Kingdom Come State Park, nestled at an elevation of 2,700 feet, stands as the pinnacle in the crest of Pine Mountain near Cumberland, Kentucky. Take in the stunning views from one of the eight overlooks, embark on a hiking trail, or engage in bass, crappie, and trout fishing at the lake.
Winter Operations:
Park Grounds: Open 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk Primitive Campground: Open
Visitors Center: Open Monday to Friday Mini Golf: Open on weekends
Top Five Things to Do
- Explore the natural sandstone bridge known as “Log Rock.”
- Attend a performance at the Cave Amphitheater.
- Take in the breathtaking views from Creech Overlook.
- Don’t miss the scenic 12 O’clock Overlook.
- Enjoy fishing in the 3.5-acre mountain lake.
Biking:
Discover the Little Shepherd Trail, a narrow 38-mile gravel and blacktop road along the crest of Pine Mountain from Whitesburg to Harlan. The trail, traversing near the summit of Pine Mountain, offers a picturesque route suitable for mountain bikes, cars (mind the gravel), and light trucks.
Fishing:
Cast your line for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trout in the year-round fishing available at the 3.5-acre mountain lake. Ensure you have a valid Kentucky Fishing License. Purchase one online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Gift Shop:
Perched above the lake, the gift shop showcases Kentucky handcrafts, souvenirs, and informative displays about the park and local black bear population.
Hiking:
Embark on the 14 hiking trails covering nearly 5 miles of rugged mountain terrain, offering opportunities to explore giant rock formations and scenic overlooks. The trails, ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 mile, can be combined for hikes of varying lengths and difficulty. Pick up a trail guide publication at the park. Trails are open year-round.
Horseshoes:
Enjoy a game of horseshoes with rental equipment available year-round.
Miniature Golf:
Experience the nine-hole miniature golf course situated near the lake and gift shop. The course follows the natural contours of the hillside, offering a beautiful setting overlooking the lake. A $2.75 fee is charged per round.
Outdoor Theater:
Visit the amphitheater at the base of Raven Rock, equipped with lighting and seating for scouting and civic groups seeking a natural meeting site. Access the amphitheater from a trail at the top of Raven Rock or via the Laurel Trail behind the lake parking area.
Pedal Boating:
Take advantage of pedal boat rentals for use on the 3.5-acre lake, available from Monday through Sunday, March to November. A rental fee applies.
Picnicking:
Utilize the two picnic shelters equipped with grills and restroom facilities. When not reserved, these shelters are open for use by all groups. Large groups can make shelter reservations up to one year in advance, from April to October. Picnic areas and stone fireplace grills are scattered throughout the park.
History
Named in honor of the renowned Civil War novel “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” by Kentucky author John Fox Jr., Kingdom Come State Park conserves 1,283 acres of pristine wilderness. The park showcases some of the most remarkable rock formations in the state, such as Log Rock, a natural sandstone bridge, and Raven Rock, a colossal rock exposure that reaches a height of 290 feet at a 45-degree angle!
Camping
Primitive Camping:
Standard primitive campsites are priced at $16, $18, and $22 per night, varying with site selection. Each site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to restroom facilities. Two sites, featuring basic electrical outlets, are positioned along the lake. Each site allows accommodation for up to two tents and a maximum of two cars. The park offers a total of 14 campsites. Contact 606-589-4138 to secure your reservation today!
Trails
Laurel Trail
Easy 0.25-mile trail – Begin your journey at the Park’s Gift Shop, and a brief stroll around the lake will lead you to the commencement of the Laurel Trail. Following this service road will guide you to the foot of Raven Rock, where it intersects with Powerline and Pine Trails. A short, steep side trail provides access to the Cave Amphitheater, the largest Rock Shelter in the Park.
Powerline Trail
Challenging 0.4-mile trail – Similar to the Raven Rock Trail, access to this trail requires hiking another trail initially. The path ascends from the base of Raven’s Rock to its summit, utilizing a series of switchbacks beneath one of the park’s powerlines. While some sections of the trail are steep, the panoramic view at the top makes the effort worthwhile.
Ivy Trail
Challenging 0.6-mile trail – To access the Ivy Trail, stroll around the lake from the Gift Shop and follow the service road on the opposite side, passing the Dam until you reach the trailhead. The continuous ascent of this trail from below the lake to the Raven’s Rock level categorizes it as one of the most challenging trails in the park.
Saltess Trail
Moderate 0.25-mile trail – The Saltess Trail presents a continuous climb from its starting point, where the Little Shepherd Trail and the Park’s Main Road converge, until it intersects with the Groundhog Trail and Raven Rock Trail.
Log Rock Trail
Moderate 0.5-mile trail – Parking for this trail is available at three different locations: the Gazebo, Log Rock, and the turn above the Shelterhouse Area. When starting from the Gazebo, the trail undergoes a gradual ascent until reaching the vicinity of Log Rock, where the incline becomes more gentle, leading to the trail’s highest point. Subsequently, the trail descends steeply to the parking area above the Shelterhouse Area.
Turkey Trail
Easy 0.3-mile trail – Begin your walk from the back of the ball field situated below the junction of the Little Shepherd Trail and the Park’s Main Road. The trail follows a small drainage area until it intersects with Possum Trail, just above Raven’s Rock Trail.
Groundhog Trail
Moderate 0.25-mile trail – Commence your hike from the Playground area, walking uphill along the main Park Road to locate the beginning of Groundhog Trail. The initial part of this trail ascends gradually, while the last section involves a steep climb with steps until it intersects with Raven Rock and Saltess Trails.
Nature Haven Trail
Difficult 0.9-mile trail – The Raven’s Rock Trail is unique in the park, as both ends are accessible from roads or parking areas, making it the only trail besides Log Rock with this feature. Considered the most challenging trail in the park, if you don’t have access to two vehicles, it’s recommended to start at the bottom and hike up. Locate the trailhead next to the beginning of Ivy Trail. From this point, you’ll be hiking all the way to the top of the mountain, emerging on the Little Shepherd Trail near the Park’s Office. A side trail about halfway up provides an easy walk to Raven’s Rock.
12 O'Clock Trail
Easy 0.1-mile trail – Classified as easy due to its short length, the trail commences across the road from a picnic area along the Little Shepherd Trail and ascends to the 12 O’Clock Overlook. Parking is available at the picnic area.
Pine Trail
Moderately Difficult 0.4-mile trail – Stretching from the Playground to the base of Raven’s Rock, this trail begins with a steep uphill section until crossing over into the watershed off of Raven’s Rock. From this point, the trail descends to the base of the Rock and intersects with the Laurel and Powerline Trails.
Lake Trail
Easy 0.25-mile – Although not an “official” trail, there is a walkway around the Park’s Lake that is easy to traverse.
Raven Rock Trail
Moderate 0.5-mile – Access to the Raven Rock Trail requires walking another trail first, as there is no direct access from the public areas of the park. The trail follows the top of Raven Rock, providing breathtaking views of Black Mountain and the Cumberland River Valley.
Possum Trail
Moderate 0.5-mile – Begin this trail at Halcomb Overlook. Your initial impression of Possum Trail may suggest an easy rating since the trail descends all the way to Raven Rock Trail. It’s important to note that returning on the trail will be an uphill climb.