The Remote Destination in Kentucky Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

When you imagine Kentucky's pinnacle, what do you see? Do you see the state's highest mountain (Black Mountain), the tallest waterfall (Yahoo Falls), or the longest cave (Mammoth Cave)? You might imagine a spectacular place with the word pinnacle in its name: the Pinnacle Overlook near Middlesboro, Kentucky. 

People who live near the scenic overlook refer to it as "the pinnacle." It offers spectacular views of the Cumberland Gap and Middlesboro. The area is in southeast Kentucky, very close to Kentucky's borders with Tennessee and Virginia, and visitors can view points of interest in several states.

The overlook dates back to the 1800s and holds great historical significance. Many groups have traveled through the area to traverse the Cumberland Gap. Native Americans moved through the area in search of hunting grounds. Later, colonists traveled through on their way out west. The area was also vital to the Civil War, and cannons shot down into the valley from a part of a mountain near the overlook.

To get to Pinnacle Overlook, visitors drive up a steep mountain, which they describe as full of switchbacks and steep, curvy roads. There is a parking lot at the overlook where visitors can leave their cars and walk a short distance to a viewing platform. Once there, they'll see breathtaking views. Middlesboro, Kentucky, is at the bottom of a 3.6-mile-wide crater formed by a meteor crash long ago.

To the city's left is the Cumberland Gap, the first major gateway through the Cumberland Mountains to the west. Its significant place in American history is tied to the groups who traveled through it—including Native Americans and pioneers. The pass through the Cumberland Mountains leads to the Tennessee city of Harrogate, and Virginia is further to the left. On days with high visibility, visitors can sometimes see Bays Mountain in Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. 

Pets are allowed to visit the viewpoint with their owners. A picnic table and restrooms are also available for visitors' use. 

While near the overlook, many visitors recommend seeing Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park's principal visitor center is south of Middlesboro and is the perfect place to learn about it. It offers a museum, gift shop, and gardens. 

For more information, visit the National Park Service's Pinnacle Overlook site. 

Have you visited the Pinnacle Overlook or Cumberland Gap?

Middlesboro is a unique mountain town with a charming downtown. It also has a swimming hole called Devil's Garden, where a devastating tragedy occurred. It has several fantastic restaurants, including Shades Cafe and Restaurant and Pelanchos Mexican restaurant.

Middlesboro may be the perfect place for a small-town getaway, and this three-bedroom Airbnb farmhouse may be the ideal accommodation. It has a beautiful outdoor porch, a peaceful environment, and stunning views.