Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail
~4 days · 42.9 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail is known for
The two completed sections of Kentucky's Pine Mountain ridge walk — Highland (US 119 to US 23) and Birch Knob (US 23 to Breaks Interstate Park) — totalling about 43 miles of sandstone crest with long views into Virginia.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,563 ft to 10,495 ft over 42.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 17.3 mi · 41%
- Downhill 18.3 mi · 43%
- Flat 7.0 mi · 16%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 42.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail?
The Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail climbs roughly 9,022 ft total — about 210 ft per mile, topping out near 3,248 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.