High Rock

At 2,746 feet, High Rock is a summit in Kentucky. The High Rock Trail covers 2.7 miles (loop) with about 512 feet of elevation gain — a gradual walk with modest climbing.

The Route

The climbing is spread fairly evenly from start to finish rather than stacked into one steep section. The steepest stretch arrives around mile 0.38, gaining roughly 900 feet per mile — expect a slow, deliberate pace through here. From the trailhead at about 2,667 feet, the route tops out near 2,956 feet.

Getting There

The trailhead is at 37.09475, -82.76808 (tap for driving directions). It's roughly 100 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee. Arrive early on weekends — trailhead lots at popular peaks fill quickly, and cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.

When to Go

This trail is hikeable most of the year. Summer brings heat and humidity — carry extra water — while fall and spring offer the most comfortable conditions. Ice is possible on shaded stretches in mid-winter.

Know Before You Go

The Moderate rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 1.0 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains and a saved route works offline in any GPS app. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Looking to link objectives or plan a weekend? Nearby summits include Halls Butt, Boone Mountain and Apple Rock — each has its own guide on this site.