If you love hiking and history, then Kentucky is a great state for adventures. The Bluegrass State offers many scenic hiking trails, plenty of historical sites, and even some destinations that offer both natural beauty and history. Located in the corner of Kentucky within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, you’ll find many trails that take you through our state, as well as neighboring Tennessee and Virginia. These trails are filled with history and in fact, one has a very special feature. You can stand in three different states at once and experience incredible views while exploring the Tri-State Peak Trail in Kentucky.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is definitely an area worth exploring, and of course we happen to think that the Kentucky side is a great spot to visit.

Alltrails/Travis Scroggins But most do head to Tennessee for the hiking trails, and for this particular trail, that’s where you’ll start. But don’t worry, this historic trail stretches into Kentucky and basically follows the state line, just as buffalo and soldiers did long ago.

The Tri-State Peak Trail is a little over 2 miles, out and back, and features natural beauty and incredible evidence of the past.

Alltrails/Patti Sawyer While it does have an elevation change and is marked moderate, it is a great hike for all ages. Take your time and enjoy the scenery and historic points along the way.

One of those points of interest is this monumnet to Daniel Boone.

Alltrails/James Fugate Kentucky’s favorite explorer spent much time in this area and you can learn quite a bit about him within the park.

Another spot to explore is this old iron furnace.

Alltrails/Verican Keller The trail has many historical plaques with information and details of the area’s past. If you enjoy walking through history, this trail is a must.

And of course the beauty of Cumberland Gap is undeniable.

Alltrails/Veronica Keller Depending on the time of year, you’ll see some seasonal creeks and waterfalls, as well as diverse plantlife. Many visitors feel this hike is actually best when the trees are not filled with leaves, so you can also enjoy more of the views.

When you reach the Tri-State Peak portion of the trail, you can head under this shelter and stand in three states at once.

Alltrails/Philip Douglas Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee come together at this point. Be sure to snap a picture and also make sure to read all of the plaques that share interesting facts about each state.

The views from up here are lovely and Middlesboro, Kentucky is on display.

Alltrails/Callie Whorf Rest your legs for a bit, take in the scenery, and then continue on and then back to the trailhead. On your way back, you may want to check out the Pinnacle Overlook, which is a scenic offshoot along the trail.

The Tri-State Peak Trail in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia offers so many exciting features. Stand in three states at once, witness amazing views, and literally walk through history on this hiking adventure. Have you climbed to the Tri-State Peak in Cumberland Gap? Share your experience with us in the comments!

Alltrails/Travis Scroggins

But most do head to Tennessee for the hiking trails, and for this particular trail, that’s where you’ll start. But don’t worry, this historic trail stretches into Kentucky and basically follows the state line, just as buffalo and soldiers did long ago.

Alltrails/Patti Sawyer

While it does have an elevation change and is marked moderate, it is a great hike for all ages. Take your time and enjoy the scenery and historic points along the way.

Alltrails/James Fugate

Kentucky’s favorite explorer spent much time in this area and you can learn quite a bit about him within the park.

Alltrails/Verican Keller

The trail has many historical plaques with information and details of the area’s past. If you enjoy walking through history, this trail is a must.

Alltrails/Veronica Keller

Depending on the time of year, you’ll see some seasonal creeks and waterfalls, as well as diverse plantlife. Many visitors feel this hike is actually best when the trees are not filled with leaves, so you can also enjoy more of the views.

Alltrails/Philip Douglas

Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee come together at this point. Be sure to snap a picture and also make sure to read all of the plaques that share interesting facts about each state.

Alltrails/Callie Whorf

Rest your legs for a bit, take in the scenery, and then continue on and then back to the trailhead. On your way back, you may want to check out the Pinnacle Overlook, which is a scenic offshoot along the trail.

For more information on the Tri-State Peak Trail in Kentucky, including directions, visit the Alltrails website.

And for more on this stunning area, find out why we think it’s one of the most beautiful parks in the country.

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Address: Tri-State Peak, Tennessee 24248, USA