Pinnacle Overlook Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

This hike heads out on the beginning section of the 15-mile Ridge Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. It includes a short meander down the Lewis Hollow Trail as it descends off the ridge to extend this to a four-mile, out-and-back.

The trail starts at Fort Lyon, but you can join it at Pinnacle Overlook. The trail is well-cut and easy to follow. Take the stairs closest to the restroom to avoid the crowds at the Pinnacle Overlook. You can still access the Overlook from this way, and it's worth the view.

Continue to hang left to follow the paved trail around the hillside. The trail splits off from another overlook and turns to dirt as it swings left of a communication building. The turn is well-marked and signs indicate that the Sugar Trail is 1.7 miles away. While there are not blazes, the trail is wide and very easy to follow.

The trail meanders over short hills as it descends toward Lewis Hollow. Go right past the sign for the Sugar Trail (on left) to find a bench and the sign for the Lewis Hollow Trail. This trail goes off to the right and descends down to the campground. You can extend your hike along the Lewis Hollow Trail or you can turn around here to make your way back to the parking lot. Remember that you have to hike up the hill you just descended so be sure to save some energy for the return trip.