Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a mountainous area in eastern Kentucky featuring dense forests and natural rock outcrops across its terrain. The park includes hiking trails, a lodge with dining facilities, and a golf course for visitors to enjoy.

The land became Kentucky's first state park in 1924 and was renamed in 1938 to avoid confusion with another park with a similar name. This change marked an important step in how the state developed its park system.

The annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival has taken place each spring since the early 1900s, bringing the community together to celebrate local traditions and heritage.

Visitors can walk the trails and explore the natural surroundings, with the park accessible during daylight hours throughout the year. On-site lodging and a restaurant are available for those staying overnight or seeking meals during their visit.

During the 1930s, local residents chained down a massive boulder to prevent it from rolling onto the town below. This Chained Rock remains a distinctive feature that draws visitors curious about how people once addressed a natural hazard.

Location: Bell County

Inception: 1924

Website: https://parks.ky.gov/pineville/parks/resort/pine-mountain-state-resort-park

GPS coordinates: 36.75110,-83.70920

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44