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- Black Mountain
4,145 ft · Cumberland Mountains, Kentucky
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a 4,145 ft peak in the Cumberland Mountains, Kentucky. The standard route is the Black Mountain Trail: 0.5 mi, 30 ft of gain, Class 1.
Black Mountain at a glance
- Elevation4,145 ft1,263 m
- RouteBlack Mountain TrailClass 1
- Distance0.5 mi30 ft gain
- Time30 minEasy effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeCumberland MountainsKentucky
Climbing the Black Mountain Trail
From Lynch, Kentucky, drive toward Kingdom Come State Park. The high point is located near telecommunications towers on private land. The trail is short but signage can be limited and confusing. Be mindful of private property boundaries and industrial installations near the summit area. The actual high point may require some searching. Nice views of the Cumberland Mountains on clear days. No technical skills required. Best visited April through November. Hunting season may affect access in fall. Check locally for current access information before visiting.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (15–25 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Trail Shoes
Midlayer
GPS Device
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- Storms
Quests with Black Mountain
50 State HighpointsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Black Mountain?
Black Mountain is 4,145 feet (1,263 m) tall. It is in the Cumberland Mountains, Kentucky.
Is Black Mountain the highest point in Kentucky?
Yes. At 4,145 feet, Black Mountain is the highest point in Kentucky.
How hard is it to hike Black Mountain?
The Black Mountain Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 0.5 miles with 30 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Black Mountain?
Most people take 30 minutes round trip on the Black Mountain Trail, covering 0.5 miles with 30 feet of elevation gain.
Can a beginner hike Black Mountain?
Most people can. It is a short walk of 0.5 miles with 30 feet of elevation gain, about 30 minutes round trip.
When is the best time to hike Black Mountain?
The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Black Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list