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10 Mile Loop Hike Cumberland Gap National Historic Park - BELL COUNTY

10 mile loop hike, starting at the Ft. McCook paring area. At Ft. McCook we climb to the Pinnacle for views of three states. Than follow ridgeline to Sugar Run Trail and descend down to the intersection with Harlan Road Trail which we would ascend to Ft. McCook. The 0.8 mile climb from Ft. McCook to the Pinnacle is the most challenging part of the hike. It is a fairly steep climb.

Walking the Ridgeline is an easy walk. Nice views as the trail goes up and down to the trail intersection. After 1.8 miles on the Ridgeline Trail turn onto the Sugar Run Trail, 2.1 miles down. It is a sweet little trail with a nice creek going down and crossing several small tributaries. We can go to the Sugar Run picnic ares for a snack break, then return to Sugar Run trail. Turn onto Harlan Road Trail and start a steady climb up towards Ft McCook. Come out on the road and walk a short distance to Ft McCook, an earthen fortification from the Civil War era. There are many historical markers in the park at sites and along trails.

This hike has a little of everything, views, streams with Cascades, level easy trail, more difficult declines and inclines.