Pine Mountain Triple Crown

# 🌲 Pine Mountain Triple Crown

## Blanton Forest • Kingdom Come State Park • Bad Branch Falls

Saturday, September 12
Experience three of Pine Mountain's signature landscapes in one unforgettable full-day adventure. We'll begin in the ancient old-growth forest of Blanton Forest, continue to the spectacular overlooks of Kingdom Come State Park, and finish with the dramatic gorge and waterfall at Bad Branch Falls.
This is a balanced, rewarding day designed for hikers who enjoy variety, moderate challenges, and some of eastern Kentucky's finest scenery.

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# 🌄 Our Adventure

## 1. Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve (Moderate to Hard)

We'll begin the day hiking the Knobby Rock Loop @ 2.4 miles through one of the largest remaining old-growth forests in the eastern United States. Blanton Forest protects approximately 2,400 acres of ancient Appalachian forest with towering hemlocks, oaks, and hardwoods that have never been logged.
Expect:

• Optionally up to 4.5 miles of hiking
• Steady elevation gain
• Root-covered Appalachian trails
• Massive old-growth trees
• Quiet mountain forest

This is a beautiful warm-up hike that immerses us in one of Kentucky's most remarkable natural areas.

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## 2. Kingdom Come State Park (Easy–Moderate)

Next we'll travel to the crest of Pine Mountain and explore several of Kingdom Come State Park's iconic overlooks and natural features.
Highlights include:

• Eight scenic overlooks
• Log Rock Arch
• Panoramic views across the Cumberland Valley
• Approximately 5 miles of easy to moderate hiking on short connecting trails

These trails offer spectacular scenery with relatively little climbing, making this the perfect middle stop of the day.

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## 3. Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve (Moderate–Hard)

We'll finish the day with one of Kentucky's classic waterfall hikes.
Although only about 2.2 miles round trip, this trail is the most technical of the day. Expect:

• Wet sandstone
• Boulder scrambling
• Creek crossings
• Narrow gorge sections
• Uneven footing

The reward is the magnificent 60-foot Bad Branch Falls, cascading into a beautiful sandstone canyon.

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# ⭐ Why Join This Trip?

• Experience three completely different ecosystems in one day
• Ancient old-growth forest
• High mountain overlooks
• A spectacular waterfall gorge
• A bucket-list hiking adventure without extreme mileage
• Great opportunities for photography
• Supportive group atmosphere
• One of the best ways to experience the diversity of Pine Mountain

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# ⚠️ Difficulty & Risks

## Overall Rating

Moderate to Hard
This is a full day outdoors with varied terrain. While none of the hikes are extremely long, Bad Branch Falls includes technical footing that requires good balance and careful movement.

### Trail Difficulty

Blanton Forest — Moderate to Hard

• Steady elevation gain
• Root-covered trails
• No cliff exposure

Kingdom Come State Park — Easy to Moderate

• Short trails
• Uneven rock surfaces
• Minimal elevation gain

Bad Branch Falls — Moderate to Hard

• Wet rocks
• Boulder scrambling
• Slippery sandstone
• Narrow gorge trail

### Potential Hazards

• Slippery rocks near the waterfall
• Uneven footing throughout the day
• Heat and humidity
• Dehydration
• Full-day fatigue
• Limited cell service
• Cliff edges at several overlooks in Kingdom Come State Park

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# Who Should Attend?

This trip is ideal for hikers who:

• Are comfortable hiking moderate trails
• Can handle uneven terrain
• Enjoy a full day outdoors
• Want to experience forests, overlooks, and waterfalls in one trip
• Are comfortable with one moderately technical trail

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# 🎒 What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Trail lunch
• Trail snacks
• 2–3 liters of water
• Personal first aid kit
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Camera (optional)

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# 🚗 Meeting Information

Meet: Cabela's Parking Lot, Lexington
Meet Time: 7:00 AM
Departure: 7:15 AM (please arrive early)

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# 📍 Trip Itinerary

### Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve

4294 Highway 840
Wallins Creek, KY
GPS:
36.859167, -83.382139

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### Kingdom Come State Park

502 Park Road
Cumberland, KY 40823

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### Bad Branch State Nature Preserve

1748 Highway 932
Eolia, KY
GPS:
37.078986, -82.770500
After completing the Bad Branch Falls hike, we'll return to Lexington.

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# 🚙 Driving Distances

Lexington → Blanton Forest

• 147 miles
• Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

Blanton Forest → Kingdom Come State Park

• 28 miles
• Approximately 30 minutes

Kingdom Come State Park → Bad Branch Falls

• 16 miles
• Approximately 20 minutes

Bad Branch Falls → Lexington

• 163 miles
• Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes

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# 🕒 Tentative Schedule

7:15 AM — Depart Lexington
9:30 AM — Arrive at Blanton Forest
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Hike Knobby Rock Loop
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Drive to Kingdom Come State Park
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Explore overlooks and Log Rock Arch
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Drive to Bad Branch Falls
3:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Hike Bad Branch Falls
5:15 PM
Depart for Lexington
Approximately 8:00 PM
Arrive back in Lexington

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# ☀️ Daylight

Sunrise: 7:16 AM
Sunset: 7:52 PM

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# Important Note

Our itinerary is flexible. If weather, trail conditions, or timing require adjustments, we may shorten our time at Kingdom Come State Park or Blanton Forest to ensure we complete the day safely.
Questions?
Feel free to ask in the event comments or contact me directly:
859-457-6657