Little Shepherd Trail

Little Shepherd Trail extends 38 mi. between US 421 near Harlan and US 119 south of Whitesburg. Following the crest of 2,800-foot-high Pine Mountain, this trail in Kentucky’s eastern foothills passes through Kingdom Come State Park . Portions of the trail are lined with large rock outcroppings as well as mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms. Visitors may spot black bear along the trails and along the side of the road. John Fox Jr. portrayed the region in his novel “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” published in 1903, the first American novel to sell a million copies.

Note: From US 421 to SR 2010 and from SR 160 to Creech Overlook to US 119, the paved blacktop road is narrow, winding and sometimes one-lane, so use caution when driving. The remaining portions of the trail consist entirely of gravel and are rugged and not conducive to hiking or biking; drivers are advised to use a four-wheel drive vehicle if possible. A trail map is available at the Kingdom Come State Park gift shop.