Black Mountain - Kentucky Highpoint

You can park at the base of the mountain or along Highway 160. Many hikers choose to park further down and walk the final 1.5 to 2 miles up the moderately steep access road to the summit area.

Yes, the route to Kentucky's highpoint is generally considered dog-friendly, making it a good option for hiking with your canine companion.

The drive along Kentucky Highway 160 leading up to the mountain is particularly scenic in the fall when the foliage changes. While the access road can be rough, muddy, and sometimes icy in winter, it's generally accessible for hiking much of the year.

No, you do not need a permit or have to pay an entrance fee to hike to Black Mountain. The state of Kentucky acquired full ownership of the highpoint in 2018, eliminating previous requirements for waivers.

The 'trail' to the summit is primarily an old, unpaved road, often described as a single-lane dirt and crumbled asphalt road with numerous potholes. The final path at the very top to the summit marker is mostly flat or a very gentle ascent.

The summit views are often considered limited due to the presence of various communications towers, including a prominent FAA radar dome (nicknamed 'the Golf Ball'), and overgrown vegetation. For more expansive Appalachian views, consider visiting nearby Kingdom Come State Park.

The hike itself is relatively short. If you park further down the access road, walking the final 1.5 to 2 miles to the summit area and back can take a couple of hours. The actual walk from the near-summit parking to the highest point is very brief, about 0.2 miles roundtrip.

The primary point of interest is the Black Mountain summit itself, marking Kentucky's highest point. At the top, you'll find the FAA radar dome and a dilapidated lookout tower. A unique hardwood forest is also noted near the summit.

Yes, the hike is generally rated as easy. The main challenge is navigating the rough access road to reach the near-summit parking. The final walk to the actual summit marker is short and not strenuous, making it accessible for many.

The route primarily follows an old access road. Approximately 42% of this route is along Radar Station Road, which is the main path to the summit.

Black Mountain's most notable characteristic is its status as the highest point in Kentucky. It holds particular significance for 'highpointers' – individuals who aim to visit the highest natural point in each U.S. state.