The Chained Rock Trail Is A Low-Key Kentucky Hike That Has An Amazing Payoff
By Elisa Regulski|Published August 07, 2020
×
Elisa Regulski
Author
Elisa is a passionate travel writer with over five years of experience. After graduating with a B.F.A in acting from Oklahoma City University, Elisa earned a M.A in mass communication From Texas State University. When she's not writing about all of the amazing places throughout the U.S., she can be heard singing with her band.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
