The highest point in Kentucky is Black Mountain, located in Harlan County. It rises to an elevation of 4,145 feet above sea level. It is the most prominent of the state’s mountains, with views of both Virginia and Kentucky.
The state has a diverse landscape, with forests, prairies and low hills. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including bison, elk, fox, groundhog, muskrat, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, deer, red-backed woodpecker, cardinal, crow, opossum, hawk, heron and egret.
The southeastern portion of the state is heavily forested, with hardwoods and softwoods. The coffee tree is the state tree, and flowering shrubs include buckeye, dogwood, laurel, azalea, rhododendron, redbud, blueberry and goldenrod.
Temperatures vary widely in the state, with a warm summer and cool winter. During the fall, the leaves on Kentucky’s mountains are beautiful with deep reds, yellows and other vibrant colors.
The high trails in Kentucky are usually much cooler than the heat and humidity at the base of the mountains. During the summer, it’s usually best to hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the extreme temperatures and hot sun.
Most of the state’s high points can be reached by car, however there are some that require hiking to reach the summit. These are Black Mountain in Kentucky, Rockhouse Ridge in Kentucky, Whoopee Hill in Kentucky and Sugarloaf Mountain in Kentucky.
Visiting all of Kentucky’s high points is a great way to see the beauty of the state. It can be a fun challenge for those who like to hike.
