Kentucky is home to numerous shady pathways full of astonishing views, but none can compare with this unique hiking trail in Pineville. Tucked inside the stunning Pine Mountain State Resort Park is an easy 1-mile hike that’s sure to spark your imagination. The chained rock trail is a low-key Kentucky hike that has an amazing payoff. Check it out:
Lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to explore the Chained Rock Trail.
Vlastimil Kucera/AllTrails
This 1-mile out-and-back trail will lead you through verdant forests full of wildflowers.
Tessa Powers/AllTrails
Soon, you’ll catch a glimpse of gorgeous rocks and boulders.
Vlastimil Kucera/AllTrails
The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.
Vlastimil Kucera/AllTrails Take a moment and soak up the astonishing sights. You won’t want to rush through this enchanting experience.
But that’s not the only amazing part of the journey. Just wait until you see the trail’s namesake, Chained Rock.
Vlastimil Kucera/AllTrails
Rumors swirled around this quirky structure, but the true story is definitely one-of-a-kind.
Barry Farmer/AllTrails In the early 1900s, the children of Pineville worried about the massive rock lodged into the mountain above their hometown. Would it someday fall to the ground and destroy the neighborhood? To quell their fears, parents told young ones that they had no need to worry — the rock was held in place by a chain.
Of course, at the time, there was no chain at all. But everything changed in May 1933.
Chris Huskey/AllTrails One day, Pineville resident Headley Card said he was tired of lying to his children about the chained rock. His friend Pat Caton had an idea. Why not bolt a wrecked steam shovel’s chain to the side of the rock? And with that, the Chained Rock Club was born.
Bringing this 100-foot chain to the top of the rock was no easy feat.
George Gilson/AllTrails But with plenty of mules and muscle, the 1.5-ton chain was bolted to the rock. To keep up with appearances, locals placed a plaque in front of the mountain. Although the inscription says this chain replaced an older version, we all know the true story. It turns out, parents will go to great lengths to calm their children!
The Chained Rock Trail is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcome to tag along, but they must be kept on a leash. To learn more about this unique low-key hiking trail in Kentucky, visit the official website for Pine Mountain State Resort Park.
Vlastimil Kucera/AllTrails
Tessa Powers/AllTrails
Take a moment and soak up the astonishing sights. You won’t want to rush through this enchanting experience.
Barry Farmer/AllTrails
In the early 1900s, the children of Pineville worried about the massive rock lodged into the mountain above their hometown. Would it someday fall to the ground and destroy the neighborhood? To quell their fears, parents told young ones that they had no need to worry — the rock was held in place by a chain.
Chris Huskey/AllTrails
One day, Pineville resident Headley Card said he was tired of lying to his children about the chained rock. His friend Pat Caton had an idea. Why not bolt a wrecked steam shovel’s chain to the side of the rock? And with that, the Chained Rock Club was born.
George Gilson/AllTrails
But with plenty of mules and muscle, the 1.5-ton chain was bolted to the rock. To keep up with appearances, locals placed a plaque in front of the mountain. Although the inscription says this chain replaced an older version, we all know the true story. It turns out, parents will go to great lengths to calm their children!
What are your favorite outdoor destinations in the Bluegrass State? If you need more ideas, check out our list of the best hikes in Kentucky.
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Address: Pine Mountain State Resort Park, 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA
