Stone Gap
The 2 picnic shelters on the park are equipped with grills, vending machines and restroom facilities. When not reserved, the shelters may be used by all groups. For large groups wishing to rent a shelter, reservations are accepted up to one year in advance. April-October. Picnic areas and stone fireplace grills are located throughout the park.
The 14 hiking trails that crisscross nearly 5 miles of rugged mountain terrain provide the opportunity to explore the park?s giant rock formations and scenic overlooks. All of the trails are fairly short in length (1/8-7/8 mile) but many trail routes may be combined for hikes of varying lengths and difficulty. A trail guide publication is available at the park. Trails are open year-round.
Little Shepherd Trail:
This narrow gravel and blacktop road extends 38 miles along the crest of Pine Mountain from Whitesburg to Harlan. The road traverses the park near the summit of Pine Mountain. This is an excellent scenic route for mountain bikes, cars (remember the gravel), and light trucks.
Cave Amphitheater:
Located at the base of Raven Rock, the amphitheater is equipped with lighting and seating to accommodate scouting and civic groups seeking a totally natural meeting site. This giant sandstone rockhouse can be reached from a trail at the top of Raven Rock or from the Laurel Trail behind the lake parking area.
Gift Shop:
Overlooking the lake, the gift shop features Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs. April-October.
Great black bear watching(bigger bears than the Smokies), stunning views, incredible rock formations, lots of good trails.
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