Black Mountain - Kentucky State Highpoint

Black Mountain (aka Katahrin’s Mountain) is the highest mountain in Kentucky. At 4,145 feet it is about 500 feet taller than the second-tallest mountain in Kentucky. I didn’t do this as a hike since there is a road that leads to within feet of the highest point. According to summitpost.org “In 2018, the State took ownership of the high point and improvements have been made; and those improvements will make the experience more enjoyable in years to come.” I did not notice any improvements. Prior to 2018 the highpoint was owned by Penn Virginia Coal Company and was posted no trespassing. However, a waiver was available, and once mailed to the Coal Company one could access the summit. How to get there. I came from the Virginia side. Nestled in the shadow of Black Mountain to the east is the small coal town of Appalachia. From there I snaked my way up 160 (Inman Rd) west towards the summit. This is incredibly windy and steep. Just prior to the highest point on the road is an overlook that affords beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and a large-scale mountain excavation project across the valley. Some will choose to park and continue the journey on foot. At the Kentucky border, I turned left. Google was very helpful in directing me to the summit. The dirt road is mostly in good condition, however, there were a couple of rutted areas where a low-clearance vehicle might have bottomed out. You will want to say to the left. I continued past the huge FAA installation and drove to within feet of the summit. This narrow road is shared with large logging vehicles. The summit area has a couple of buildings and towers. I believe the highest point to be directly under the fire tower. Apparently, there was once a National Geodetic Survey benchmark below the tower but it has since been stolen. A marker still exists in the rock to the left of the fire tower. A small monument has also been installed in memory of William Risden (1914-1994) WWII Veteran who is credited with building the first cable system in Kentucky. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_M...) Summitpost.org: https://www.summitpost.org/black-moun... Peakbagger.com: https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?... Directions to the Summit from Appalachia, VA: https://goo.gl/maps/mZPVZJw6exNQAxHM8 Connect With Me: Twitter:   / easternhiker   https://www.threads.net/@easternhikers   / easternhikers   SOME DREAM, SOME DO, FEW DO BOTH