Black Mountain - Kentucky Highpoint (3.4 miles; d=4.30)
Read MoreBlack Mountain (4,139') fr. HWY 160 - 2,900'
If arriving from the Kentucky side of the ridge, a large pull-off a couple miles from the trailhead offers up this impressive view of Black Mountain looming high above. Sadly, this is a better view than any along the actual hike...
Black Mountain Ridge Road @ HWY 160 - 3,700'
My hike would begin here, at the Kentucky/Virginia state line along Highway 160. Black Mountain Ridge Road, the beginning of which I'm standing on for this shot, is quite obvious...
Black Mountain Ridge Road @ HWY 160 - 3,700'
Another look at the "trailhead" as seen arriving from the Virginia side of the ridge. The overlook seen in the next pic is just behind me in this shot...
Black Mountain Ridge Road @ HWY 160 - 3,700'
Welcome to Kentucky!
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,700'
Passing a flurry of 'No Trespassing' signs as I set out on Black Mountain Ridge Road. Don't let these scare you. As long as you stay on the roadway you are legal...
Black Mountain Ridge Road @ HWY 160 - 3,700'
Looking back at Highway 160 as I start up Black Mountain Ridge Road...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,730'
The road started with this briefly steep ascent...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,770'
Before long though the grade eased up considerably. Note the remnants of pavement still showing in places along the way...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,800'
As you can see the road up to Black Mountain, should you choose to drive instead of walk, is in really nice shape and is passible for most vehicles...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,850'
Just over a quarter-mile in I passed a gated, overgrown road on the left. Looking at my map it seemed to be heading out toward a neighboring peak called The Doubles. One step off the road would mean I'd be trespassing, however, so I was left to wonder...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,850'
This is an active area for logging, so these signs are a great reminder for drivers to keep aware...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,860'
Despite the steep surrounding slopes, there was nary a break in the canopy to provide for even fleeting views...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,860'
You can certainly do worse, when it comes to road-walks, than this...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,860'
Looking up towards the crest of the ridge on my left...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,870'
The road remains fairly flat along this stretch, only gradually rising and falling as it goes...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,850'
See all the little yellow flowers dotting the forest floor? Check out the next photo for a closer look and an ID...
Yellow Jewelweed (Pale Touch-me-not)
Impatiens pallida
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,830'
This really is a stunning bit of woodland...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,850'
Just under a mile in another gated and overgrown road departs to the left. The uphill grade increases significantly beyond this point...
Black Mountain Ridge Road - 3,900'
The next quarter-mile I'd be gaining just under 200-feet. Not the most brutal of grades, but by far the steepest of the route to the top of Black Mountain...